Sustainable Design of a Sports-Centre Complex - Case Study Example

Sustainable Design of a Sports-Centre Complex Introduction Sustainable construction comprises of processes through which environments are built basedon efficient use of available resources and ecological principles, encompassing: whole life cycle issues, procurement, site planning, material selection and use, recycling, and waste and energy minimisation. In this study, sustainability issues relating to the design of a large sports-centre complex for construction within Scotland have been examined. The complex has been planned in the grounds of a 150 year old derelict textile factory, which was subsequently used as a furniture factory and as a truck repair workshop over the past couple of decades. The building would be demolished and the waste material would be recycled for use in the construction of the new building, and its access roads and pavements. The grounds would be landscaped, paved and a new surface water drainage system would be constructed. Issues at Proposed Sports-Centre Complex Site The grounds previously housed a textile factory; a large masonry building. Textile and apparel industries produce wastewater that is produced throughout the manufacturing process. Desizing, dyeing, rinsing, bleaching, printing, finishing and cleaning are manufacturing processes that result in production of large amounts of wastewater. It has been estimated that 15 gallons of waste water could result from each pound of goods produced. Dyeing of goods could result in million gallons of wastewater daily. A relatively small amount of air emissions are released. At the end of production, approximately 28 to 6 percent fabric is wasted. Other waste includes packaging materials (North Carolina State, 2004). The site subsequently housed a furniture factory. Furniture painting includes the use of volatile organic compounds, and emissions of hazardous air pollutants. Volatile organic compounds include the use of formaldehyde. Blowing agents include the use of CFCs and HCFCs while production. Word work results in the generation of wood dust, and solid waste. The use of adhesives results in the generation of waste. Chrome, zinc and PVC are hazardous materials generated during various processes. Other materials used include steel/aluminium, fabric, plastic, and packaging material (US EPA, 2004). The last couple of decades saw the facility house a truck repair workshop. Truck repair involves repair/fabrication of the body, use of paints, and use of materials for welding and other repair activities. Paints involve the use of volatile organic compounds, and welding involves use of chemicals at high temperatures resulting in metal fumes. Waste in the form of metal scraps, wood, and other materials used in the fabrication of trucks are generated. An environmental assessment is required to determine the state of the environment at the facility; soil, facility and air. This includes collection of soil and water samples to determine levels of pollutants that might exist in the location, and whether the presence of these contaminants posed a threat to the future inhabitants of the building. Redevelopment of this brownfield land would require the demolition of existing facility. Figure 1. Bus and Truck Repair Workshop (London Bus & Truck, 2009) Figure 2. Repair Work (London Bus & Truck, 2009) Development of Brownfields Town planning policies developed by the Government have a focus on the reuse of land that has been previously developed, which are also referred to as ‘brownfields.’ However, returning this land and redundant buildings is a complex process. A study conducted by Syms (2001) examined the views of 230 stakeholders including property developers and professional advisors while activating the process of redeveloping brownfield land and buildings. It was ascertained that contamination was one of the many physical characteristics that could prove to be an obstacle in the reuse of land that had been previously developed. The value of brownfield, remediation difficulties and costs were obstacles to redevelopment. Stakeholders supported the development of ‘standards’ for the remediation of previously used land, as brownfield problems were becoming more complex. Several environmental issues have to be considered including site and use-specific factors such as noise, traffic generation, disposal of wastes, trees and other flora and fauna. The decision making process includes research into site history, site investigation, and records of remediation or site preparation. Contamination could be caused by activities undertaken at the site resulting in soils at the site containing substances that could pose a risk to wildlife, environmental quality or human health. Brownfield sites are considered less attractive because of higher development costs, and regulatory burden. Remediation measures are required prior