As society continues to face the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, many stakeholders in New Jersey turn to energy-efficient buildings for sustainability. Energy-efficient buildings are designed to optimize energy usage for heating, cooling, lighting, and other operational requirements. They incorporate different design features, technologies, and materials to use energy resources efficiently and minimize waste.
Energy-efficient strategies can help reduce energy bills. Small businesses can save more money without sacrificing comfort and service quality by implementing energy-efficient systems.
There are two main approaches to implementing energy efficiency in buildings: passive and active designs. Passive design highlights the use of natural elements like sunlight, airflow, and thermal mass to retain comfortable indoor conditions.
Meanwhile, active design uses mechanical and electrical systems to enhance a building’s performance. It is focused on advanced technologies and systems to regulate and control building performance. Active design strategies work together with passive design approaches to lessen the overall energy consumption of buildings.
Planning the design of energy-efficient buildings in New Jersey requires the expertise and knowledge of a NJ structural engineer. They can analyze a building site and its climate conditions to develop passive solutions that will be integrated into the design. Structural engineers can also apply their knowledge in mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering to implement active designs that help maximize energy efficiency.
The best time to focus on energy efficiency initiatives is during the design and construction phase. Doing so allows the integration of strategies more efficiently than in a structure that is already complete.
Owners of existing buildings can also implement energy-efficient strategies by consulting a commercial building engineer NJ. Qualified engineers can conduct a property condition assessment to analyze where they can include energy-efficiency methods in the property.
A professional engineer can also help in achieving compliance with standards like the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and lighting energy management regulations. They can inspect current building designs and systems and suggest energy-efficient solutions for sustainable energy use.
Learn more about the anatomy of an energy-efficient building with this infographic by Lockatong Engineering.
