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Sustainable Buildings
From CopperWiki
Sustainable building is a trend in the architecture field to build structures that are water and energy efficient out of environmentally friendly materials.
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[edit] Why should I be aware of this?
Sustainable building designs aim to create healthier and more resource efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition.
Today energy-intensive material like steel, cement, glass, aluminum, plastics, bricks, etc. are commonly used for building construction. Generally these materials are transported over great distances. Use of such material and their transportation drain the energy resources and adversely affect the environment. On the other hand, due to the ever-growing demand for buildings it is difficult to adopt only energy-efficient materials, such as mud, thatch, timber, as was used by our forefathers
[edit] All about sustainable buildings
Throughout the ages, building materials and technologies, and building practices have evolved. Earliest building materials used were stones, mud, thatch/leaves and timber which hardly required any energy for construction. However, as their durability was questionable, today’s phenomenon is use of durable material.
[edit] Major advantages
Major reasons for the popularity of sustainable buildings are rising cost of fuel, the depletion of our natural resources, and pollution and global warming.
Other reasons are:
- Sustainable buildings have better indoor air quality. The reduced level of allergens and toxins in the indoor environment lead to increased productivity and feelings of well-being in work environments.
- Sustainable materials are often more durable and/or have other characteristics that make them more desirable. For example, cork is naturally antimicrobial, making it perfect for kitchen and bathroom flooring.
- Sustainable buildings are generally more energy efficient than the traditional ones. Better systems design, proper equipment sizing, and a tightly sealed building all contribute to a reduced need for heating and cooling.
- Several studies have shown that commercial spaces in green buildings receive higher lease rates and have lower vacancies. The industry is currently working on developing the metrics to include sustainability when determining the value of buildings.
[edit] What can I do?
- Though a sustainable building may cost more up front, it saves through lower operating costs over the life of the building. Use a project life cycle cost analysis for determining the appropriate up-front expenditure. This analytical method calculates costs over the useful life of the asset.
- You can fully realize these and other cost savings when they are incorporated at the project's conceptual design phase with the assistance of an integrated team of professionals. The integrated systems approach ensures that the building is designed as one system rather than a collection of stand-alone systems.
- It is often not easy to quantify some benefits, such as improving occupant health, comfort, productivity, reducing pollution and landfill waste. For this reason, consider setting aside a small portion of the building budget to cover differential costs associated with less tangible green building benefits or to cover the cost of researching and analyzing green building options.
- Even with a tight budget, many green building measures can be incorporated with minimal or zero increased up-front costs and they can yield enormous savings.
[edit] Energy efficiency
- Passive design strategies can dramatically affect building energy performance. These measures include building shape and orientation, passive solar design, and the use of natural lighting.
- Plan in such a way that maximum natural lighting is available. Studies have shown that it has a positive impact on productivity and well being.
- Minimize the electric loads from lighting, equipment, and appliances.
- Consider alternative energy sources such as photovoltaics and fuel cell. * Renewable energy sources provide a great symbol of emerging technologies for the future.
[edit] Water efficiency
- Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a gray water system that recovers rainwater or other non-potable water for site irrigation.
- Minimize wastewater by using ultra low-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads, and other water conserving fixtures.
- Use re-circulating systems for centralized hot water distribution.
[edit] Occupant health and safety
- Recent studies reveal that buildings with good overall environmental quality can reduce the rate of respiratory disease, allergy, asthma, sick building symptoms, and enhance worker performance
- Choose construction materials and interior finish products with zero or low emissions to improve indoor air quality. Many building materials and cleaning/maintenance products emit toxic gases, such as volatile organic compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde. These gases can have a detrimental impact on occupants' health and productivity.
- Provide adequate ventilation and a high-efficiency, in-duct filtration system.
- Install adequate ventilation in bathrooms, allow proper drainage of air-conditioning coils, and design other building systems to control humidity.
