Renewable energy sources, like solar panels, will never replace fossil fuels until energy efficiency improves
March 11, 2011, (Coal Geology/NewsUSA) – When it comes to going green, the talk begins and ends with renewable energy. But to effect real environmental change, the world’s going to need more than solar power alone.
In June 2008, China and India, along with the group of eight countries -; Japan, the U.S., Britain, Germany, Russia, South Korea, Canada and Italy -; vowed to invest in more renewable energy sources. But to create truly sustainable communities, renewable power must be combined with energy-efficient building materials.
The world can’t do better than building green. Buildings, between their construction and their energy needs, currently create 43 percent of the world’s carbon emissions and consume 41 percent of the energy generated -; that’s almost 50 percent more than the transportation industry. To truly reduce carbon emissions, cities need to build durable and energy-efficient structures that make the most of renewable energies.
For example, one company, Alternative Construction Technologies (ACTech), has developed a galvanized steel structural insulated panel that is up to 65 percent more energy-efficient than other building materials. The panels, which form the walls, roofs and even floors, regulate indoor air temperature, so insulated-panel buildings use less energy to run their heating and cooling systems.
The panels prove green in manufacture, too. Each panel contains up to 73 percent reclaimed materials. ACTech panels are Class-1 fire rated and resist structural damage caused by moisture, insects and hurricane-strength winds. The panels’ durability can help reduce consumers’ insurance costs as well.
Workers require no special training, tools or materials to build with ACTech panels. Developers can use ACTech panels to quickly build strong, economical and healthy homes -; ACTech panels improve indoor air quality.
Twenty-four cities now have green building mandates. But energy efficiency has to move beyond low-flow faucets. Builders must combine green building with renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and hedge against rising energy costs. Some companies are starting to respond to this demand -; one solar company can offer developers free solar roof tiles when builders construct the building envelope with the ACTech panel system and use the electricity generated.
For more information about green building, visit www.ACTechPanel.com or call 1-800-859-8813. ACTech trades on the OTC Bulletin under the symbol ACCY.
