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146 Understanding the project e design process Understanding the space Understanding building structures Organising the space e human interface Communicating design Sustainable design Energy-saving strategies and services Some of the most common energy saving strategies and technologies are: Draught proofi ng An extremely simple but very effi cient way of reducing energy use that is very cost eff ective. Double- / triple-glazed window units Insulating glass units are considerably more eff ective at retaining heat within a building than single glazing. However, the cost makes them less a ractive than measures such as draught proofi ng. Insulation for hot water tanks and Another very simple and eff ective solution. Standards for insulation change pipes, a ic / lo spaces, cavity walls from time to time, so even if insulation is present it is worthwhile making sure that it meets current standards. Micro electricity ese aim to reduce the need for ineffi cient centralised power generation generation technologies (typical power stations and distribution systems are o en less than 40 per cent effi cient). Micro power generation is based on small systems supplying single buildings or small developments. If none of these are feasible, then large-scale renewable electricity generation (usually wind) is a much be er option than conventional power generation. Wind Small-scale systems are available, but can be problematic in urban areas. ere are relatively few locations that consistently provide winds of the minimum average speeds required for viable generation. Hydro Systems that utilise running water from streams and rivers are by their nature very site specifi c. However, if the right conditions can be met, they can be effi cient and consistent. Solar PV Photovoltaics are solar cells that generate electricity from the direct action of light falling on the cell. Arrangements of PV cells can provide a proportion of electricity required by a building, and surplus electricity can usually be directed into the national distribution grid. Ba eries may be needed to provide power at night. Panels are o en roof mounted, and newer systems mimic roof tiles and are therefore visually unobtrusive. Micro CHP Central heating boilers have traditionally been around 60 per cent effi cient, and a (Combined Heat and Power) large proportion of the energy produced by the burning of gas or oil is wasted as it escapes up the fl ue. Micro CHP systems aim to capture this wasted energy and use it to drive a generator that can provide a proportion of a building 's electrical needs while the boiler is in operation.