SUSTAINABILITY AND GREEN TECHNOLOGIES

HIGH RISE BUILDING

(ASSIGNMENT – III)

SUBMITTED BY – SUBMITTED TO –
JASKIRAT ARORA (1731681) AR. SHIKHA AGARWAL
 SUSTAINABILITY AND GREEN TECHNOLOGIES

INTRODUCTION –
High-rise buildings play an increasingly important role in contemporary architecture. Their raising is a
necessity for the process of population growth and its concentration in cities, as well as for the high
demand for areas in city centers.

The main trend among new high-rise buildings is the striving to achieve zero energy, which is associated
with LEED certification.
Bryant Park (New York, NY, USA) became the first high-rise building in the world to attain this certificate.
Other buildings to achieve the LEED v4 certificate include, among others –
1. Shanghai Tower (Shanghai, China)
2. Taipei 101 (Taipei, Taiwan)
3. Hearst Tower (New York, NY, USA)
One of the pro-ecological ideas is the design of bioclimatic skyscrapers, in which users’ comfort is
increased by greenery inside the buildings through the use of public terraces or multi-level atria’s (Oasis
Hotel, Singapore).

OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION –

One of the most efficient methods is using prefabricated components manufactured in a controlled,
offsite environment. This solution is cheaper because it significantly decreases construction times by
enabling construction and engineering challenges to be addressed before construction starts.

It also reduces the number of workers, as fewer activities are carried out onsite - which in turn reduces
noise and minimizes the impact of construction on the local area, including lower air pollution and CO2
emissions.

Offsite construction can also be used on high-rise: Ramboll used this technique on two significant
projects - one of the world’s most leaning precast buildings, the award-winning Hotel Bella Sky in
Copenhagen, and Travelodge, 250 City Road in London.

USE OF ADVANCED MATERIAL –

The development of high-rise buildings is inextricably linked to the search for efficient construction
materials.
Technological achievements in material engineering have gradually shaped the form, height and
construction, as well as energy efficiency of buildings.
Initially, steel was the leader in building constructions, as the technology of concrete was not sufficiently
developed, and because the produced concrete had a much lower strength than steel.
At present, there is a growing interest in concrete as the main structural material in this type of
buildings.
In the construction of high-rise buildings are also developing mixed steel-concrete technologies, such as:
1. the Petronas Twin Tower (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia),
2. Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE),
3. Princess Tower (Dubai, UAE),
4. One57 (New York, NY, USA) and
5. Kingdom Center (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).

Currently, among the 100 highest buildings in the world, nine are built as steel structures, 30 as
reinforced concrete, 5 as steel and reinforced concrete and 56 as composite structures.
Advances in physical science have led to a new generation of intelligent materials, especially those that
improve the acoustic, light, electrical and thermal environment of buildings

IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Another way to make tall buildings more sustainable throughout their life cycle is to improve the energy
efficiency. Energy efficient high-rise is achieved by minimizing the energy demand requirements through
solutions like double skin facades, which improve insulation and minimize solar gain while still
maximizing natural light.

Energy efficiency is not only limited to minimizing the demand but also exploring solutions which
incorporate on-site energy generation into the building design.

A good example is Bahrain World Trade Centre, where we have incorporated wind turbines on one of
the most iconic towers in the Middle East.

1. SMART MATERIAL AND NANOTECHNOLOGY –

Smart materials can be divided into the following groups: Piezoelectric, electroactive, photo strictive,
thermo strictive, magneto strictive, chemo strictive materials and fiber optic sensors.
These smart materials can constitute the components of a smart structure, which is an electronically
enhanced physical framework.
For example, piezoelectric materials convert mechanical energy into electrical energy after strained.
Piezoelectric dampers have been developed as an example of controllable materials.
There are other forms of smart materials, such as shape memory alloys, which can be used as temperature
sensors for ventilation systems or as actuators for sensing and monitoring devices.
With nanotechnology can be improved properties of glass by self-cleaning, antimicrobial and reducing
pollution properties.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles with a smooth surface create an anti-adhesive coating.

