Solar Panels
Solar panels are an obvious starting point here in the Middle East. Photovoltaic cells, the individual components of a solar panel, convert sunlight into electricity. Place a number of panels on your roof and then use this power to run the electrical appliances within the house, including your air-conditioning. The amount of sunshine we enjoy in the Middle East makes solar power an obvious choice.
Tinted Glass
Tinted glass may have been around for a while but there is of course state-of-the-art equipment in this field. Maybach owners will be familiar with how their electrochromatic glass roofs can be tinted at the push of a button. Now homeowners can enjoy the same technology. If it’s getting too hot, increase the opacity of the glass and keep the heat out. Too cold? Make it see-through and allow the sun’s rays in.
Energy Efficient Lighting
Compact florescent lights (CFLs) and LED lights are the obvious starting point when it comes to lighting. LED lights comprise of up to 180 individual bulbs that are way more efficient than the halogen bulbs you’re probably using. CFLs are miniature versions of the strip lights you come across in offices but, due to their small size, they don’t give off the harsh glare associated with their larger relatives.
Pellet Heating System
Wooden pellets made from the dust generated from carpentry and sawmills can be used to provide energy. The dust, which would normally go to waste, is compacted into a solid pellet which is then burnt to power stoves, heaters or to replace wood in your fireplace. The amount of CO2 given off by burning pellets is considerably lower than that given off by wood.
Geothermal Power
Geothermal heating takes advantage of the heat found within the Earth. A hole is drilled into the ground and cold water is pumped through it. The water heats up due to its proximity to the heat within the ground and is pumped back into the house. The heat from the water is then extracted and then used to power appliances. The, now cold, water then cycles through the system and the process begins anew.
Recycled Water
Grey water is water used in baths and showers that would normally go to waste. However, it is possible to reuse this water in order to flush toilets. Sounds ridiculous? When you consider how much water’s involved, it makes sense. Essentially, the water passes through a membrane that filters and disinfects it before delivery to the toilet, ready for flushing.
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines are a viable means to help supplement your electricity supply, reduce your bills and help the environment. Simply put, a wind turbine works as follows: the wind turns the blades of the fan, the energy created by the turning fan is transformed via a dynamo and is stored in a battery for later use. Small turbines can be added to almost any residence and don’t make too much noise.
Additionally
There are a host of less drastic measures you can take right now, here are a few: make sure you’re recycling all your household waste; only buy energy-efficient AAA rated appliances; turn off your appliances, including lights, when they’re not in use; don’t put your electronics on standby, turn them off as standby modes use almost as much power as when they’re turned on and, finally, take a shower, not a bath, you’ll save litres and litres of water every time.