to redevelopment. Polluted soils or groundwater, derelict buildings with asbestos roofing, fly-tipping or illegal dumping, production residues and other materials abandoned on the site are causes of contamination. Redevelopment of brownfield sites have been recommended for economic and social purposes such as housing, commercial, industrial and amenity uses (EPA Ireland, 2006). Trends in previously-developed land have been shown in table 1. Previously-developed land has declined by approximately 6 percent. There has been a reduction in vacant and derelict land by 17.5 percent since 2002, while there has been an increase of 12 percent in the land currently in use that has the potential for redevelopment (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2008). Table 1. Trends in Previously Developed Land: England 2002-2007 (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2008) Construction and Demolition Waste A construction and demolition waste survey carried out by the Wales Environment Agency (2008) revealed than 12.2 million tonnes of waste was generated in 2005-2006. Waste has been considered a valuable resource, and the Environment Agency helped companies manage their waste more effectively and turn the problem into a valuable resource. Waste was generated within the civil engineering sector, construction, demolition, and general builders (see Fig. 3). Figure 3. Proportion of Waste by Sector (Environment Agency Wales, 2008) Figure 4. Composition of Construction & Demolition Waste (Environment Agency Wales, 2008) Good site waste management practice by the C&D sector has resulted in over 6.8 million tonnes of C&D waste re-used on site, which was mostly aggregate and soils. Not mixing this waste with other wastes, the potential for reuse is increased. In situ remediation of contaminated land by the use of technology for cleaning materials on site and safe re-use allows for the reuse of hazardous waste. Waste management method includes recycling of soils, aggregate, wood and metals. Soils and aggregate could be removed off-site and re-used (Environment Agency Wales, 2008). Composition of C&D waste has been illustrated in the figure 4. Majority of waste includes aggregate such as concrete and bricks, soils and stones, wood, metals and plasterboards. Awareness among companies of Site Waste Management plans was low. Companies could use tools to measure their waste for improving an understanding of waste production and management. Adoption of waste minimization practices result in savings from waste disposal and generate revenue through the sale of recovered/recycled waste. Wastes such as wood or metals when collected separately increased the potential to recycle and re-use, as recycling and re-use from mixed waste containers was low. Recycling and re-use facilities for C&D waste enhanced efforts by companies to recycle and reuse waste (Environment Agency Wales, 2008). Figure 5. Waste Handled by Waste Management Option (Environment Agency Wales, 2008) Material Selection for Sustainable Design Richmond Olympic Oval Case Study The Richmond Olympic Oval is the signature venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The facility cost $178 million with landmark multipurpose sports, recreation and community facility on Richmond’s waterfront. The facility includes an innovative thermal utility using waste heat for provision of low-cost heating and cooling. A highly efficient mechanical system would contribute to the building’s energy performance that is 42% below the Model National Energy Building Code. Rainwater would be collected and stored for supplementing to toilet flushing, and irrigation of surrounding trees and landscaping. Sustainable materials include a 100 x 200 meter ceiling made from wood salvaged from British Columbia trees, low VOC paints, coatings, sealants, and laminates. Sustainable design includes site filtration system for diverting stormwater runoff, reduction of suspended solids and phosphorous, and prevention of sedimentation of waterways; bicycle storage and shower facilities encouraging alternative transportation; underground parking for reduction of heat-island effect; stormwater management system ensuring rate and quantity not to exceed predevelopment quantities and rates; and controlled interior and site lighting minimizing light pollution. Salient sustainable features were 75% construction waste that was recycled or salvaged; 75% building materials contained recycled content; 10% materials were manufactured regionally; durability of building components and their predicted life cycle were above average for building type; and recyclable materials were collected and stored on site. HCFC-free, halon-free refrigeration and fire-suppression equipment would prevent ozone depletion. Heating systems and building envelope would reduce energy cost by 45%, and 50% of building’s energy would include renewable energy