2. GLASS –
Technologically advanced high-strength glazing is equally important as steel and concrete for the building
of high-rise buildings.
In this case, the main challenges are related to wind load, temperature and altitude differences, and also
the condensation of water vapor.
Other important factors are light and heat.
In the case of high-rise buildings, there is always the possibility of condensed steam appearing on the
outside glass, which results from the temperature difference between its internal and external part.
The use of low-emission glass as an internal pane prevents the passage of heat from inside the building to
the outside.
Low-E glass helps to reflect long-wave radiation and minimizes its transmission.
Heat treatment of the glass through hardening or heat strengthening causes the glass to be many times
stronger and able to withstand extreme wind load and temperature difference.
In high-rise buildings, a wide variety of glass types are used depending on the climate zone.
To fully characterize glass system, it is necessary to specify the following characteristics: U-value, solar
heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and glass visible transmittance.

3. INNOVATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM IN HIGH RISE BUILDING –

The achievement of high energy efficiency in modern high-rise buildings requires many environmental
conditions to be taken into account at the stages of design and construction.
Satisfying these requirements allows –
1. the maximum use of available ambient energy,
2. the reduction of heat loss from the building, and
3. a smaller demand for heat and electricity.
One of the most finance-intensive requirements is the ventilation and heating of buildings, accounting
for about 30% of the energy demand in high-rise buildings.
The use of natural ventilation is an increasingly popular solution that reduces these costs.
The inner atrium allows light to be supplied to the
interior of the building, in the figure.
The full height of the windows causes the amount
of light reaching inside to be sufficient for work,
and there is therefore no need to use artificial
lighting for most of the day.
The ventilation of the rooms is also ensured by
specially designed windows, constructed of a
three-layer facade system with an air gap,
allowing air to circulate.

The use of free energy from renewable sources, such as sun, wind, biomass and low-temperature
geothermal energy, is also becoming more and more popular.
This is especially the domain of passive buildings, and also sometimes of energy-saving buildings.
Among the activities preceding the implementation of a project, the selection of the right location is of
particular importance and results in the efficient use of available renewable energy sources.
The next elements are:
1. Adaptation of the architectural design to local microclimatic conditions, proper location of the
building, accurate orientation towards the sun and correct shaping of the surroundings of the nearest
building.
2. The location of buildings should provide good insolation conditions and the maximum number of
hours of sunshine per year.

Such a situation is beneficial for bioclimatic reasons, as well as for the possibility of using solar energy in
active and passive photothermal and photoelectric conversion systems. Direct conversion includes:
1. Photothermal methods, implemented in low-temperature active solar systems (solar collectors) and
in passive systems (solar architecture of buildings)
2. Photoelectric methods, implemented in photovoltaic systems (cells)

4. NEW TECHNOLOGIES OF FAÇADE –

One of the most significant changes in technical solutions and the aesthetics of high-rise buildings was
caused by the role of the contemporary glass facade of the building.
It is noticeable in the last few years of development of new advanced facade solutions integrated with
plants to combine architectural features and trends to reduce carbon emissions.
Currently ventilated double
skin facades represent a
most valid technology.
The principle of ventilated
double skin facade is to
position the shading devices
between two layers of
glazing, capturing the
energy trapped in the cavity.
Among the technologically
advanced facades, it can be
distinguished by two types:
Active wall facade (Manulife
Financial, Boston; Jiu Shi
Headquarters, Shanghai)
and interactive wall facade
(Al Bahr Towers, Abu
Dhabi).
NATURAL VENTILATED OF DOUBLE SKIN FACADE

ACTIVE WALL FAÇADE SYSTEM

 WORKING OF DOUBLE SKIN FAÇADE SYSTEM

Double skin façades. Almost a self-explanatory name for façade systems consisting of two layers, usually
glass, wherein air flows through the intermediate cavity.

This space (which can vary from 20 cm to a few meters) acts as insulation against extreme
temperatures, winds, and sound, improving the building's thermal efficiency for both high and low
temperatures.

NEW MATERIALS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPE AND GLAZING

Continuous innovation in cladding materials towards performance have been able to deliver new
products which are efficient, economical and attractive. These include:
• High strength hollow block masonry units using natural mineral based geopolymers help in reducing
the load on the building at the same time give a better thermal performance.
• Light, responsive façade that breathes. This façade is made up of series of faceted fiberglass rosettes,
which open and close in response to the temperature of the façade thereby avoiding excess of heat to
ingress the building.
• Double screen façade made from special tiles that can clean the air around it. UV light activated free
radicals from the tiles destroy any existing pollutants from the air leaving it cleaner for the people inside
the building.
• Dynamic façades using modern technology, which transform itself in response to the changing sun
positions, lighting conditions and the functional requirements.
CURTAIN GLAZING SYSTEM
Transparency, sustainability and protection from heat make glass an attractive façade material for high-
rise buildings, where the need is for lightweight but strong material.
Curtain glazing is a versatile cladding option with glass as the primary material.
In modern high-rise building, the exterior walls are often suspended from the concrete floor slabs,
curtain walls and precast concrete walls.
The curtain wall is characterized by colored and spandrel glass, a grid of aluminum caps, stainless steel,
and stone spandrel covers.
The curtain glazing is designed to resist wind and earthquake loads, air leakage, and excessive heat loss.

