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Sustainable construction: 72% of projects incorporate solutions to reduce energy consumption - Infobae

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www.infobae.com
November 20, 2024
This was confirmed by a private analysis. Materials such as glass wool and expanded polystyrene, together with renewable energies and intelligent systems, point the way to a more efficient and environmentally friendly future.
By Jose Luis Cieri
Construction of homes with a focus on sustainable materials is advancing in Argentina (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Energy efficiency is set to become the central focus of the construction sector in Argentina by 2025, according to a report by the Argentine Chamber of Construction . This approach responds to the growing demand for solutions that reduce energy consumption in a context of increasingly strict environmental regulations.
The report highlights that 72% of recent real estate projects in the country already incorporate sustainable elements, although it stresses that this is not enough to address the energy impact of inefficient constructions.
Federico García Zúñiga , technical consultant for the National Association of Insulation Materials Industries (Andima) , emphasized that energy efficiency is an imperative need to maintain competitiveness in the sector. He told Infobae that “the use of materials that address energy challenges can improve both the sustainability and profitability of a project. The implementation of adequate thermal insulation in buildings and homes is essential to minimize energy consumption and ensure an optimal level of comfort with the least possible energy use.”
The report points out that the key to achieving this efficiency lies in the use of materials such as glass wool , expanded polystyrene and polyurethane , which comply with the minimum thicknesses required by current regulations. These materials allow for improved insulation of ceilings, walls and floors and thus take a significant step towards sustainability.
The construction process often begins with the installation of alternative energy technologies, such as solar collectors and photovoltaic panels, or with the incorporation of highly efficient HVAC systems. However, the quantity and power of these systems depend largely on the quality of the structure's thermal insulation. It is therefore crucial to prioritise improving the thermal envelope before considering other energy solutions.
Once efficient thermal insulation has been ensured, the minimum energy requirements can be assessed more precisely and how these can be supplemented with alternative energy sources.
Andima is promoting a paradigm shift focused on the final result: homes that reduce the use of energy for air conditioning. García Zúñiga added that “the concept of housing has changed in recent years. Aspects such as air conditioning, air quality, energy efficiency and sustainability are priorities. It is important that the architecture professional accompanies this change and incorporates new strategies and materials.”
This comprehensive approach not only contributes to the reduction of energy consumption, but also promotes a more responsible and sustainable use of resources. Steel is also sustainable (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Among the materials that are being used to advance this paradigm shift are glass wool, expanded polystyrene and polyurethane, used in ceilings, walls and floors. According to García Zúñiga, efficient thermal insulation with these materials can reduce energy consumption by up to 35% and gas and electricity bills for air conditioning by up to 70%. In addition, it contributes to reducing the State's investment in energy generation and distribution, by reducing residential demand.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , buildings that meet energy efficiency and environmental quality standards reduce the risk of respiratory diseases and improve the psychological well-being of their inhabitants.
Construction professionals who incorporate these sustainable practices will be able to stand out in the sector, differentiating themselves from traditional techniques. In each sustainable building project, the role of the architect is fundamental, as his vision allows the development of buildings with almost zero energy consumption, energy recovery systems and efficient air conditioning.
Automation and the use of smart technology are also crucial for the future of the sector. “Home automation systems allow for more efficient control of energy consumption, adapting services such as lighting and air conditioning to the needs of the moment, optimising resources and improving user comfort,” said García Zuñiga.
The demand for sustainable buildings is growing, and those who adopt new trends and innovative technologies will play a leading role in the industry. “The transition to sustainable construction is not only an environmental necessity, but also an economic opportunity for the country, which will reduce energy costs and improve the quality of life,” concluded García Zuñiga.
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Source:

Construcción sustentable: el 72% de las obras incorporan soluciones para reducir el consumo energético
Así lo confirmó un análisis privado. Materiales como la lana de vidrio y el poliestireno expandido, junto con energías renovables y sistemas inteligentes, marcan el camino hacia un futuro más eficiente y respetuoso con el medio ambiente

