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Find out what green features in a home can help increase energy and water efficiency.
[Image Source: Flickr]
Though there may be some who continue to debate its very existence, it is difficult to deny that climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. And while tackling the problem relies largely on governments making changes at a global level, increased awareness of the causes of climate change has led to a seismic shift in mindset at the consumer level.
Billed as the future of urban living, “smart” cities have been on the horizon—and the drawing board—for more than a decade. But this new breed of digitally integrated metropolis, in which embedded technology is used to enhance standards of living and sustainability, is no longer a mere pipe dream as the first wave of “smart” cities has come to fruition in a variety of locations around the world.
In a society where technology is ubiquitous, we often think little of electrical outlets or how we access electricity to power modern conveniences. However, to technicians and home builders, safe and high quality wiring devices remain top concerns.
Haze caused by fires knows no boundaries. It’s often carried from distant burn-offs into the hearts of cities across Asia. While it will take a united effort to tackle pollution and deforestation, there are still things you can do to improve the air quality in your home.
According to the results of the Green Building Market Report Southeast Asia 2014, green building practices are being adopted by increasing numbers of architects and developers throughout SEA. With 46 per cent of architects having already sought green building certification by 2014, and with 79 per cent stated their intention to do so in the future. What is driving the trend towards green building?
Recent flooding in Malaysia and Indonesia highlight the need for improvements in water management systems. We take a look home water management systems which can be used to mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall and also make water available for use in times of drought.
One of the main reasons why home builders don't embrace sustainable design is because of the extra costs involved. However, while the initial cost of a sustainable home may be higher, if you look at this as an investment in future savings, the picture changes. In the long run, a sustainable home is a more economical home.
Geothermal energy promises to reduce dependence on coal and other carbon-emitting sources of energy. While geothermal energy is important, it is not our only alternative. Large-scale geothermal plants can provide electricity to millions when combined with solar power in individual homes, drastically reducing energy costs with minimal environmental impact.
'Green building' and 'sustainability' are terms we hear frequently. Are the two terms synonymous or are there differences between them? How can an existing building be made more sustainable? What are developers doing to make their projects greener and more sustainable?
The devastating floods in Malaysia in 2014 highlighted the importance of taking measures to ensure that home are flood-safe. Here, we examine some effective ways to flood-proof existing homes as well as other methods for flood-proofing future developments.
As the world's population increases, more and more people in urbanised areas. Sustainable building is now entering the mainstream as a way to conserve natural resources, save costs in the long run and support population increase in major countries around the world. We take a look at where green building is headed in Southeast Asia.
Is the choice between a “net-zero” home and high energy bills (and inadvertently contributing to global warming) an easy one to make?
Advancements in technology have enabled the development of lighting as an automated function within a room or home to adjust to prevailing conditions, hence improving energy efficiency. Here's a look at how smart lighting could benefit living spaces.
Eco-friendly home modifications are good for the environment, but that's not the only reason they're worth investing in. Here's a look at how having eco-friendly features in your home can make your life more comfortable and save you money.
It is estimated that urban environments account for a large percentage of greenhouse-gas emissions. As such, governments are beginning to realise that efforts to reduce a country's carbon footprint should start in its rapidly growing cities.
In part two of our interview with Professor Jason Pomeroy, Panasonic speaks to the eco-architect, master planner and academic about the green-building landscape in Southeast Asia.
Panasonic speaks to award-winning eco-architect, master planner and academic Prof. Jason Pomeroy, principal and founder of Singapore-based architectural firm Pomeroy Studio. In part one of a two-part interview, he talks about the key issues, drivers and trends of green buildings in Southeast Asia.
Imagine a home you can control with the touch of a button or your voice. Smart technology is revolutionising living spaces, combining automated living with comfort and convenience.
As countries are better able to make use of technology to support sustainable building, remarkable strides are being made in green technology, giving us a glimpse of what's to come.
Homeowners and building developers can save on their energy bills by employing passive cooling strategies in their designs. At the same time, they are helping the country become greener.
In recent years, Asia has seen much advancement in eco-friendly and sustainable building technologies, from establishing government regulations to support green building, to the development of entire smart cities. Here's a top down look at how green building technologies have developed in Asia over the last decade.
An eco-friendly home uses green technology at its heart, working with nature instead of against it. Homeowners and developers can look to a few green-living solutions that have made luxurious green-living an achievable reality.
Visitors to Kuala Lumpur often comment on the city's stunning architecture. Take a closer look and discover that modern Malaysian architecture is as green as it is beautiful.
Thanks in part to government-led green initiatives, Malaysia is emerging as a leader in sustainable housing development. Low-emission (also known as low-e glass) and other shading technologies are amongst the country’s solutions to the problem of wasteful conventional energy.
As Vietnam undergoes a green revolution, the country's construction and home design sectors can expect to see more eco-friendly building solutions headed their way.
If you'd like to change the atmosphere in your house without changing the entire interior, then Panasonic's "Symphony Lighting" design method may be the answer you're looking for.
While home-decorating trends have seen many interpretations of elegance and the intelligent use of space, minimalism remains a vibrantly influential trend in architecture and design.
Energy needs pose various challenges for ASEAN countries as economic development reaches unprecedented growth in the past 25 years. Read how each country has been looking at opportunities in renewable resources.
Modern advancements in digital technology, have steadily reduced the need for obtrusive physical barriers and there is a growing trend towards ultra-discreet security systems and low-profile personal safety solutions among Asia’s wealthy.
As the technology for generating and managing renewable energy sources becomes more sophisticated, a rising number of governments, companies and private consumers are waking up to the possibilities of sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. But one of the main criticisms that persist is their lack of aesthetic appeal. How is this evolving and winning over customers in society today?
With megacities in Asia developing at a breakneck pace, smarter sustainable developments are becoming readily necessary. Read how Panasonic is building the foundation and defining what smart cities should be through key developments in Japan.
In Panasonic’s interpretation of the future, we see six ways in how technology can support the connection that we can share with our homes, the people in our lives and most of all simply make a busy working life just a little bit easier.
Given that many countries in Asia are experiencing rapid growth in their ageing populations, It is necessary that housing development incorporates solutions to allow our elderly to thrive and live healthy lives in their golden years. This infographic shows what the future of our ageing population looks like, as well as some of Panasonic's advanced solutions for elderly care.
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Energy, time and money can be some of the hardest things to manage if you don’t have the right tools. Here’s one way to make it easier for yourself.
One of the primary interests of many home automation enthusiasts is energy management. Having the ability to supervise and exercise tighter control over how much energy is being consumed in one’s home is not only exceedingly convenient, but also
