PORTFOLIO

BST 161

COLLEGE OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SURVEYING

LECTURER : NAZHATULZALKIS BINTI JAMALUDIN

SUBJECT : BST 161 (ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY I)

PREPARED BY : PUTRI NURINSYIRA BINTI MOHD IDRIS

MATRIC NO. : 2022679694

GROUP : AP119 2B
SELF-INTRODUCTION

Assalamualaikum and hi, my name is Putri Nurinsyira Binti Mohd Idris. I live in Shah Alam,
Selangor and currently continuing my study in Building Surveying at UiTM Perak, Seri Iskandar
Campus. The purposes of doing this portfolio are to track my progress while learning this
subject which is Environmental Technology. It is to conclude what I have learnt during the
learning session with Madam Nazhatulzalkis Binti Jamaludin. It also makes me understand
why we should relate building constructions with our environment to make sure that we makes
no harm to the earth in the long term.

INTRODUCTION TO BST 161

The building construction industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental

impact, accounting for about 40% of global energy consumption and 30% of global waste
production. However, there are a number of environmental technologies that can be used to
reduce the environmental impact of buildings.

Some of the most common environmental technologies used in the building construction
industry include:

1. Energy-efficient materials and appliances: These materials and appliances use less
energy to operate, which can help to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions.
2. Sustainable building materials: These materials are made from recycled or
renewable materials, which can help to reduce the environmental impact of the
building's construction.
3. Passive solar design: This design approach uses the sun's energy to heat and cool
buildings, which can help to reduce energy consumption.

These are just a few of the many environmental technologies that can be used in the
building construction industry. By using these technologies, the construction industry can help
to reduce its environmental impact and build more sustainable buildings.

In addition to the environmental benefits, these technologies can also provide

economic benefits. For example, energy-efficient materials and appliances can save money
on energy bills, while water-efficient fixtures and appliances can save money on water bills.
WEEK 2

CLIMATIC DESIGN OF MALAY HOUSE

The traditional Malay house is designed to be climatically responsive to the hot and
humid climate of Malaysia. It features a number of passive design strategies that help to keep
the house cool and comfortable.

Some of the key climatic design features of the traditional Malay house include:

1) Elevated floors: The house is raised on stilts, which helps to keep the house cool by
allowing air to circulate underneath.
2) High roofs: The roof is high and sloping, which helps to create good airflow and
prevent heat buildup.
3) Large windows and doors: The windows and doors are large and openable, which
allows for cross-ventilation.
4) Ventilated eaves: The eaves of the roof are ventilated, which helps to prevent heat
buildup under the roof.
5) Natural materials: The house is made from natural materials, such as wood and
bamboo, which help to keep the house cool.

These passive design strategies help to make the traditional Malay house a
comfortable and sustainable home in the hot and humid climate of Malaysia.

In addition to these passive design strategies, the traditional Malay house is also often
oriented to face the prevailing wind, which helps to further improve ventilation. The house may
also be located in a shaded area, such as under a tree or near a body of water, which can
help to keep it cool.
References:

1) https://museumvolunteersjmm.com/2022/02/14/malay-architecture-traditional-houses/

2)https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Natural-ventilation-and-stack-effect-diagram-of-
Selangor-traditional-Malay-house_fig5_271364373

3) https://unhabitat.org/news/23-sep-2019/the-climate-is-changing-so-must-our-homes-how-
webuild-them

4) https://www.usgbc.org/articles/how-green-buildings-can-help-fight-climate-change

5) https://www.build7southisland.co.nz/post/designing-and-building-for-climate-change
CLIMATIC DESIGN

The Köppen climate classification system is one of the most widely used climate
classification systems in the world. It was first published by German-Russian climatologist
Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen, notably in 1918 and
1936.

The Köppen climate classification system divides climates into five main climate groups:

A: Tropical climates

B: Dry climates

C: Temperate climates

D: Continental climates

E: Polar climates

Each of the five main climate groups is then subdivided into subtypes based on the
amount of precipitation and the temperature range. For example, tropical rainforest climates
are classified as "Af" in the Köppen system, while Mediterranean climates are classified as
"Csa".

The Köppen climate classification system is used by scientists, geographers, and other
professionals to study and compare climate patterns around the world. It is also used by
businesses and governments to make decisions about agriculture, infrastructure, and other
planning activities.
CLIMATIC DESIGN

Five (5) references to define climatic design.

Climatic design is a type of architectural design that takes into account the local climate in
order to create a comfortable and sustainable building. Climatic design principles can be used
to improve the energy efficiency of a building, reduce its environmental impact, and create a
more pleasant indoor environment for the occupants.

• https://boeingconsult.com/Environment/ClimateZones.html
• https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Climatic-Design-of-the-Malay-
House_fig2_229045288
• https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/sustainabledesign/climatic
• https://mhathwar.tripod.com/thesis/climaticarch/climatic_architecture.html
• https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/design-climate

Climatic elements that need to be applied to in building design and land development based
on Malaysia climate;

1. Amount of rainfall

2. Sunlight intensity

3. Wind speed

4. Temperature

5. Air pressure

6. Air humidity
WEEK 4

BALANCE DESIGN CONCEPT & GREEN BUILDING

Refer to Design Strategies in Hot Humid Climate as discuss in lecture note Balance Design,
sketch and make simple note on those six (6) strategies.