November 20, 2024
This was confirmed by a private analysis. Materials such as glass wool and expanded polystyrene, together with renewable energies and intelligent systems, point the way to a more efficient and environmentally friendly future.
By Jose Luis Cieri

Construction of homes with a focus on sustainable materials is advancing in Argentina (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Energy efficiency is set to become the central focus of the construction sector in Argentina by 2025, according to a report by the Argentine Chamber of Construction . This approach responds to the growing demand for solutions that reduce energy consumption in a context of increasingly strict environmental regulations.
The report highlights that 72% of recent real estate projects in the country already incorporate sustainable elements, although it stresses that this is not enough to address the energy impact of inefficient constructions.
Federico García Zúñiga , technical consultant for the National Association of Insulation Materials Industries (Andima) , emphasized that energy efficiency is an imperative need to maintain competitiveness in the sector. He told Infobae that “the use of materials that address energy challenges can improve both the sustainability and profitability of a project. The implementation of adequate thermal insulation in buildings and homes is essential to minimize energy consumption and ensure an optimal level of comfort with the least possible energy use.”
The report points out that the key to achieving this efficiency lies in the use of materials such as glass wool , expanded polystyrene and polyurethane , which comply with the minimum thicknesses required by current regulations. These materials allow for improved insulation of ceilings, walls and floors and thus take a significant step towards sustainability.
In addition, bioclimatic design, which includes elements such as parasols and blinds, complements these strategies by optimizing the use of natural resources.
The construction process often begins with the installation of alternative energy technologies, such as solar collectors and photovoltaic panels, or with the incorporation of highly efficient HVAC systems. However, the quantity and power of these systems depend largely on the quality of the structure's thermal insulation. It is therefore crucial to prioritise improving the thermal envelope before considering other energy solutions.
Once efficient thermal insulation has been ensured, the minimum energy requirements can be assessed more precisely and how these can be supplemented with alternative energy sources.
Andima is promoting a paradigm shift focused on the final result: homes that reduce the use of energy for air conditioning. García Zúñiga added that “the concept of housing has changed in recent years. Aspects such as air conditioning, air quality, energy efficiency and sustainability are priorities. It is important that the architecture professional accompanies this change and incorporates new strategies and materials.”

This comprehensive approach not only contributes to the reduction of energy consumption, but also promotes a more responsible and sustainable use of resources. Steel is also sustainable (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Among the materials that are being used to advance this paradigm shift are glass wool, expanded polystyrene and polyurethane, used in ceilings, walls and floors. According to García Zúñiga, efficient thermal insulation with these materials can reduce energy consumption by up to 35% and gas and electricity bills for air conditioning by up to 70%. In addition, it contributes to reducing the State's investment in energy generation and distribution, by reducing residential demand.
Efficiency
The incorporation of efficient technologies and materials also impacts the health and well-being of building occupants. Construction experts agree that a home with good thermal and acoustic insulation not only reduces energy consumption, but also significantly improves quality of life. Indoor air quality, reduced external noise and thermal stability translate into a healthier and more comfortable environment.According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , buildings that meet energy efficiency and environmental quality standards reduce the risk of respiratory diseases and improve the psychological well-being of their inhabitants.
Construction professionals who incorporate these sustainable practices will be able to stand out in the sector, differentiating themselves from traditional techniques. In each sustainable building project, the role of the architect is fundamental, as his vision allows the development of buildings with almost zero energy consumption, energy recovery systems and efficient air conditioning.
Automation and the use of smart technology are also crucial for the future of the sector. “Home automation systems allow for more efficient control of energy consumption, adapting services such as lighting and air conditioning to the needs of the moment, optimising resources and improving user comfort,” said García Zuñiga.
Building with sustainable materials, in numbers
Currently, the cost of building with sustainable materials starts at USD 1,500 per square meter. In some cases, building sustainably can be 20% to 30% more expensive than using cheaper materials.The demand for sustainable buildings is growing, and those who adopt new trends and innovative technologies will play a leading role in the industry. “The transition to sustainable construction is not only an environmental necessity, but also an economic opportunity for the country, which will reduce energy costs and improve the quality of life,” concluded García Zuñiga.
www.buysellba.com