Green Building in Curaçao

Some Things to Take into Account

 

As environmental awareness grows, people are looking for more sustainable ways of living. The internet is a great source of information, but we have our own specific climate and situation in Curaçao when we want to construct environmentally friendly and sustainable buildings.

 

Landscaping

Trees on the property bring much-needed natural shade, which cools off the area and reduces cooling needs. But be careful to place a tree too close to the building since some trees can uproot foundations. Plant your trees in strategic spots that keep the sun from warming up walls and windows. Great trees that provide shade and are harmless to your buildings are the GUAYACA. It is evergreen and the roots form a pin that grows straight down into the soil. Our local department of agriculture at Klein Kwartier provides information and the products to help create a low-cost, low-maintenance and water-efficient garden or landscape.

 

Roofs, Windows and Verandas

The roof of a building is the most important aspect of energy efficiency and sustainability of the house. It provides a number ways to help you live green. Roofing materials are key to the climate in your house. Insulation is not a luxury in our climate, because a hot interior will increase your energy bill substantially. Consider installing clerestory windows to help hot air exit the house and improve airflow thus making use of the aero dynamics. But the roof is also an excellent tool to collect rainwater. Architects will be able to help you establish the right roofing materials, slopes and positioning of your roof. A wide veranda around the house, particularly on the sunny sides of the building significantly help cool off the house and provide a great outdoors spot to relax and enjoy the benefits of the outdoor, again eliminating to stay inside and turn on the AC. When building or remodeling your home or office, consider the fact that the size of the windows catching the morning or afternoon sun really makes a difference on the heat load indoor, so narrow windows on the sunny side are a must. Avoid picture windows at the sunny sides.

If you can afford to install solar panels, your roof should be able to effectively carry the solar panels and help the catch the ‘best rays of the day’. Even if can’t afford the solar panels, plan for them. Technology is making energy efficiency even better and cheaper all the time and with the rise in crude oil prices the cost-efficiency of these and other alternative energy resources is growing fast. You may be able to afford them sooner than you think.

 

Energy Conservation

Replacing electricity with gas is a very viable option here in Curacao. There are refrigerators and dryers working on gas and most modern air conditioning units can easily be converted to work on gas. But it does require a large industrial gas cylinder so plan a suitable spot for this and integrate it in the design. Outdoor lighting on solar panels are already widely available on the market.

Water Conservation

There are simple things you can consider, other than catching rainwater as we referred to earlier.

Re-use your washing machine water to water plants and catch your shower and bath water to flush toilets. Installing a low flush toilet will assist in saving water and filling up your tank less. If you are unable to obtain one of the newer designed toilets put a brick in the cistern of your toilet to reduce the amount of water consumed for each flush. 

Furniture and Indoor Décor

Energy efficient window treatments can greatly reduce the warmth entering your windows and doors. In addition there are a great variety of furniture made from recycled material. Bamboo is quickly becoming the material of choice because of its strength, durability, resistance to water, but most of all because it grows very quickly and does not impact the earth as deforestation does.