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Autonomous Buildings: Pay No Bills

by: sahil | last updated: March 29, 2010
Category: Green Savings | Tags: autonomous buildings, off-grid buildings, green buildings, houses, green homes, eco-friendly homes, eco friendly

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Autonomous Buildings: Pay No Bills

Autonomous Buildings are those that are designed to operate in an independent manner without any help from infrastructural support services such as water supply, electricity supply, gas grids, sewage treatment, and in some cases even public roads. However, this does not mean that autonomous or off-grid buildings are uncomfortable or require big lifestyle changes. These may prove to be energy efficient as well as cost efficient in the long run even though some of the equipment needed to build such structures may be expensive or the skill standard required to construct and design them may be high.

Autonomous buildings differ from normal ones in that they use solar power, wind energy, and Greywater in order to become self sustaining and cost effective at the same time. Moreover such buildings are not affected in case there is a power failure or a disaster and public services are hampered. Solar panels are often used in such buildings as roofs instead of being retrofitted. The use of wind energy by installing wind turbines on roofs can help in areas where there is lack of sunlight. Simply put, you do not have to pay any bills if you choose to live in such buildings or homes.

These types of buildings can be a logical choice under certain circumstances but require some amount of maintenance in order to work efficiently. In fact, critics have observed that many people find it difficult to incorporate the lifestyle associated with the mundane chores of maintaining such homes. Furthermore, strict autonomy may also mean growing your own food supply which is only possible to a certain extent. However, people living in off-grid or autonomous buildings need not be completely severed or isolated from civilization or modern infrastructure. Such buildings can be installed with mechanical or electrical apparatus that works on stored energy in times of need.

Water heating in off-grid buildings can be done by using solar power and this can save large amounts of fuel and the money that is spent on it. Furthermore, heat recycling units can be installed that recover the heat energy from drain lines. Similarly heating in such buildings can be carried out using passive solar heating techniques and by using design and materials in a manner to keep the home thermally comfortable. Cooling in such homes can be carried out by using earth sheltering where the heat loss from the base of the house is prevented by making underground structures.

Other factors such as communication, entertainment, and food can either be used for off-grid in a manner compatible with this principle or can be accessed through normal channels. Numerous companies offer inexpensive web and Email services through wireless ad hoc networks. Network service can be provided by a co-operative of neighbors and can reduce the amount spent towards commercial web services. Moreover, satellite internet access can be used and VoIP services can also be availed of in such homes.

The decision of whether or not to opt for a completely off-grid home lies with the resident. If you feel that the maintenance and the work associated with the up-keep of such homes is too much then a semi off-grid home can also utilize solar power and passive heating in order to cut costs and cause minimal environmental impact. However it cannot be denied that people do live in such homes and these are here to stay. In a world where population is exploding and resources are scant autonomous homes may prove to be a necessity in the near future rather than a choice.