Efficient buildings and their relationship with the city
Urbanizing cities represents great challenges and in many cases urban planners spend time and time looking for new solutions, but too often they forget about the buildings that make up the cities themselves. Some buildings, which many times are outside the «renovating urban strategy» but which with different actions can become efficient buildings helping to alleviate many of the challenges cities face; from climate change to public health problems, unemployment or poverty, among others.
A new research report WRI (World Resources Institute) examines the role of the efficient building and the role it plays in the future of sustainable cities and their development from economic, social and environmental points of view in the face of building energy efficiency.
We must remember that the strategy that we can apply in the city in relation to buildings, involves all sectors as a whole:
Efficient buildings provide better social and financial returns
In reality, buildings are large and long-lasting investments. If we look at the statistics, the construction sector represents 10% of world GDP, really being long-term investments that create jobs and constant economic movement.
The efficient buildings produce fewer risks, that is, buildings and construction are responsible for 60% of electricity consumption, 12% of water use, 40% of waste, 40% in the use of materials, occupy 50 % or more of the land area of a city … etc. Each of them is a cost, but each improvement of the building's efficiency in the use of energy and resources, eliminates a cost that the city and its inhabitants no longer have to pay.
For example, each Euro invested in energy efficiency can save more than two Euros in the cost of energy supply, so theefficiency savings they free up money for other investments, which can be extended to other, more scarce resources.
Another example would be that energy-saving measures and improvements are particularly important for lower-income residents, because a larger portion of their income is spent on housing energy, they are less able to pay the higher prices for housing. energy or cope with unexpected cost fluctuations.
Economic opportunities in the implementation of the efficient building
Cities are expected to increase by 3 Billion between 2008-2050, almost double the current urban population. The expansion and shelter needs that must be prepared highlights a great problem within urban planning and building architecture of cities, especially in developing countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Africa … etc. Reaction!… . CO2 emissions will be accompanied by a significant increase.
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How cities decide how it will be built in the immediate future will be of great relevance both for sustainable development and future more efficient cities.. These countries could reap the economic and climate benefits of the energy efficient buildings, avoiding decades of inefficiency and the costly needs of future renovations to benefit energy efficiency. (See article benefits and costs of sustainable construction)
Building efficiency slows climate change
In addition to reducing infrastructure costs and household expenses, the efficient construction it also provides a higher return on investment from reducing CO2 emissions in the face of climate change.
Provides a much faster return on investment on energy expenses. A significant difference to emissions saving investments compared to other sectors such as agriculture or transport, which are relatively expensive or with a lower emission reduction result.
Efficient buildings cause less disease
A example of a more efficient building can significantly reduce air pollution-related illness and death. They contribute to better indoor and outdoor air quality by reducing pollution (less energy consumption, less pollution) and improving ventilation, which brings economic and health benefits.
The highest rates of exposure are in developing cities, where people depend on burning fuels inside homes and houses for heating or cooking. In China and India, they have the regions with the highest death rates related to air pollution.
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