Energy-efficient architecture and higher quality

Mechanical ventilation systems are a revolution for the world of architecture and construction as well. From the planning of a building, ventilation can offer great advantages in energy efficiency, as well as improving the healthiness of buildings. All of this gives rise to a type of energy-efficient architecture. When reducing costs, what each household will spend is taken into account, rather than the investment in construction.

There is no document that lists one by one the characteristics of energy-efficient or sustainable architecture, but it is a type of building planning that follows the following rules:

• The climatic conditions of the area influence the planning of the buildings and aspects such as the ecosystems of the environment are taken into account. Techniques and strategies will be applied to obtain maximum performance with the least impact.
• While a few decades ago the focus was on minimizing costs and finding inexpensive materials, in sustainable architecture this idea is abandoned. And a bet is placed on construction materials that require lower energy costs.
• Of course, these construction materials must enable environments that require much less energy intervention. Walls that generate greater airtightness and well-sealed windows and doors, as well as methods for harnessing sunlight, or protecting us from it in summer.
• Renewable energy sources must be prioritized for energy generation, for both electricity and home climate control.
• Mechanical ventilation systems are another option that allows this type of architecture to offer great comfort without the need for traditional climate control systems, such as heating or air conditioning.
• From the beginning of the building's planning until its useful life ends, it will be necessary to consider what costs both the construction and the use of the building will entail. And minimize those expenses.
• In addition to complying with these principles in supply savings and energy efficiency, maximum healthiness must be guaranteed. It is essential that sustainable architecture addresses very important problems such as air quality or lighting.

In this regard, we must take into account that good ventilation also provides protection against some major dangers at home, such as radon gas. In this case, it is a poison that is very difficult to detect but is responsible for the largest number of lung cancer cases, just behind tobacco, according to the World Health Organization.

To be able to say that a solution is proposed in energy-efficient architecture, we must take into account that most of the spending that occurs in buildings is normally for climate control. And therefore it is highly recommended to have means of passive cooling, something that sustainable architecture emphasizes.

Passive cooling methods can be the ventilated roof or the façade with a chimney effect. They are not the only ones. The placement of windows or the orientation to the sun will also be of vital importance. A large part of the cost savings is related to this, and the materials used in the construction of the building are equally important.

Energy production must also be sustainable in an efficient construction building. For example, they can have solar panels or rainwater harvesting systems. In this context, it should be noted that nearly zero energy buildings, whose implementation across the construction sector will be mandatory in a year and a half, already consider these measures.

Climate control in energy-efficient architecture

In energy-efficient architecture, we need to significantly cut spending on climate control, whether for heating or cooling rooms. In summer, some of the situations posed by this construction model are the following:

• Sun protection to prevent heating.
• Avoid ceilings with glass.
• The same insulation we mentioned for retaining heat also serves to prevent summer heat from penetrating in the warm months.
• Ventilate spaces where heat is generated, such as the cooking area.
• Use mechanical ventilation systems.

In this last point, double flow mechanical ventilation systems are key to maintaining very pleasant temperatures in summer and combating the cold in winter. By removing air from rooms and replacing it with filtered air from outside, we can warm rooms in winter and cool them in summer. Additionally, of course, we eliminate air impurities and pollution. We also deal with humidity, which modifies interior temperatures. And we achieve the necessary comfort in buildings constructed under the specifications of energy-efficient architecture.