Where in buildings is energy often wasted? What types of renovations might I make to a building to reduce/prevent energy loss? I need some examples, please.

6 answers

I was thinking about things like:
-Leaving lights on
-Using machines/equipment that doesn't work properly, but still uses a lot of energy (compromised equipment)
-Computers and other devices which are not turned off properly, and use up energy when not being used
- airconditioning that is not monitored
- turning down the heat when no one is in the building
- leaky taps
- running toilets
- general maintenance needs to be kept up to date.
What about the renovation part? (it cannot be something simple like switching the lights off, it has to be a true renovation to the building)
I thought of adding insulation for one thing.
Thermostats that can be turned up and down remotely.
Hmm... What about getting appliances fixed/upgraded so people don't have the 'compromised equipment' problem (as listed in the post at 2:03)?
I asked my teacher and she said that these ideas were great:
-Adding more windows to sunny spots for passive solar heating.
-Changing light bulbs to LED lights (as they use less energy).
-Upgrading to a timed AC so it turns off after a specified time.
-Getting low flush toilets.