Page 47 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 26
P. 47
The Environment
Construction Practices: 2. Geothermal Heating and Management:
Integrating renewable energy Cooling: Geothermal systems In the occupancy phase,
in the production phase also utilize the stable temperature construction projects are
involves adopting energy- of the ground to heat and cool implementing sustainable
efficient construction practices. buildings. These systems building management practices
This may include optimizing offer a reliable and renewable to optimize energy use. This
building designs for natural energy source for maintaining may include automated energy
lighting, ventilation, and comfortable indoor conditions management systems, smart
passive heating and cooling while significantly reducing the lighting controls, and energy-
strategies, thereby reducing the building’s carbon footprint. efficient appliances to reduce
overall energy consumption of energy consumption.
the structure. 3. Wind Energy: In locations
with suitable wind resources, Conclusion
4. Closed-Loop Material wind turbines can be integrated The Cradle to Cradle approach
Cycles: into the design of buildings or represents a visionary step
Construction projects embracing installed nearby to generate towards a more sustainable
the C2C approach strive to renewable electricity for the and harmonious future. By
establish closed-loop material building’s operational needs. recognizing the importance
cycles where construction waste of transitioning to renewable
and materials are recycled and 4. Smart Grid Integration: energy sources to power
repurposed for future projects, Construction projects are production processes, we
reducing the reliance on raw exploring ways to integrate can simultaneously address
materials and minimizing waste renewable energy sources into climate change, preserve
generation. smart grid systems, enabling finite resources, and reduce
efficient management and environmental degradation.
b) Integration of Renewable distribution of clean energy
Energy Sources in Operational within the building and its Embracing renewables is not
Processes and Occupancy: surrounding infrastructure. just a lofty goal; it is a crucial
and achievable imperative in
1. Solar PV Systems: 5. Energy Storage Solutions: building a regenerative and
Building-integrated solar To enhance the reliability and circular economy where waste
photovoltaic (PV) systems resilience of renewable energy becomes a thing of the past and
are increasingly common in systems, construction projects the prosperity of humanity is
construction projects, providing are incorporating energy storage harmonized with the resilience
a sustainable and renewable solutions, such as batteries, to of the natural world. As we
source of electricity for the store excess energy generated embrace this transformation, we
building’s operational needs. during peak production periods pave the way for a brighter and
Excess energy can also be fed for use during low-production greener future for generations
back into the grid, contributing periods or emergencies. to come.
to a cleaner energy supply for
the surrounding community. 6. Sustainable Building
ISSUE 26 | APRIL 2024 47
