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Green Building Concepts: Abstract
Green Building Concepts: Abstract
ABSTRACT:
Constructing and operating buildings requires enormous amounts of energy, water, and materials
and creates large amounts of waste. Where and how they are built affects the ecosystems around
us in countless ways. Thus, a concept has been introduced, which lets humans live in harmony
with nature. This is called the GREEN BUILDING CONCEPT. Sustainable design or building
"green" is an opportunity to use our resources efficiently while creating healthier buildings. It
provides cost savings to all through improved human health and productivity, lower cost
building operations, and resource efficiency--and it moves us closer to a sustainable future. A
green building, also known as a sustainable building, is a structure that is designed, built,
renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. Green buildings
are designed to meet certain objectives such as protecting occupant health; improving employee
productivity; using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently, and reducing the overall
impact to the environment. This paper deals with some of the concepts of green building by
which the resources of nature can be protected and conserved.
KEYWORDS:
Water, energy, construction materials, building operation, orientation, environment
impacts, Waste reuse, utilization, power generation, maintenance, workability, and functions.
1. INTRODUCTION:
Society is living beyond its means. We are about to dispossess the earth of capital assets in the
space of a few lifetimes through patterns of exploitation. These patterns are devastating the
natural environment upon which we depend for our long-term survival. With about one-third of
all energy consumed being used for heating, cooling, lighting and appliances in buildings,
considerable attention has to be focused on enhancing energy efficiency within homes, offices,
schools, hospitals and other buildings. This method of improving the energy efficiency of
buildings can be achieved if the building is planned, designed and constructed according to the
green building concept.
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productivity, using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently, and reducing the overall
impact to the environment.
5. What Are the Elements of Green Buildings?
5.1. Siting
Protect and retain existing landscaping and natural features. Select plants that have low water
and pesticide needs, and generate minimum plant trimmings. Use compost and mulches. This
will save water and time.
Recycled content paving materials, furnishings, and mulches help close the recycling loop.
5.2. Energy
Responsible energy use is fundamental to sustainable development and a sustainable future.
Energy management must balance justifiable energy demand with appropriate energy supply.
The process couples energy awareness, energy conservation, and energy efficiency with the use
of primary renewable energy resources.
There are many different issues that should be considered in the design and construction of
housing, and consumers need to be aware of available cost-effective and sustainable methods
and technologies using renewable resources. One example is the construction of Zero Energy
Homes (ZEH).
5.2.1. Zero Energy Homes: A ZEH combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction
techniques and equipment with renewable energy systems to return as much energy as it takes
on an annual basis. Specifically, when renewable resources cannot provide the entire homes
power, e.g., at night or on a cloudy day, the homeowner purchases energy from the utility. When
renewable resources produce more than the house is using, e.g., during sunny days when no one
is home, power is sent back into the utility grid. Some utilities operate the homes electric meter
in reverse, essentially providing the homeowners full retail value for their energy.The concept is
simple couple the maximum possible building energy efficiency with the best available
renewable energy resources in a way that maximizes the effectiveness of both.
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Solar Technologies. A broad range of solar technologies exists - some are as simple as sun
tempering a building by orientation and shading. Low technology systems are readily
available to preheat water and dry foods. Medium temperature systems can provide
refrigeration. Solar collectors with multiple units ensure reliability.
Swimming Pool Heaters. Swimming pool heaters are commonly manufactured of lowcost PVC or CPVC materials and are in the form of a simple piping loop with a circulator
pump. Controls are simple and can even be omitted in most southern latitudes.
Domestic Hot Water Heaters. Domestic hot water heaters are typically closed-loop
systems used for providing potable hot water to household or commercial facilities. They
come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but generally include a water-heater storage tank,
either of the common household water heater type, or of a solar applications design that
has an additional heat exchanger and super insulation. The solar collectors are generally
flat-plate designs that vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. These systems are simple
to install, and maintenance is low.
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of project time. Payback is extended when the application is for air-conditioning. Domestic
hot water can be a by-product of the absorption unit, and will defray operating costs
somewhat. The collectors themselves are cost-effective, and systems using them to pump
water and other such uses are very cost-effective.