resources. Hardy vegetation would minimize irrigation requirements, potable water would not be used for landscaping, low-flow fixtures and graywater harvesting would result in reduction of over 30% water use (Cannon Design, 2009). Figure 6.Richmond Olympic Oval (Cannon Design, 2009) Centres for Sport and Performing Arts, Adelphi University, Case Study The Centers for Sport and Performing Arts at Adelphi University includes sustainable design; offsetting heating and cooling loads with closed-loop, and water-to-water ground source heat pump system. Heat sink for HVAC systems includes 150 425 ft deep wells resulting in reduction of electricity consumption by 40%. Heat recovery systems have been included in air-handling systems which operate in low-occupancy mode conserving energy during low or mid-range occupancy. During the construction process waste was diverted from landfills through segregation and recycling. Low-VOC and recycled materials, locally manufactured products, low-flow plumbing fixtures, full-cutoff light fixtures and high-efficiency lighting control systems were sustainable features. The facility has dedicated storage and collection areas for recyclable materials, 20% building materials were regionally manufactures, and carpet, ceiling tiles, and drywalls incorporated recycled content (Cannon Design, 2009). Figure 7. Centers for Sport and Performing Arts, Adelphi University (Cannon Design, 2009) Construction Materials Construction materials such as concrete, steel, timber, glass, etc. influence the consumption of non-renewable natural resources and production of CO2. 75% of energy consumed includes production of concrete, plasterboard, bricks, and mortar. 13% is accounted for glass, steel, copper and paint. 8% is accounted by timber. The choice of suitable materials would satisfy design requirements, availability, costs and sustainability considerations (The City of Edinburgh Council, 2005). Figure 8. Contributions of Building Elements (The City of Edinburgh Council, 2005) While selecting materials manufacturers should provide environmental impact information; transport, recycling/reuse factors should be considered; recycled and reclaimed products should be used as they have relatively low embodied energy; and the use of high process embodied energy-intensive products should be minimized (The City of Edinburgh Council, 2005). Figure 9. Ecopoints (The City of Edinburgh Council, 2005) Approximately 90% of wood used for construction in the UK is imported from Northern Europe or USA consuming energy during transportation. It is desirable to use timber from well managed forests. The use of concrete could provide important sustainable properties to the buildings. Floor and ceiling construction combining thermal mass, ventilation path and acoustic insulation could provide good effects. Cement, water and aggregate are key ingredients of concrete. Approximately 3% of CO2 emissions in the UK are from cement from concrete, which has a high degree of embodied energy cost. Research has shown that there are no embodied energy differences between reinforced concrete construction and use of structural steel. Sustainable forms of concrete use recycled aggregates, and replacement of cement with materials such as pulverised fuel ash. Ground brisk dust has been considered a cement substitute. Metals have high embodied energy content, and should be used when they are the most suitable material for the job. This includes frames and tall buildings for cables. Recycling of materials could reduce their embodied energy. Alternatives to the use of metals include durable timber or fibre cement, which are more sustainable than the use of composite steel panels. Glass has relatively low embodied energy that could be offset by passive solar gain. For example, 1 m2 of south-facing glazing could be recovered by one week of passive solar gain. Glass allows the introduction of natural light into buildings; thereby lowering the requirement for artificial lighting. A future widespread use of glass includes photovoltaic units for the production of energy. Sustainable forms of glazing include double glazing, and argon-filled low emissitivity glazing. A disadvantage of glazing is its high cost indicating that it should be used strategically for maximizing potential sustainable benefits. Other benefits include good environmental and aesthetic effects. Materials known to cause adverse health or environmental effects should be avoided. CFCs and HCFCs, or other chemicals that are toxic or ozone depleting effects must be avoided. Tropical hardwoods from non-sustainable sources should be avoided. Peat should be replaced with suitable alternatives for prevention of environmental damage. Within the built environment, the use of chlorine in UPVC windows and PVC sewers makes it desirable to replace such materials with alternatives including durable timber or vitrified clay sewers. Design