While passive solar energy can help to replace conventional fuels with more environmentally benign alternative sources of heating, cooling and lighting, energy-efficient design and construction practices (including appropriate use of insulation and thermal mass, the prevention of unwanted air infiltration, effective, energy-saving ventilation and optimisation of daylight to minimise the use of electric lighting) are essential to make the best use of the available energy. Energy conservation techniques are, of course, of primary importance in energy conscious design, but usually have relatively low impact on the architecture of the building.
The building envelope can lose heat by infiltration, and by transmission through thermal conduction, convection and radiation. The addition of thermal insulation to the envelope reduces thermal conduction. Barriers such as aluminium foil can be placed behind radiators, and lowemissivity glazing can be used, to reflect heat back into the room by radiation. Double and triple glazings, sometimes filled with low-conductivity gas, can reduce thermal losses through windows.
It is not necessary to cut out infiltration altogether. The aim should be to minimize it so that replacement of air can be controlled easily. Thought should be given to topography, building shape, and planting of wind shelter. Workmanship should be good and attention paid to details such as joints and closing systems.
Natural insulation for energy conservation
Translucent Insulation Material
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