Photovoltaic Systems. Ample sunlight, low maintenance, high reliability, and widespread
support make photovoltaic systems an attractive option for remote energy generation.
System design is flexible and easily expanded. A development can be energized by a single
centralized large array and battery storage, or smaller autonomous systems serving local
areas, even individual dwelling units. Although there may be cost advantages for a
centralized system, there are reliability advantages for a number of small modular systems
with
interchangeable
components.
Develop strategies to provide natural lighting. Studies have shown that it has a
positive impact on Basics
Install high-efficiency lighting systems with advanced lighting controls. Include motion
sensors
tied to dimmable lighting controls. Task lighting reduces general overhead light
levels.
Consider alternative energy sources such as photovoltaic and fuel cells that are now
available in new products and applications. Renewable energy sources provide a great
symbol of emerging technologies for the future.
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Wind Systems. As with solar technology, the simplest use of the prevailing winds is
incorporation into the architecture. Wind scoops, cross-ventilation, and passive thermal
chimneys use air movement to keep buildings comfortable. Wind generators can be a good
choice for remote applications and small power demands such as pumping water.
Biogas Use. As a by-product of the anaerobic digestion of the solid waste stream, biogas
offers the comprehensive benefits of waste and wastewater processing, methane
production for cooking and refrigeration, and generation of organics for soil enhancement.
Depending on the quantity of waste that is available, possibly all the energy needs within a
sustainable development may be met through the use of biogas.
5.
WATER:
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6.1.1. Flush toilets are the largest inside user of water. To conserve water, the maximum
permissible water use per flushing cycle is 1.6 gallons. Water conservation flush toilets are
widely manufactured. Double flush units also save water by providing a partial flush for
liquid wastes and a complete flush (1.6 gallons) for fecal wastes.
6.1.2. Lavatory fixtures should be spring-loaded and have a maximum flow rate of 2.2 gallons
per minute (gpm) at a test pressure of 80 pounds per square inch (psi). Although most water
systems operate in the 25-40 psi range, the high-test pressure ensures that a purported
conservation device actually does conserve water over a wide pressure range. Electronic
proximity devices are now commercially available with lavatory fixtures. These units are
water efficient but should be used only after evaluating local repair capabilities.
6.1.3. Shower fixtures should be rated for a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gpm at 80 psi. Shower
fixtures of 2.0 and 1.5 gpm are available and work very satisfactorily depending on user
preference. Shower fixtures should have a timed cycle after activation by user or be spring
loaded with chain operator. Instead of a hot water shower, tempered water using a solar
thermal collector may be a good median between a cold shower and an energy-intensive hot
shower.
6.1.4. Urinals should have a maximum flow rate of 1.0 gpm and be spring-loaded.
6.2. Water Sources
The source of water selected for usage must be such that there is uninterrupted supply of
uncontaminated water with the minimum use of power. Some of the sources recommended are
as follows:
6.2. Groundwater (Wells and springs): An uncontaminated groundwater source or spring
usually requires the least input (energy, chemical, financial) to provide safe water for drinking,
bathing, and cooking. Extreme efforts should be made to protect existing and potential
groundwater sources from contamination. To ensure that groundwater is not contaminated by
surface water or other influences, wells should be a minimum of 50 feet deep and generally 200
feet horizontal from surface water.
Use of groundwater is probably the least energy-intensive because renewable energy sources
(wind, photovoltaic) can be used to pump the water to a hillside storage reservoir for distribution
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by gravity. This type of system has so many advantages from both an environmental and
economical perspective that the source can be developed up to several miles from the final use
point.
However, the use of ground water must be restricted so that the natural water table is not
lowered, which is against the concept of green building.
6.2. Rain water harvesting: In those cases where there is a lack of water, rain catchments
becomes an option as a stand-alone supply of water or a supplement to a limited ground or
surface supply. Rainfall catchment from the roofs of structures is a recognized option for water
supply, provided the necessary treatment processes are used prior to distribution. Care should be
used in selecting a roofing material (e.g., hard and smooth) that does not collect dirt. Metal roofs
may release heavy metals into the drinking water if the rainwater is acidic. Rainwater collected
from ground surfaces (parking lots, etc.) can be used for secondary uses such as toilet flushing
and irrigation of food crops.
