Housing Energy Equivalence: A Graphical Approach

All buildings, even the most passive, need active energy to provide habitability. Apart from heating and cooling needs, which have been broadly studied regulated, a significant percentage of consumed in housing is due home appliances. Furthermore, this value increasing as design environmental conditioning becomes more efficient. The objective paper visualize impact these consumptions by graphical equivalence that uses drawing represent surface area photovoltaic modules correspond demand. With aim, straightforward method proposed based on means fit well with working practice architects. procedure starts detailing consumption home, focusing values all appliances lighting. Next, each single converted into required produce one year. Finally, appliance its corresponding production are represented graphically side side, resulting equivalence. This has tested group architecture master's students using their own homes case study. results show equivalent for lighting represents between 8% 46% floor homes. Altogether, approach makes visible pending question sustainable building − electrical provides rough data useful pre-dimensioning architectural process.