2.5 Low energy buildings
Renewable energy sources
Your low energy building may need some top-up heat on the coldest days. It will also contain equipment and appliances that use electricity.
- What school equipment uses electricity?
- Will some classrooms need more than others?
Many low energy buildings use renewable energy:
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Solar hot water
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This uses the sun’s energy to heat water in panels on the roof.
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Solar electricity
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This uses photo voltaic cells to generate electricity in panels on the roof.
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Wind or water power
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This uses the energy in moving air or water to turn a generator.
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Biomass heating systems
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These run on waste plant materials.
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Ground source heat pumps
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These draw ‘low level’ heat from the ground. They use it to provide space heating or hot water.
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Your design team is working on a refurbishment of your own school or college. You are asked to generate 20% of its energy needs on site.
- Research each source on the internet.
- Identify which ones might be best for your school or college.
- Think about your location and the buildings on site.
- Present your ideas in a diagram or one-minute presentation. Justify your choices.