6.3 Water Storage
Gravity storage of any water product (raw, finished, and reclaimed) should be used wherever
possible. For every 1 foot of elevation a storage tank is located above a use point, 0.433psi static
pressure is generated. Gravity storage enables wind and photovoltaic pumping systems to be
effective. Because these pumping systems work at relatively low pumping rates, the gravity
storage tank acts as an accumulator to store water for heavy demand periods or for days when
the wind does not blow or the sun does not shine. Photovoltaic pumping systems can provide
moderate daily flows of up to 25,000 gallons per day and produce total dynamic heads of 100150 feet.
7.
MATERIALS:
Green building materials are composed of renewable, rather than non renewable resources.
Green materials are environmentally responsible because impacts are considered over the life of
the product. In green building constructions, materials used should be such that they do not
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produce any harm to the surrounding environment. They should have low toxicity to protect
indoor air quality. Energy efficiency is another important factor to be considered. Use of
naturally occurring products or harvest products helps to maintain the natural Eco system. The
materials to be used must be analyzed to find whether it will be cost efficient and nature
friendly.
7.
Local materials have a reduced level of energy cost and air pollution associated with their
Durable materials can save on energy costs for maintenance as well as for the production and
ensure new lumber is from certified sustain ably managed forests or certified naturally felled
trees
use caution that any associated treatments, additives, or adhesives do not contain toxins or off-
gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air/atmospheric pollution
7.2. Secondary Materials - materials made from recycled products such as wood, aluminum,
cellulose, and plastics
verify that production of material does not involve high levels of energy, pollution, of waste
verify functional efficiency and environmental safeness of salvaged (recycled) materials and
look closely at the composition of recycled products; toxins may still be present
consider cellulose insulation; it is fireproof and provides a greater R-value per inch thickness
than fiberglass
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specify aluminum from recycled material; it uses 80% less energy to produce over initial
production
evaluate products containing recycled hydrocarbon-based products; they may help keep used
plastics out of landfills but may do little to reduce production and use of plastic from virgin
resources
keep alert for new developments; new environmentally sound materials from recycled goods
air/atmospheric pollution
minimize use of products made from new aluminum or other materials that are resource
WASTES:
Construction waste can and should be managed in the same way as other home building
operations. Efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle construction waste may save money, reduce
liability, keep job sites cleaner and safer, and conserve valuable landfill space.
Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris consists of the waste generated during construction,
renovation, and demolition projects. Covering a wide array of materials including wood,
concrete, steel, brick, and gypsum, C&D debris is a large and complex waste stream. Reducing
C&D debris conserves landfill space, reduces the environmental impact of producing new
materials, and can reduce overall building project expenses through avoided purchase/disposal
costs.
The management of wastes in general consists of three stages: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
8.1. REDUCE:
One of the best ways to address construction waste management is to avoid creating waste in the
first place. Reducing the amount of C&D debris disposed of in landfills or combustion facilities
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provides numerous benefits. Less waste can lead to fewer disposal facilities, potentially
reducing associated environmental issues including methane gas emissions, which contribute to
global climate change. Techniques for reducing the amount of material used in construction
without any harmful consequences to the structure are still being developed. One of the best
examples of debris reduction techniques is Efficient Framing, which can greatly reduce the
amount of lumber used in wood framing for houses.
Efficient framing or Optimum Value Engineering (OVE) refers to framing techniques that
reduce the amount of lumber used to build a home while maintaining the structural integrity of
the building. Using OVE techniques results in lower material and labor costs and improved
energy performance for the building.
8.2. REUSE:
Several waste materials, regardless of quantity, can be reused: fiberglass and rigid insulation;
slightly damaged finished products such as cabinets and doors; large pieces of clean carpet and
vinyl flooring; and masonry/concrete material. For example, all brick and concrete waste is inert
fill that can be used on site under walkways or driveways.
