Engineering and Construction Cost Effective Low Carbon Buildings - Coursework Example

Engineering and Construction Cost effective low carbon buildings Engineering and Construction Cost effective low carbon buildings 1.0 Introduction With the world turning back to sustainable lifestyle, it has become important in the recent years for architectures and other designers of buildings to come up with a remedy for our buildings. To achieve this, development of green designing has been adopted with the hope that this will achieve the needed reduction in wastage of the worlds depleting resources. This new ideology however had a place in 1983 when the brunt land commission was set up by the United Nations to ensure green development was achieved. Though its efforts were genuine there was little cooperation back then in the grassroots and thus the idea hit a stagnation despite the fact that the world populace saw there was need to go green. This report however comes forth to showcase the return of that purpose in the 21st century and through different sections addressing the history, principles and examples of green design hope to win the hearts of its readers to a green future. 2.0 Green design History While green design is hugely a 21st century concept. Keeler (2009) notes that green design was there back in time 700 A.D in the United States. An Indian tribe known by the name Anasazi Indians had managed to build a house that incorporated all the aspects of a good house, in that it protected them from elements like wind, cold extreme hit or rain in addition to wild animals. What is amazing is the designing incorporated recyclable material that was non toxic natural and non conventional. Though this is not possible to apply to modern housing, it showcases that green designing in architectural is an idea that was long before our time. 2.1 Development of green designing through history Early on our ancestors designed their houses using Hides, leaves, branches, and sticks. During those days majority of the people were nomadic thus a temporary house fitted the time perfectly. While for the Indians this was designed and carefully developed considering all aspects of architecture. The same was not across the world with most people only building houses as temporary shelters. However Kibert (2013) notes that the agrarian revolution created a cause for people to stay in one place for longer time. This was followed by the advancement in design as people started to integrate long lasting material like Timber, stones and clay. This was to be quickly followed by synthetic materials like bricks which were not only long lasting but also far prestigious and a symbol of success. Later on in the industrial revolution poorer populations were to turn to plastics and metals with industries going for metal when creating industrial structures since it was cheaper to bricks. 2.2 1980s Krygiel et al (2008) notes if there was a time that the green designing would have revolutionized our houses was the 80s. The rise of the green movements acknowledging the need for change had pushed to revolutionize housing designs. This however did not last as energy saving was the cornerstone of their argument, while in the 80s energy was not only cheap but the least of anyone concern. This was in direct opposite to the cost of materials used to build green houses which further contributed to the demise of green housing idea. 2.3 21st century The 21st century on the other hand can be confidently being converted to the green century. Maffei & Houze (2010) notes that people are far more informed on the effect their lifestyle has on the global environment and in turn governments and their populace are pushing for reforms through different environmental stakeholders. However McLennan (2004) states that whiles this is true people are also very dependent to certain luxuries that are leave behind a huge carbon footprint. This however isn’t to state that green revolution is not going to happen. Sabnis (2011) Points it will but it will take more from governments and its stakeholders. Responding to the need for green designed houses the UK government has come up with grants to encourage green designs. It has gone further to make it mandatory for houses built between 2008 and 2016 to be installed with renewable energy. To ensure its success the UK government proceeded to create a carbon trust which is non profit and independent to work towards cutting down of emissions in the present Kibert, (2013) asserts that this is only one country among other which are taking the green issue seriously. 3.0 The Principles of Green Design Over the years green design has achieved many definitions. Calkins (2012) notes that the best so far is “green design is the responsible creation and management of an environment that is healthy built ecologically and ensuring efficiency principles. What however brought about green design in the 21st century is the realization that the world resources were being depleted unsustainably creating need for the world citizens to rethink their approach to using of the world environment. This however perhaps would have gone unnoticed as Jones (2008) points out; the rising cost of energy was the warning gunshot that got everyone’s attention. Rise in energy meant a rise in even the most of basic things like food, clothes and in this case shelter. This pushed governments and organizations both nonprofit making and commercial to turn their attention towards green practices in the hope that in the near future this would not only bring down the cost of energy but would result in a more secure source. To achieve this over the year’s different organizations governments included have come up with what would be called green principles for guiding the implementation of green idealism in all realms of the modern world. In architecture those green principles fall in a number of categories .1) is energy efficiency 2) heating and cooling systems 3) insulation, 4) solar panels, 5) indoor air, 6) water efficiency 7) building material 8) local recycling 9) minimal waste 10) user management 11) air and ventilation 12), technologies and 13) location 3.1 Energy saving Friedman (2007) states the best way to save energy is not to just to reduce usage for its sometimes beyond us to cut down on energy for examples may find it hard to just shut down every light or machine though we can do this at home; cutting down on utility is the best approach but to do this the only way is to incorporate energy saving on design. A good example of this is in the bulb Friedman (2007) notes while an ordinary bulb is cheaper it’s at the long run far costly than the LED bulb which is a little costly initially; it is estimated that the LED bulb only uses 30% of what is used by the ordinary bulb saving 550 KWH annually by reducing usage from 700KWH to 150KWH. This has also been witnessed in green buildings where bigger properly placed glass windows increase warmth in the house during winter. 3.2 heating and cooling systems Reed (2009) the reason for very high costs in purchasing and maintaining cooling and heating systems is simply because in most cases the designing of the house and that of the heating and cooling systems is done separately. Keeping with this Jones (2008) asserts that incorporating the energy saving designs from the onset reduces the cost plus ensures efficiency in the installed systems. An even better approach is to ensure there is thorough understanding of the locations weather and environmental elements like heat, cold or wind. When this knowledge is incorporated to the designs there is definite cut down in the cost of the cooling systems. An example of this is installing heating systems in ventilation systems when designing the house for hotter water which would be cheaper than solar panels and more efficient. 