THE BREATHING AND GREEN FACADE

The breathing and green façade in a high-rise structure aims to create green spaces closer to the users.
The offices overlooking the gardens are equipped with openable windows to allow fresh breeze from
these greens.
Façade planting creates microclimate, which is less prone to heat gain from solar radiation than metal-or
mineral-clad surfaces.
Evaporation effects result in temperature that tend to be lower than those in the surroundings.
Wind resistant plants can also be employed as wind breaks.

This idea has been pursued by the Malaysian architect Ken

Yeang with his “green” façades, for example on the Menara
Boustead Tower in Kuala Lumpur.
The green wall with deciduous climbing plants, can reduce
the solar gain inside the building, reduce the street noise
and reduce energy load.
It also produces a stack effect between the planted façade
and the building exterior, channeling the heat away from
the building.
The façade vertical garden can be seen from the outside of
the building as well as from the inside.
ONE BRYANT PARK, NEW YORK –
The Bank of America Tower incorporates innovative, high-performance environmental technologies to
promote the health and productivity of tenants, reduce waste and ensure environmental sustainability.

Sustainability Achievements
1. An environmentally responsible high-rise office building, focusing on
sustainable siting, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and
energy conservation
2. First high-rise to achieve LEED Platinum certification
3. Reduce energy consumption by a minimum of 50%
4. Reduce potable water consumption by 50%
5. Reduce storm water contribution by 95%
6. Utilize 50% recycled material in building construction
7. Obtain 50% of building material within 500 miles of site

Green Features
1. Higher ceilings and translucent insulating glass in floor-to-ceiling windows permit maximum
daylight in interior spaces and optimal views
2. Filtered under-floor air distribution system and floor-by-floor air handling units allow for individual
occupant control
3. Carbon dioxide monitors automatically adjust the amount of fresh air when necessary
4. Gray-water system captures and re-uses rainwater, saving millions of gallons of water annually
5. Waterless urinals and low-flow fixtures greatly decrease the use of water
6. Thermal storage system at cellar level produces ice in the evening when electricity rates are lowest
to reduce peak daytime demand loads on the city
7. Daylight dimming and LED lights reduce electric usage
8. Oversized electrical conductors reduce voltage drop in the feeders to 2%
9. Recyclable and renewable building materials (steel, blast furnace, drywall)
10. Green roof reduces urban heat island effect
11. State-of-the-art onsite co-generation plant provides 4.6 megawatts of clean, efficient power
12. 95% efficient air filtration
13. Combined Heat and Power
14. Continuous indoor air quality monitoring
SHANGHAI TOWER –

1. Shanghai Tower sets the new standard for tall buildings in major cities.
2. Embodies a new way of inhabiting mega towers with a dense urban environment.
3. “Represents a new way of envisioning and creating cities” (Gensler)
4. Integrates sustainable practices and cutting-edge design and innovation into Shanghai’s urban culture
and prompts community with its stacked neighborhoods and sky lobbies.
5. 43 sustainable technologies.
TAIPEI 101 –

Real sustainability is more than just the implementation of energy efficient and renewable technologies
to enhance the ‘green’ credentials of the building. It is also about delivering a livable environment to
maximize the health, well-being and comfort for occupants.

Making use of these strategies in an integrated way creates value for both our clients and for society as a
whole – and provides a blueprint for sustainable high-rise.
REFERENCE – https://en.calameo.com/read/000596712f8b48aa375e9

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/9/9/193/htm

http://www.josre.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Shanghai-Tower-in-China-Tall-and-near-net-Zero.pdf

https://wfmmedia.com/high-rise-cladding-and-glazing-system/

https://www.archdaily.com/922897/how-do-double-skin-facades-work

https://www.brikbase.org/sites/default/files/aiap080038.pdf