Reuse is different from recycling in that materials are not processed and keep their functional
value. One way of getting materials for reuse without much damage is the preference of
deconstruction to demolition. The process of taking apart a structure with the primary goal of
preserving the value of all useful building materials, so that they may be reused or recycled is
called deconstruction.
8.1.1. RECYCLE:
A resource recovery method involving the collection, separation, and processing to specification
of scrap materials and their use as raw materials for manufacture into new products is called
recycling. Cardboard, wood, drywall, metals, and some plastics are all recyclable, but their
recyclability depends on quantity, quality, and the inherent value of the waste material. `
Some of the examples of recycled materials used in construction are as follows:
Straw: Straw is a by-product from crops such as wheat; rye, rice, and flax that are left over
after all the food products have been extracted. It is gathered, baled, and transported to a factory,
where it is transformed into a wood-like product by compressing it under high temperatures that
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bond the straw fibers to together, sometimes without adhesives. A high-quality finish can be
applied to the outside of the panel to providing a surface fit for exposed applications. To create a
stronger structural panel, the straw board can be sandwiched between two oriented strand boards
(OSB). a building product that is cheap, straw-based building products provide all of these
benefits in addition being resistant to fire, water, and termites.
Recycled wood/plastic lumber: Recycled wood/plastic composite lumber is one of the prime
uses for recycled plastic trash bags and waste wood fibers. The composite material is used to
produce building products such as decking, door and window frames, and exterior moldings.
Manufacturers claim that products produced with recycled wood/plastic lumber are more
durable than conventional preservative-treated lumber. Also, these products contain no toxic
chemicals such as those used in conventional treated lumber. Recycled wood/plastic composite
lumber typically consists of a 50 /50 mix of wood fibers from recovered saw dust and waste
plastics that include high-density polyethylene, PVC, and others. The material is formed into
both solid and hollow profiles. Recycled wood/plastic composites are typically more rigid than
100 percent recycled plastic lumber because the wood fibers act as reinforcement. In addition,
the plastic encapsulates and binds the wood together to resist moisture penetration and
degradation from fungal rot.
Fly ash: Fly ash is a fine, glass-like powder recovered from gases created by coal-fired
electric power generation. Fly ash is an inexpensive replacement for Portland cement used in
concrete, while it actually improves strength, segregation, and ease of pumping of the concrete.
Fly ash is also used as an ingredient in brick, block, paving, and structural fills. Consisting
mostly of silica, alumina and iron, fly ash is a pozzolan--a substance containing aluminous and
silicious material that forms cement in the presence of water. When mixed with lime and water it
forms a compound similar to Portland cement. The spherical shape of the particles reduces
internal friction thereby increasing the concrete's consistency and mobility, permitting longer
pumping distances. Improved workability means less water is needed, resulting in less
segregation of the mixture. Although fly ash cement itself is less dense than Portland cement, the
produced concrete is denser and results in a smoother surface with sharper detail.
9. Building Operation and Maintenance
Green building measures cannot achieve their goals unless they work as intended. Building
commissioning includes testing and adjusting the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
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to ensure that all equipment meets design criteria. It also includes instructing the staff on the
operation and maintenance of equipment.
Over time, building performance can be assured through measurement, adjustment, and
upgrading. Proper maintenance ensures that a building continues to perform as designed and
commissioned.
9.1. INDOOR ENVIRONMENT QUALITY:
Occupant comfort, both thermal and acoustical, is an essential component of indoor
environmental quality (IEQ). The building should be designed such that the human needs are
properly balanced with the environment, with the minimum use of energy. Some of the factors
influencing Indoor Environment Quality are discussed below.
9.1.1. Climate:
apply natural conditioning techniques to effect appropriate comfort levels for human
avoid overdependence on mechanical systems to alter the climate (such dependency signifies
inappropriate design, disassociation from the environment, and nonsustainable use of resources)
Analyze whether the climate is comfortable, too cool, or too hot for the anticipated activities,
and then which of the primary climatic components of temperature, sun, wind, and moisture
make the comfort level better (asset) or worse (liability).
