Which green technologies can be applied at our homes?
asked by Alex
on Friday 11th December 2009
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Answers
Hi Alex, this a very good question, here is an example, hope it works for you.
Location of the house in relation to the sun would maximize solar heat gain in the winter and minimize it in the summer.
Geothermal heating and cooling system
Solar technologies — solar thermal for heating water and solar electric for generating electrical power.
Furnished with products that are environmentally sustainable, like bamboo floors and tile made from recycled glass. The gardens would feature native plants that tolerate the region’s climate and soil conditions, and most of the gardens’ water needs would come from a cistern system that collects rainwater from the roof.
The formal and organic gardens are an important part of the project. The gardens feature native plants that can tolerate the region’s climate and soil conditions as well as typical ornamental plantings that are drought tolerant and easy to maintain. Most of the water needs for the gardens are supplied by one cistern system that collects rainwater from the roof.
You can buy these technologies, but the best thing is that you can make some of them yourself.
I suggest checking out these pages too:
http://www.sdearthtimes.com/et0197/et0197s1.html http://www.modernecohomes.com/ http://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/green_homes.htm
Green technologies could also be applied in buildings or commercial malls in order to provide greater energy efficiency reducing the use of energy thus CO2 emissions.For example we can achieve better insulation by using special materials. http://www.woodheadpublishing.com/en/book.aspx?bookID=1544 http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11510
The residential industry often uses BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaic) roofing products; PV systems can also be integrated into façade materials, awnings, and covered walkways.http://www.toolbase.org/ToolbaseResources/level2.aspx?BucketID=2
Don't forget also the main targets of eco friendly home: REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLING. The available corresponding waste reduction/management technologies could be used in conjunction with what AnaDP says.
For example Food Waste Reduction System for Multiple Apartment Buildings can be used
http://www.environmental-expert.com/STSE_resulteach_product.aspx?cid=30234&idprofile=18129&idproduct=59742&lr=1&word=Waste%2bReduction .
More info at http://www.eeb-blog.org/ http://www.wbcsd.org/templates/TemplateWBCSD5/layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=MTA5NA&doOpen=1&ClickMenu=LeftMenu http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/WM/RECYCLE/FACTS/Reduce.htm
I think the focus for homes should be more about energy efficiency through better insulation, lighting, appliances, rather than green 'technologies'. It is far easier and cheaper than implementing a host of technologies to reduce energy use. There is no point having an energy inefficient house with lots of gadgets and technologies (e.g. PV, motion sensors and all the 'intelligent' gadgets). Having lots of technologies in the house also makes it difficult to operate, maintain and manage, whilst achieving little when considering the whole life cycle impacts.
I personally would like domestic energy policies to move away from micro-generation/green technologies and new homes, and focus more on retrofitting existing homes to better energy efficiency standards. They are not as 'sexy' but thats where the most savings can be made at the most cost effective.
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