of buildings should include considerations for maintenance, with long term plans for materials based on their life span, and plans to upgrade materials as more sustainable options become available. Opportunities for the use of construction and demolition waste should be considered. Detailed material specifications and comparisons are available for the designer to consider (The City of Edinburgh Council, 2005). Life cycle assessment includes evaluation of implications made in the present. The choice of materials should include an assessment of impacts from raw material extraction, manufacture, construction, use, maintenance, demolition and disposal. ‘Environmental Profiles of Construction Materials, Components and Buildings is a publication available for LCA of building materials and components (The City of Edinburgh Council, 2005). Figure 10. Life Cycle Assessment (The City of Edinburgh Council, 2005) Sustainable Urban Drainage System Design Considerations Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) includes structures built to manage surface water runoff to be used in conjunction with management for the prevention of flooding and pollution. The methods of control include: prevention; filter strips and swales; permeable surfaces and filter drains; infiltration devices; and basins and ponds. The controls should be located close to rainwater falls, to provide attenuation for the runoff. Natural processes such as sedimentation, filtration, adsorption and biological degradation provide varying degrees of treatment to the surface water. SUDS could be designed for in a variety of settings. Local land use, land lake, and management and needs are design options for designers and planners (CIRIA, 2005). According to the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) (2005) site management includes design, maintenance, and education of users. Such measures could reduce quality control problems and improve amenity. Minimising runoff includes minimising paved areas and minimising directly paved areas. Impervious areas of the site increases runoff. A site similar to its greenfield state would have similar runoff. Lesser than 5% of the site being paved of compacted would have negligible impact on the quantity of surface runoff. Impervious area could be affected by gravel limits and gravelled surfaces could be used to replace tarmac in areas such as parking areas on driveways. Washoff of pollutants could be affected by reducing the amount of runoff. Recycling of rainwater could remove runoff from the drainage system. Hard paving and roofed areas could be drained onto unpaved areas. Paving and roofed areas could be drained onto unpaved areas. Footpaths and driveways could be drained into surrounding lawns. The surface water management train would allow return of runoff to the natural drainage system. Good housekeeping includes education, road sweeping, connections, roads and containment. Pollution in first flush during a storm could be minimized by clean paved areas. Preventing accumulation of contaminants is most effective. Silts traps, downpipe systems, and petrol separators are systems that could be used to treat runoff before reaching drainage systems. Education of users could help preventing contaminants entering drainage systems. Pollutants include car oil and antifreeze; detergents; household chemicals; and garden chemicals. These chemicals should be disposed properly, and fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides should be used sparingly. Regular sweeping would remove contaminants before they are washed into the drainage system. Swales and permeable surfaces should be used to avoid misconnections by replacement of underground surface water drains. Good practices should be observed during cleaning, winter maintenance and general maintenance. Risk assessments are necessary for provision of appropriate bunds and treatment facilities. Techniques and Devices Filter strips and swales are surface features that have been vegetated that drain water evenly from impermeable areas. Long shallow channels are swales while filter strips are sloping areas. The devices mimic natural drainage patterns allowing rainwater run in sheets through vegetation slowing and filtering the flow. The design of swales could include a combination of infiltration, conveyance, detention and runoff treatment. Polluting solids could be effectively removed through filtration and sedimentation. Swales and strips could be integrated into surrounding land use such as public open space or road verges. Wild grass and flower species could be introduced. Vegetation should be selected carefully as tussocks could create local eddies and increase the potential for erosion on slopes. Wider area with gentler slope could have shrubs and trees (CIRIA, 2005). Figure 11. Swale and Strip (CIRIA, 2005) Figure 12. Permeable Filters and Drains (CIRIA, 2005) Devices