9.1.2. Temperature:
areas that are very dry or at high elevation typically have the asset of large temperature
swings from daytime heating to nighttime cooling, which can be flattened through
heavy/massive construction to yield relatively constant indoor temperatures
use elongated or fractured floor plans to minimize internal heat gain and maximize
exposure for ventilation
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separate rooms and functions with covered breezeways to maximize wall shading and
induce ventilation
isolate heat-generating functions such as kitchens and laundries from living areas
minimize air infiltration with barrier sheeting, weather stripping, sealants, and airlock
entries
9.1.3. Sun:
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Sun can be a significant liability in hot climates, but is rarely a liability in cold climates
Sun can be an asset in cool and cold climates to provide passive heating
design must reflect seasonal variations in solar intensity, incidence angle, cloud cover,
and storm influences
use site features and vegetation to provide shading to walls with eastern and western
exposure
use shading devices such as louvers, covered porches, and trellises with natural vines to
block sun without blocking out breezes and natural light
orient broad building surfaces away from the hot late-day western sun (only northern and
southern exposures are easily shaded)
use lighter-colored wall and roofing material to reflect solar radiation (be sensitive to
resulting glare and impact on natural/cultural setting)
in tropical climates, use shutters and screens, avoiding glass and exposures to direct solar
gain
when solar gain is too be used to offset conditions that are too cool for comfort
maximize building exposure and openings facing south (facing north in the southern
hemisphere)
use darker-colored building exteriors to absorb solar radiation and promote heat gain
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9.1.4. Wind:
wind is a liability in cold climates because it strips heat away quicker than normal; wind
can also be a liability to comfort in hot dry climates when it causes the human body to
dehydrate and then overheat
use natural ventilation wherever feasible; limit air-conditioning to areas requiring special
humidity or temperature control such as artifact storage and computer rooms
maximize/minimize exposure to wind through plan orientation and configuration, number
and position of wall and roof openings, and relationship to grade and vegetation
use wind scoops, thermal chimneys, or wind turbines to induce ventilation on sites with
limited wind
9.1.5. Moisture:
moisture can be a liability if it comes in the form of humidity, causing such stickiness that one
cannot evaporative cool (cooling by perspiring) in summer
strategies to reduce the discomfort of high humidity include maximizing ventilation, inducing
air flow, and venting or moving moisture-producing functions such as kitchens and shower
rooms to outside areas
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nature can be an asset by evaporating in hot, dry climates to cool and humidify the air (a
natural air-conditioning)
techniques for evaporative cooling include placing facilities where breezes will pass over
water features before reaching the facility, and providing fountains, pools, and plants
10.
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. The potential financial benefits of improving indoor environments exceed
costs .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. Heating and
cooling systems that ensure adequate ventilation and proper filtration can have a dramatic and
positive impact on indoor air quality.
Prevent indoor microbial contamination through selection of materials resistant to microbial
growth, provide effective drainage from the roof and surrounding landscape, install adequate
ventilation in bathrooms, allow proper drainage of air-conditioning coils, and design other
building systems to control humidity.
11. BENEFITS OF GREEN BUILDING :
Green building has proven effective in minimizing industry impacts on air and water quality
and protecting natural ecosystems. It has also been shown to increase building value by
improving cost performance, enhancing occupant comfort, and creating positive public
perception.
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12.
Economic Benefits:
Environmental Benefits:
Social Benefits:
13. CONCLUSION:
All things have a place and a purpose in this universe, and we humans are challenged everyday
to make this a better place to live in. It is our obligation to act respectfully toward all living
things and to manifest an approach to life in which the dignity of all species is sustained and
common interests flourish. We see that with the use of green building concept, sustainable
development can be achieved, with the minimum use of energy and resources to achieve
maximum comfort, thus living in harmony with nature. Conserving natural resources benefits
everyone now, and into the future. Hence, green building concepts must be incorporated in all
the construction activities, for a better and beautiful future.
REFERENCES:
http://www.greenbuildings.com
http://www.ieq.org
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