Global Prospects, Advance Technologies and Policies of Energy-Saving and Sustainable Building Systems: A Review

Md Washim Akram,Nasrudin Abd Rahim,Md Hasanuzzaman,Muhammad Firdaus Mohd Zublie

doi:10.3390/su14031316

Md Washim Akram, Nasrudin Abd Rahim + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031316

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Jan 24, 2022
Citations: 24	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Saskatchewan, University of Malaya

Abstract

Automation, modernization, economic development and global progress depends on efficient extraction and utilization of energy. Power generation by burning fossil fuels makes various adverse impacts on the environment. Additionally, the worldwide fossil fuel reserve is limited and depleting very fast. Hence, efficient energy usage and savings are crucial to address the environmental issues to ensure sustainable development. Buildings, both commercial and residential, represent a major energy consumption sector. Approximately 40% of the total energy is reportedly consumed in the building sector. Worldwide building energy consumption, performance measuring systems and best practices, energy-saving techniques and policies are reviewed and summarized in this article. Underfloor air distribution, double-glazed windows, use of highly efficient electric motors and variable speed drives may play a great role in reducing building energy consumption. In the UK, the application of double-glazed windows in commercial buildings can save 39–53% energy. The proper maintenance of a building’s central heating system can save up to 11% energy. The automatic HVAC control system can reduce up to 20% of the building’s total heating load. Proper utilization of a VSD system in motor and building performance optimization by an ANOVA tool also proved instrumental in saving energy. Apart from this, the building codes of different countries also help to improve building performance by reducing energy consumption. This study will help building researchers and policymakers to make a framework for sustainable, green building.

Highlights

All over the world, energy consumption is growing very quickly because it is essential for modernization, economic growth, automation and social development
In 2010 in the USA, 38.9% of total energy was consumed by the building sector, wherein 34.8% was consumed in cooling, heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems [1,4,5,6,7]
Based on the comprehensive review, it was found that there are numerous promising technologies for efficient energy usages and energy saving in the building sector

Summary

Introduction

Energy consumption is growing very quickly because it is essential for modernization, economic growth, automation and social development. 2014, the growth rate of primary energy consumption and CO2 emission was 49 and 43%, respectively, and the annual average growth rate was 2 and 1.8%, respectively [1]. According to the IEA, buildings consumed 32% of total energy and contributed 33% of GHG emissions in 2012 [1,4]. In 2010 in the USA, 38.9% of total energy was consumed by the building sector, wherein 34.8% was consumed in cooling, heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems [1,4,5,6,7]. The Hong Kong building sector consumed 60% of total energy and over 90% of electricity [4].

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