Despite some modern architecture claiming to have sustainable intentions, the building and construction industry leads the charge in creating toxic pollution.
An article by Tech Xplore highlights a new book by two architectural historians, which maps the history of architecture alongside the history of energy.
The book, "Form Follows Fuel: 14 Buildings from Antiquity to the Oil Age," by professor Florian Urban and Barnabas Calder, compares modern buildings with pre-modern ones, showcasing the remarkable energy efficiency of using local materials and passive design approaches.
A report by the UN Environment Programme states that 37% of global pollution is attributed to the building sector. "The production and use of materials such as cement, steel, and aluminum have a significant carbon footprint," the report added.
In Urban and Calder's book, the modern Seagram Building is used as an example, as it was given an energy efficiency rating of three out of 100 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency despite being widely praised for its simple design.
"With regard to energy consumption, the world has never had so many pharaohs," said professor Urban. "Even our most mundane buildings use more energy than the most extraordinary structures of the ancient world," he added, as quoted by Tech Xplore.
Stay warm all winter long with the Apple of intelligent space heaters Kelvin is the Apple of space heaters, designed for energy efficiency and maximum comfort. It's completely silent and intelligently controlled, with setup taking just 5 minutes. Built from premium materials like aluminum and glass, Kelvin works beautifully as a full-home heating system or as the perfect solution for that one room that never feels warm enough. |
The authors highlighted how materials like stone use much less energy across a building's lifecycle.
Ancient building materials like stone have been praised by environmentally conscious architects in the past. Part of the energy efficiency comes from the fact that stone is ready to use, unlike concrete, steel, or brick.
Some other ancient building technologies are making a comeback in the name of sustainability. Adobe homes and "green roofs" are a few other examples of old-timey architecture that require less energy.
To take small steps to decrease your home's energy output, you can integrate clean energy. Installing solar panels is a great start. Plus, EnergySage provides a free service that makes it easy to compare quotes from vetted local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installations.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
|
Do you think we still have a lot to learn from ancient cultures? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Definitely 👍 While the upfront investment can be out of some budgets, leasing solar panels is another great option. Palmetto's LightReach solar panel leasing program will install panels for no money down and let users lock in low energy rates.
Upgrading your HVAC to a heat pump can also help you save an average of nearly $400 a year on energy costs. With Mitsubishi, you can find the right affordable heat pump easily.
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
