Renewable energy sources, including solar, are often included in green buildings. For example, some use photovoltaic panels for on-site solar energy generation. Others employ passive solar building design strategies that physically position building elements, such as windows, walls, awnings and gardens, to maximize the benefits of cooling shade in summer and solar heat in winter. The concept of natural lighting requires the windows to be oriented in such a way as to make the most of the natural light inside the building and reducing the need for electrical lighting.
In addition, solar-powered water heating reduces energy costs. This common type of renewable energy is typically produced by photovoltaic cells that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. Solar energy is also used to heat buildings and to obtain hot water, as well as for cooking and lighting. Solar energy has become affordable enough to be used for domestic purposes, including garden lighting, although it is also used on a larger scale to supply energy to entire neighborhoods.
In 1990, the United Kingdom introduced the world's first green building standard, followed by the creation of the U. Implementing green building measures that ultimately lead to these performance benefits also translates into economic benefits for multiple stakeholders. This also underlines that not all locations are equally suitable for green buildings; proper site selection is an important aspect for the success of green building projects. Currently, wind farms are considered to be the most efficient source of green energy, since they require less refining and processing than the production of, for example, solar panels.
While the concept of green buildings originated in the commercial sector, more and more emphasis is being placed on the residential sector. As a holistic approach to planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance, green buildings successfully maximize the natural efficiencies of a construction site and integrate them with renewable and low-carbon technologies to meet the building's energy needs and create a healthy built environment. As an energy source, green energy often comes from renewable energy technologies such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass, and hydropower. Research on green buildings is multifaceted, with a great deal of recent activity in the areas of construction and construction technologies, energy and fuel, and civil engineering.
In addition to that, the enormous industry and job creation that exists around the development of green buildings continue to grow. Another challenge is that renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, depend on varying weather conditions, which could make green buildings susceptible to fluctuations in energy supply. The program is credited with boosting a green building industry around its recognition, and its global presence continues to expand. An interesting development that is emerging in the field of green building materials is the use of living materials.
Regardless of the system that guides its implementation, the concept of green buildings remains universal. PNNL researchers focus on several areas that support green buildings, including, among others, working to accelerate the commercialization of high-efficiency solid-state lighting products, developing and implementing building controls, and promoting the improvement of appliance standards and building energy codes. In the area of advanced building controls, PNNL researchers have developed techniques that reveal all aspects of energy consumption and production in buildings. .
