A Study of colour as an energy saving atribute in buildings

Abstract

Increasing the population growth energy crisis has not disappeared indeed it is an urgent national international problem which will have to be faced in countless ways in the very near future. In Sri Lanka 65% of the total energy produced is used in buildings. Such areas are lighting ventilation and appliances / machinery, such affordability has been unbearable. So what is required is a new kind of thinking process for architects to save energy in the building. It can be easily saved by means of supply as well as demand Demand method can be divided further more as large as sector wise as well as using incentives / regulations. Finally in all the buildings sectors energy is used mostly for lighting and ventilation. The amount of natural light and ventilation, proper building design, using energy efficient fixtures, appliances and using retrofittings as well as colour of an interior space. Energy adds a new stand point by which to better understand building design. In this dissertation gives the basic concepts and directions necessary for a reasonable approach to energy conservation through using colours. Basic and vital forces of colours are not sufficiently exploited in our built environment. Despite in history and for few today. It is therefore, felt ignoring or misusing colours or not exploiting its full potential as a vital and positively corrective force is lacking. Considering energy saving, colours can deal great amount of reduction of unnecessary lighting levels, unnecessary heat and reduction of maintenance cost. This study tries to examine how colours are used to comfort the space visually as well as functionally. Then identify its scientific background and make relationship with its energy saving quality that means what amount of relationship with excess amount of energy and colour. This study is based on a pilot experiment where objective is to demonstrate that rational use of colours not only contribute to aesthetics of a building but also saving of energy inside the building.