Energy renovation of a building. Why it is important and what steps to take.
In Spain, approximately 60% of dwellings were built before 1980, when energy efficiency regulations were not very strict. Considering that the residential sector represents about 30% of the total energy consumption in the country, we can get an idea of the importance of energy renovation of buildings.
What is the energy renovation of a building?
The energy renovation of a building is the set of actions carried out in a building with the aim of reducing its environmental impact, or in the best case, becoming self-sufficient.
The steps to be followed for the energy rehabilitation of a building
Step 1: Energy audit of the building
The first step in the energy renovation process is to carry out an energy audit. This study will assess the current energy use in the building, its associated costs and provides an Energy Certificate that will rate the building on an efficiency scale, from G (least efficient) to A (highest efficiency).
The audit will help to identify areas for improvement and plan the necessary actions to improve energy consumption.
Specialised energy service companies, engineering and architectural firms will be able to carry out these audits and design an effective refurbishment plan.
Step 2: Actions on building elements
- Thermal insulation: One of the main problems in old buildings is insufficient thermal insulation. To improve energy efficiency, it will be necessary to work on the building envelope. This includes insulating facades and roofs, injecting insulation material into cavities and replacing windows with thermally efficient models.
- Airtightness: To avoid energy loss, it is necessary to ensure the airtightness of the building. Air leakage through ventilation grilles, gaps between windows and walls, cracks in ductwork and other points will lead to heat loss. Sealing these gaps and improving the sealing of windows and doors will be a very effective method of improving airtightness.
- Ventilation: A poor ventilation system can lead to high heat loss. Installing a controlled or enhanced mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery can reduce a building’s heat demand by 90%, while improving indoor air quality.
Step 3: Improve the energy efficiency of the facilities
In addition to structural improvements, it is important to upgrade the building’s internal systems.
- Heating and Cooling: Replacing old systems with condensing boilers, heat pumps, low temperature radiators or underfloor heating systems can reduce energy consumption.
- Lighting: Switching to more efficient lighting systems.
- Lifts: Improve the efficiency of communal lifts.
- Integrating renewable energies such as hybrid solar panels can complement the improvements made.
Step 4: Grants and subsidies
In Spain, there are several subsidies for the energy renovation of buildings, promoted by the government through European funds and national legislation.
Conclusion
The energy renovation of buildings is a necessary action in our country, which will not only contribute to the reduction of emissions and energy savings, but will also improve the quality of life of its residents. With proper planning and taking advantage of available subsidies, it is possible to transform old buildings into efficient and sustainable models.
Categories
Do you know that…
Did you know that 100% green buildings can be completely energy self-sufficient thanks to concepts such as ‘passive buildings’ or ‘zero energy’? 🌱🏢 These buildings are designed to minimise their energy consumption. They use sustainable materials, high-performance thermal insulation systems and technologies such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. Some even incorporate green roofs to improve insulation and promote biodiversity. The Edge building in Amsterdam is often cited as one of the most sustainable buildings in the world, combining solar power, intelligent energy management and even sensors to optimise resource use. It is possible to have buildings that produce as much or more energy than they consume, thus contributing to a more sustainable future.
abora, what is it?
Abora Solar, a Spanish manufacturer of hybrid solar panels, is an innovative and visionary company in the field of renewable energies, more specifically in the solar energy sector. Founded in 2017, the Spanish manufacturer has quickly positioned itself as a major player in the development of sustainable and high-performance solar solutions.
At the heart of Abora Solar’s identity is a global approach to solar energy, offering the latest generation hybrid solar panel with the highest performance on the market, while providing a vision that encompasses the entire process, from design to manufacturing, including the monitoring of installations. This allows the company to offer its customers turnkey solutions for projects in industrial, tertiary and residential buildings.
In short, Abora Solar embodies the future of solar energy, combining technological innovation with a deep commitment to the environment, accessibility and the improvement of society. The company is a major player in the energy transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Other articles about Contaminación
You may also like
Sign up for our newsletter
Mantente actualizado con las últimas noticias de la industria y siga nuestros consejos energéticos.
