Cutting carbon emissions from buildings

According to the World Green Building Council, the lighting, heating and cooling of buildings are responsible for around 28% of global CO2. Yes, even your house is one of them.

Do you wanna know more about how these buildings are contributing to climate change? Keep reading.

Buildings of all types are one of the biggest sources to CO2 emissions.

This heating and cooling of buildings require a lot of energy, thus a maximum percentage of energy needs comes from fossil fuels. Energy used in the construction and use of our homes and other buildings accounts for around half of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions. In India the total emission from building structures is 22%.

Under the Climate Change Act 2008, we have a legally binding target to reduce these emissions by at least 80% by 2050. Globally it is a similar picture. Buildings account for around 35% of resources, 40% of energy use, consume 12% of the world’s drinkable water and produce almost 40% of global carbon emissions

Between 1971 and 2004, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions grew 2.5% per year for commercial buildings and 1.7% per year for residential buildings.

Well, apart from construction and renovation the major concern comes when we use AC (Air conditioner) to cool the building because the emission from the refrigerants accounts for 100 million tons of CO2 every year. Today, approximately 20% of the total electricity used in buildings around the world goes towards air conditioners and electric fans. Energy use for space cooling has been on the rise for years. The International Energy Agency expects space cooling energy needs to triple by 2050.

For decades, researchers have been trying to come up with ideas to increase the efficiency of space cooling. We have seen a number of reflective paints have been developed by companies like Asian Paints, Nerolac, etc for homes and offices that would reflect sunlight and maintain the ambient temperature inside the building. As yet, none of these products has been able to deflect enough of the Sun's rays to make the building's temperature lower than the ambient conditions.

Now, researchers in the US say they have developed a white paint with strong cooling properties.

"In one experiment where we put a painted surface outside under direct sunlight, the surface cooled 1.7C below the ambient temperature and during night time it even cooled up to 10C below the ambient temperature," said Prof Xiulin Ruan, from Purdue University in Indiana, who's an author on the study.

For how this paint works please refer to the BBC article.

"This is a significant amount of cooling power that can offset the majority of the air conditioning needs for typical buildings."

But friends, as a responsible human it's our duty to make sure we are passing on the oxygen-rich planet or toxic planet to our coming generations.

I have listed a few methods and products alternative to air conditioners.

• Make sure your house is designed in such a way that it has proper ventilation and windows. There should be an open area for air to flow. In offices also try to rely on blinds and curtains.

• If there is a major need of a cooling system try air coolers cheap and best. Below is a best-recommended air cooler.

• Use white paints for buildings mostly as it reflects sunlight.

• Always place a brass urli bowl filled with water, you can also use it as a decorative piece. It absorbs the heat in the room.

• Dump those old incandescent bulbs and switch to LED bulbs and tube lights. This will reduce heat from bulbs thus helps in cooling inside. Bets thing is they consume less energy and last for at least a decade.

• Wear breezy and light fabrics that help your skin breath.

• If you are a person who prefers a luxury living, then there are coolers that are silent and consume less energy compared to regular electrical fans, they are called cool link towers fans.

Crux

You don't have to save the earth. But also you don't have the right to destroy it or put it at risk for your temporary luxury while it doesn't belong to you. Let's pledge to live a sustainable life to keep everyone healthy and happy.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are my personal opinions. I am not any certified environmentalist. I read books and research about a topic before I pen it down. This just gives you all the possible information regarding climate change and health.