1. Single-banked building plan with large openings to maximize air movement at the
occupant level. Typically, and elongated plan on an east-west axis.
2. Since external air is used for cooling purposes –internal building temperature cannot
be lower than the external air temperature in the shade.
3. Lightweight construction with more than 50% of wall openings.
4. Thermal insulation is required only in surfaces exposed to direct solar radiation (east,
west and roof).
5. Sun shading devices are recommended for south walls (north walls in southern
hemisphere).
6. Facilitate the air movement between north and south walls –avoid physical
obstructions.
7. Homes often raised at some height above ground level to maximize air movement
(wind slightly reduced at ground level owing to vegetation
BALANCE DESIGN CONCEPT & GREEN BUILDING

Describe green building index (GBI) and the assessment criteria. Give one example of design
practice of each criteria for building in Malaysia.

The Green Building Index (GBI) is Malaysia's first comprehensive rating system for
evaluating the environmental design and performance of Malaysian buildings. It is developed
specifically for the Malaysian tropical weather, environmental and developmental context,
cultural and social needs. The GBI initiative aims to assist the building industry in its march
towards sustainable development.

The GBI assessment criteria are divided into six main categories:

1. Energy Efficiency: This category assesses the building's energy performance,

including its use of electricity, water heating, and cooling. For example, a design
practice that can help improve a building's energy efficiency is to use natural ventilation
and daylighting to reduce the need for artificial lighting and cooling.

2. Indoor Environment Quality: This category assesses the quality of the indoor
environment, including the air quality, thermal comfort, and acoustics. For example, a
design practice that can help improve a building's indoor environment quality is to use
low-emitting materials and to provide good ventilation.

3. Sustainable Site Planning & Management: This category assesses the building's
impact on its site, including its use of land, water, and resources. For example, a design
practice that can help improve a building's sustainable site planning and management
is to use rainwater harvesting and to plant trees to shade the building.

4. Materials & Resources: This category assesses the building's use of materials and
resources, including its use of recycled materials and its waste management. For
example, a design practice that can help improve a building's materials and resources
is to use locally-sourced materials and to minimize waste.

5. Water Efficiency: This category assesses the building's water use, including its use
of potable water and its use of recycled water. For example, a design practice that can
help improve a building's water efficiency is to use water-efficient fixtures and to collect
rainwater for reuse.
 6. Innovation: This category assesses the building's innovative features, such as its use
of renewable energy or its use of green technologies. For example, a design practice
that can help improve a building's innovation is to install solar panels to generate
electricity.

To achieve a GBI rating, a building must meet a certain number of points in each
category. The minimum number of points required to achieve a certified rating is 50, and the
maximum number of points possible is 100. The higher the number of points, the higher the
rating.

The GBI is a valuable tool for developers and building owners who want to design and
construct green, sustainable buildings. It can help them to reduce their environmental impact
and to save money on energy and water costs.

BALANCE DESIGN CONCEPT & GREEN BUILDING

List five (5) green building assessment tools in other countries.

1. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a

green building rating system developed in the United Kingdom. It is one of the most
widely used green building rating systems in the world.

2. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building rating

system developed in the United States. It is the most widely used green building rating
system in the United States.

3. CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency) is a

green building rating system developed in Japan. It is one of the most widely used
green building rating systems in Asia.

4. Green Star is a green building rating system developed in Australia. It is one of the
most widely used green building rating systems in Oceania.
 5. DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) is a green building rating system
developed in Germany. It is one of the most widely used green building rating systems
in Europe.

These are just a few of the many green building assessment tools that are available in
different countries. Each tool has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to
choose the right tool for your project.
WEEK 5

VENTILATION IN BUILDINGS

What are the mechanisms of natural ventilation in buildings?

Natural ventilation is the process of moving air through a building without the use of
mechanical fans or pumps. It relies on natural forces such as wind and temperature
differences to create airflow. There are two main mechanisms of natural ventilation:

1. Wind-driven ventilation: This type of ventilation occurs when wind blows across the
face of a building, creating a pressure difference between the windward and leeward
sides of the building. This pressure difference drives air into the building on the
windward side and out of the building on the leeward side.
2. Stack ventilation: This type of ventilation occurs when warm air inside a building rises
and exits through the roof or upper levels of the building. This creates a pressure
difference that draws cooler air in through lower openings in the building.

The effectiveness of natural ventilation depends on a number of factors, including the

size and shape of the building, the wind speed and direction, and the temperature difference
between the inside and outside of the building.

There are a number of design features that can be incorporated into buildings to
improve the effectiveness of natural ventilation. These features include:

1. Openable windows and doors: These openings allow air to flow into and out of the
building.
2. Ventilators: These devices can be used to increase the airflow through a building.
3. Stack effect devices: These devices, such as chimneys and wind towers, can be used
to increase the stack effect and improve ventilation.
4. Green roofs: These roofs help to insulate buildings and reduce the temperature
difference between the inside and outside of the building, which can improve the
effectiveness of natural ventilation.

Natural ventilation is a sustainable way to ventilate buildings. It can help to reduce

energy consumption and improve indoor air quality. However, it is important to note that natural
ventilation is not always effective, especially in areas with low wind speeds or high humidity.
In these cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary.