With the rapidly increasing impact of global warming, it is imperative to find a way to combat climate change. Among many proposed solutions, algae-based buildings have caught the attention of many industry-leading real-estate developers as they view them as a viable option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Algae can use to produce fuel, plastics, and other biofuels. Using algae to power buildings has two main components: capturing sunlight, converting it into energy, and growing algae in a suitable place. This article provides an overview of how algae-powered buildings work and their potential benefits.
With the rapid growth of the algae industry, it was only a matter of time before a sustainable source of energy was tapped to power buildings.
An alga offers a more sustainable option than other traditional forms of energy, but it also has the potential to improve the sustainability standards for achieving BASIX Report compliance and enhancing NABERS energy ratings.
Read on to learn more about how algae-powered buildings are the future of sustainable construction.
What are the BASIX certificate and NABERS Rating?
BASIX certificate was introduced by the NSW Government to promote the construction of sustainable residential buildings. BASIX-certified homes assure occupants and home-buyers that the construction and project design have met a rigorous and consistently high sustainability standard, thus making it a healthier place to live.
The BASIX report and certificate don't just help building owners and designers improve the energy efficiency of new constructions but also existing buildings undergoing renovation.
The NABERS Rating (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) rating measures a building's environmental performance, helping building owners and occupants understand how efficiently a building uses energy, water, and other resources.
While BASIX deals with the residential sector, NABERS is mostly associated with commercial buildings such as offices, shopping complexes, hospitals, storage facilities, etc.
What is the importance of these sustainability requirements?
There are two essential sustainability requirements that algae-powered buildings can help to address: BASIX and NABERS.
BASIX, or the Building Sustainability Index, is a sustainability rating system for new buildings in Australia. It targets to reduce the environmental impact of new buildings by setting resource efficiency targets for water, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The NABERS rating calculator measures the environmental performance of commercial buildings in Australia. It rates buildings on their energy efficiency, from 1 to 6 stars. The higher the NABERS energy rating, the more energy-efficient the building is.
Algae-powered buildings offer a sustainable solution to achieving BASIX compliance and increasing NABERS energy ratings. They generate their power using algae-powered cells, reducing the energy required from the grid. It assists in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saves money on energy bills.
The Algae-powered solutions- what and how?
Algae-powered solutions are here to stay, and technology is advancing rapidly. With the growing demand for sustainable energy, algae have emerged as a potential player in the energy market. Algae can use to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and food products.
- Biofuels are the most common application of algae-powered solutions. Biofuels are fuel sources composed of plant-based molecules to power vehicles and machinery.
- Algae can use to produce a variety of biofuels, including biodiesel, ethanol, and hydrocarbons. Biodiesel is composed of fatty acids and glycerin and operates as a replacement for diesel oil.
- Ethanol made from sugarcane or another plant serves as gasoline and jet fuel.
- Hydrocarbons are composed of carbon and hydrogen and are an excellent fuel source for vehicles and machinery.
What if they told you that there was a completely sustainable, renewable way to power our buildings? And not just any buildings, but high-rise and commercial buildings. It sounds like something from a futuristic movie, but it's a reality thanks to algae-powered solutions.
Algae can be used to create biofuel and then used to power buildings. It is not just a more sustainable decision than traditional fuels, but it's also more efficient. Algae-powered buildings are the way if you're looking for a futuristic solution to end your BASIX compliance and NABERS rating woes.
What Are The Benefits Of the BASIX Certificate And NABERS Rating?
There are several benefits to obtaining a BASIX certificate and enhancing your NABERS score. By complying with the BASIX standard and taking the appropriate steps to improve your rating, you can ensure that your real-estate venture meets the highest possible sustainability standards.
The following are the essential benefits of obtaining a BASIX report and improving the NABERS energy score:
- Reduced Environmental Impact- BASIX and NABERS certified buildings require less dependency on artificial heating and cooling appliances, thus reducing the emission of harmful greenhouses gases and ozone-depleting substances.
- Improved Interior-Environment- Sustainable building uses clean energy sources (solar-powered, algae-powered), thus improving the interior environmental conditions.
- Increased reputation and credibility- A higher NABERS energy rating can improve your building's reputation and credibility, leading to more investors.
- Reduced operational cost- Both NABERS and BASIX contributed to reduced requirements for energy, thus reducing the expenses on energy bills.
- Increased market value- BASIX certificate is mandatory for obtaining DA for residential constructions. While NABERS Rating is essential for BEEC certification (a certificate necessary for leasing agreements with high-paying Government offices). Combined with the energy efficiency, reduced operational cost, and healthier interior environment, the market value of your project increases drastically.
Conclusion
Innovative designs, energy-efficient concepts, and sustainability measures contribute to BASIX compliance and increase rating through the NABERS rating calculator. With a treasure trove of benefits, it is clear that algae-powered buildings are the future of sustainable architecture.
