4.9.3. Energy-Efficient Alternatives

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the primary benefit of using local materials in construction?

   Hint

   Think about how sourcing materials affects logistics.

2. 2.

   Define 'embodied energy.'

   Hint

   Consider what all processes a material goes through before use.

3. 3.

   What is an energy-efficient alternative in plastering?

   • Cement plaster
   • Clay plaster
   • Both

   Hint

   Focus on materials used for sustainability.

4. 4.

   True or False: Local materials do not contribute to reducing transportation energy.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the distance materials travel.

5. 5.

   Calculate the potential savings in embodied energy if a building switches from cement to clay plaster for its interior walls, considering that clay plaster has an embodied energy of 150 MJ/m², while cement plaster has an embodied energy of 300 MJ/m².

   Hint

   Simply subtract the two values after calculating per unit.

6. 6.

   Evaluate the trade-offs of using traditional plastering methods versus energy-efficient substitutes in a coastal urban setting.

   Hint

   Consider location-specific challenges such as humidity and its effects on materials.