Green building Construction

INTRODUCTION

  • Sustainable or “green building” design and construction is the opportunity to use our resources more efficiently, while creating healthier and more energy-efficient homes. Although there is no magic formula, success comes in the form of leaving a lighter footprint on the environment through conservation of resources, while at the same time balancing energy-efficient, cost-effective, low-maintenance products for our construction needs. In other words, green building design involves finding the delicate balance between homebuilding and the sustainable environment. Learn more about reducing globle warming.
  • The concept of a green building was developed in the 1970s in response to the energy crisis and people’s growing concerns about the environment.
  • A Green Building, also known as a sustainable building, is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or re-used in an ecological and resource efficient manner.
  • Sustainable development is maintaining a delicate balance between the human need to improve lifestyles and feeling of well-being on one hand, and preserving natural resources and ecosystems, on which we & future generations depend.

Objectives of a green building

  • Protecting occupant health
  • Improving employee productivity
  • Using energy, water and other resources more efficiently
  • Reducing overall impact to the environment
  • Optimal environmental and economic performance
  • Satisfying and quality indoor spaces

Considerations of a green building

  • Control erosion to reduce negative impacts on water and air quality
  • Reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use
  • Limit disruption of natural water hydrology by reducing impervious cover, increasing on-site infiltration and managing storm water run-off
  • Encourage and recognize increasing levels of self supply through renewable technologies to reduce environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel energy use
  • Provide a high level of individual occupant control of ventilation and lighting systems to support good health, better productivity and a comfortable atmosphere
  • Provide a connection between indoor spaces and outdoor environment through the introduction of sunlight and views into the occupied areas of the building.

How to make a building green

  • Building design
  • Orientation
  • Building insulation (walls of AEC block and roof with over deck insulation and roof lawn)
  • Window sizing
  • Window shading (fixed overhangs)
  • Glass selection
  • Envelope efficiency measures contributed to 12% savings over base case
  • System design
  • Energy efficient lighting (CFLs , efficient tube lights and electronic ballasts)
  • Daylight sensing (90% lighting energy savings)
  • Efficient chillers, Variable air volume systems.
  • Wind towers for pre cooling of fresh air.
  • Lighting efficiency measures contributed to 15% savings over base case and HVAC efficiency measures contributed 20% savings over base case.

Constitutes a green building

A: Sustainable Site:

  • Appropriate site selection.
  • Effective use of nature.
  • Soil erosion control.

B: Water use efficiency:

  • Capture storm water from impervious areas of the building for ground water re-charge or reuse.
  • Do not use potable water for landscape irrigation. Use recycled water/storm water.
  • Install moisture denser on plants for water conservation.
  • Use recycled water for toilet flushing.
  • Use ultra high efficiency water fittings and controls.
  • Monitor water consumption through on-line controls.

C: Energy efficient and eco-friendly equipment:

  • Design orientation of the building to get maximum day-lighting.
  • Use green wall and green roof to avoid heat gain into the building.
  • Adopt spectrally natural glass materials such that it reduces heat gain, minimize lighting of landscape features.
  • Use of energy efficient goods
  • Use zero CFC base refrigerants in refrigeration and air-conditioning system.
  • Use of renewable energy to reduce environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel energy use.
  • Establish Baseline data for energy consumption

D: Eco-friendly building materials and resources:

  • Recyclable and Salvage materials.
  • Material from local sources mitigating / reducing environmental impact.
  • Impact of manufacturing and transportation.
  • Salvage controls.
  • Material pollutant management
  • Health Hazard management of workers on site.
  • Material storage methodologies.
  • Waste management
  • Distribution channels for air intake movement and exhaust
  • Climate and pollution monitoring systems.
  • Elimination of chemically toxic materials and devices.
  • Maintenance of optimum temperature and humidity.

F: Energy system management:

  • 30% to 40% saving in operation costs.
  • Alternative energy system design
  • Optimization of Conventional Energy.
  • Building management, control and monitoring systems.

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