such as filter drains and permeable surfaces have permeable material underground for storing surface water. A permeable surface allows the flow of runoff into this storage area. Grass; reinforced glass; solid paving blocks filled with gravel or soil having large vertical holes; solid paving blocks having gaps between individual units; porous paving blocks with voids within the unit; and continuous surfaces with system of voids. Passage of water into the permeable fill allows treatment, storage, transport and infiltration of water (CIRIA, 2005). Water could be drained directly into the ground by infiltration devices. Such devices could be used at source or runoff, and could be conveyed in a pipe or swale into infiltration area. Soakways, infiltration trenches, infiltration basins including swales, filter drains and ponds are infiltration devices. Soakways and infiltration devices lie below the ground, while infiltration basins and swales store water on ground surface but remain dry most of the time except during heavy rainfall. These devices enhance the natural capacity of ground to store water and drain water. Rain soaks into permeable soil, which is a natural process used by infiltration devices for disposal of surface water runoff. Impermeable soil and/or shallow water table are limitations. Water that could be disposed by an infiltration device depends on infiltration potential of the soil. Runoff could be treated in different ways including physical filtration for removal of solids; adsorption onto material in soakaway, trench or surrounding soil; and biochemical reactions involving micro-organisms growing on the fill or within the soil (CIRIA, 2005). Figure 13. Infiltration Devices (CIRIA, 2005) Surface runoff could be stored in basins which are free from water during dry weather flow conditions. Flood plains; detention basins; and extended detention basins are such structures. Ponds contain water during dry weather conditions, and could hold more water during rains. Balancing and attenuation ponds; flood storage reservoirs; lagoons; retention ponds; and wetlands are examples of ponds. Ponds and basins store water at the ground surface as temporary flooding of dry basins and flood plains or permanent ponds, which could be designed for managing quality and quantity (CIRIA, 2005). Conclusion An environmental assessment is required to determine the state of the environment at the derelict textile factory. This includes soil, water and air samples. The building is to be demolished to give way to a new sports-centre. Sustainable practices have been considered in the design of the facility. This includes careful consideration of C&D waste from the previous building; incorporation of sustainable features into the new facility; life cycle assessment of the facility and materials including use of materials with low embodied energy; and considerations for sustainable urban drainage system design. References Cannon Design. (2009). Richmond Olympic Oval. Available: http://www.cannondesign.com/#/expertise/sustainable_design/case_study/40. Last accessed 17 November 2009. CIRIA. (2005). SUDS Techniques. Available: http://www.ciria.org.uk/suds/suds_techniques.htm. Last accessed 18 November 2009. Department of Communities and Local Government. (2008). Results from the National Land Use Database of Previously-Developed Land. Available: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/corporate/pdf/945914.pdf. Last accessed 17 November 2009. Environment Agency Wales. (2008). Building the Future 2005-2006. Available: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Research/cd_wls_exec_e_1987304.pdf. Last accessed 17 November 2009. EPA Ireland. (2006). Brownfield Site Redevelopment. Available: http://www.epa.ie/downloads/pubs/other/viewpoints/EPA_Viewpoint_Brownfield_Site_Sept%2006.pdf. Last accessed 17 November 2009. London Bus & Truck. (2009). Specialists in body repairs, chasis repairs, mechanical and paintwork. Available: http://www.londonbusandtruck.co.uk/. Last accessed 15 November 2009. North Carolina State. (2004). Textile and Apparel. Available: http://www.duke.edu/web/mms190/textiles/environmental.html. Last accessed 17 November 2009. Syms, P. (2001). Obstacles to the release of brownfield sites for redevelopment. Available: http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/obstacles-release-brownfield-sites-redevelopment. Last accessed 17 November 2009. The City of Edinburgh Council. (2005). Materials. Available: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/attachments/internet/environment/environmental_health/sustainable_development/sustainable_design_guide_web04.pdf. Last accessed 17 November 2009. US EPA. (2004). Furniture Manufacturers-Related Environmental Assessment Checklist. Available: http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/documents/manufactr_assmnt508.pdf. Last accessed 17 November 2009. Read More