Energy Saving Tropical House - a way to overcome global warming

25 September 2007


One way to reduce global warming impact is by implementing energy saving tropical house. The fact is energy waste houses, about 80% came from architecture design mistake. Many aspects about saving energy tropical house discussed in One Day Seminar activity "Home Design Going Green (HDGG), at Hotel Ciputra, Jakarta on 5 September 2007.



Activity held by Ciputra, Century 21 Indonesia, TREN magazine and Bintang HOME Tabloid is a manifestation of practitioner of design world's concern in overcoming global warming. It's expected that participants can influence bigger network and promote energy saving house to their clients. WWF-Indonesia highly appreciated design world practitioners contribution in overcoming global warming.

Save the Energy
Dr. Ir. Eddy Prianto CES, DEA, one of speaker, an award winning from Persatuan Insinyur Indonesia 2007 (Indonesia Engineers Forum) for Energy Saving House concept said, "architecture design of a house that respect surround climate condition, sunray, and air flow for people's comfort in doing their activity is a major step. Energy saving tropical house also a response to social context happened such as electricity crisis, electricity saving movement and global warming".



In the discussion, it's exposed that electricity consumption contributes to increase of CO2 release for 19%. At domestic house, air conditioner utilization takes first place on electricity consumption (38%), followed by computer (10%), rice cooker (10%), washing machine (9%), iron (9%); jet pump (6%); lighting (5%); water heater (4%); fan (3%); refrigerator and television (2%) and radio/tape (1%). Meanwhile for building, AC utilization up to (39%), lighting (24%); fan (17%); lift (7%) and other equipment (3%).



The effort to save energy can be done through adaptation with surround environment and reduce heat that come from outside, then follow by reconfiguration the architecture." Now, 2/3 room heat caused by the mistaken on roof design, if we used the clear roof, around 90% heat can be absorb," explained Prianto.

Main Challenge
For Indonesia, with tropical climate, it needs to implement six strategy of green house, which includes building plaster, lighting, heater, air conditioner, energy consumption and waste management.



House with green lighting system can reduce energy consumption. Because of more plants grow around house, the lessen heat intensity. Besides comfort from thermal side, it gives visual side comfort as well.



Unlimited sun energy utilized to create energy independence at home. One way, by design aspect that can place solar panel at house side facing west direction than get the highest and longest sun rays. Besides utilizing energy, this can reduce heat radiate through walls and lessen air conditioner utilization.



It's admitted by participants that the hardest part in designing energy saving house is to change individual habit aspects. When it comes to habit, the most effective way to influence individual to change is by modeling. Design world practitioners also realize that they must have stronger bargaining position in front of client so that they can accept energy saving tropical house design.



This "Home Design Going Green" seminar is an initial step from seminar series to popularize Energy Saving Tropical House design. If more people willing to implement this, the less energy utilized the more comfort the earth can get.

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