3.3 Insulation Vallero & Brasier (2008) observes that cold and heat finding way into the house are usually errors of design and construction. To avoid this insulation comes to save the day. Insulation not only saves energy wastage by it is fairly inexpensive in the long run and capable of protecting the interior of the house from cold during cold seasons and heat during the hot seasons. Peters (2011) though states that the energy saved in an insulated house is largely dependent on the location of the house or building the size and the overall structure. This also goes along with the nature of the system installed to cool and heat the house. While in its obvious that design is usually to blame Jones (2008) notes that the occupants of a building are also a serious factor to consider. During insulation its best to consider the fact that, the roof is usually the biggest waster of energy and thus a lot of effort and efficiency should be availed when insulating it.` 3.4 Indoor Air Indoor air according to Farr (2012) is 100 time more toxic than the outside air. This is so especially in building with high populations. This is bad for health as would be expected and there is great need to observe and ensure that the building’s design takes care of this. Jones (2008) observes that the most cause of toxicity is largely volatile organic compounds a good example being adhesives and synthetic fabrics and paint. Green designers incorporate use of non volatile organic compound. This can be further being incorporated with systems for sucking out toxic air from the building while introducing better air. 3.5) water efficiency It is possible for green designers to assist in cutting down on water usage, by incorporating certain aspects in the design of the house. To achieve this however Calkins (2012) notes there would be need to bring in new technologies like the double flush toilets, which use only four liters and six liters when in full mode. Unlike the earlier single flush which uses up to 13 liters of water. It is estimated that toilets use as much as 30% of the household water. Other devices that cut down on water are flow taps, flow restrictors, flow sinks and showers. To achieve this it’s important the plumbing be professionally done as this too affects water usage: Other methods that are; at best common are the trapping and storage of rain water which can be used for drinking and cooling the building during hot seasons. The use of grey water as pointed by Lehmann (2010) can also go a long way in saving water if incorporated early on in the design. 3.6) air tight & ventilation When dealing with the issue of air tight it’s all hinged on how well it was thought out during conception of the design and thus if done well it can result in ensuring there is good quantity of air in the building. It is important very early on in the design the air tight problem is well noted Lehmann (2010) notes this would go a long way in safeguarding the efficiency of the airtight barrier. Furthering this Vallero & Brasier (2008) states that builders in should be well informed on the importance of air tight barrier. When getting rid of stale air good ventilation systems should be installed as this is expected of airtight buildings (Lehmann 2010). Although it’s important to point out that a large number of mechanical ventilation systems are inefficiently designed or installed in conditions that are not favorable. 3.7) Building material When it comes to building green design the form of the house really matters in terms of the surface area being low in comparison to the volume ratio Calkins (2012) asserts that small surface area reduces the area of the roof that waste needed heat. It is possible for a designer to come up with materials for use that make it easier for a building to go green. One of the best materials according to Vallero & Brasier (2008) is aluminum which reduces noise and is non toxic, strong and anti corrosive. A green builder would consider carefully the material he uses to preserve heat inside the house. Ceramic walls, tiling and cavity insulation will increase the insulation of heat in the house thereby reducing the need for heaters Carroon (2010). The latest technologies on building material are biological filters for septic tank which provide extra insulation using fiber glass to control pollution to the environment. The bio tank has the ability to self disinfect thereby requiring no treatment while it’s easy to install and anti leak. 3.8) Local recycled material When it comes to building green one of the best methods is to use recyclable material where possible however it is as equally important to consider the source of the material because if it is from too far away the carbon foot print might be as bad (Thompson & Sorvig 2008). Therefore it is always best to stick to the local materials where possible. One of the reasons why these materials work- is because recycled material use less energy and minimize waste unlike new materials. Most are usually from older demolished buildings where a builder can purchase gravel, stone and non toxic materials to enhance and cheapen his building. 3.9) Zero waste A good way to avoid wastage during construction is to avoid wastage of any sought by converting old buildings into new green modern buildings whereby an old building is installed with new technology and refreshed design to fit in. (Lehmann 2010) during this process materials that can be recycled are used while materials that are toxic and inefficient are responsibly done away with. 3.10) user management The issue of user management is one of great concern to many green builders and designers. Jones (2008) points out that no matter how well a house is built with all green outfits the user determines the final success of the green building. Good management of the resources made available in the green building is a process and requires the user to be equally responsible. 3.11) Technology 21st century is slowly becoming the new age of technology. Companies are going for each other with cutting edge inventions that consequently found their way in to the green designers choices Friedman (2007) however notes before technology can be enthusiastically applied it important to ensure that it reduces carbon emission, and while we may not want to suffer the fate of the green movement of the 80s cost reduction is important in line with the consumer or the satisfaction of the customer. When this three are in tandem then its possible to claim victory on the same. The advent of solar systems, renewable heat, fuel cells, power systems and small scale hydroelectric technologies have only come to aid the green designer in coming up with buildings that fit the standard expected of a green building Calkins (2012) though notes that inspite of all this technologies the its important to ensure the government planning and consumer expectations march. 3.12) Location Location is paramount to creation of a successful green building. If the location is wrong however green the house is the effect might never be felt or achieved. Green designers should avoid old growth forests and wetlands while landscaping should stick to non invasive plants preferably where possible the plants should double up, as food. The design should take in mind the site whether new or integrated to older buildings to ensure that it is sustainable. Also important is the nearness of the building to transportation ie bus stations, railway transport or others to reduce the carbon foot print brought about by long journeys between places (Abraham 2006). 4.0 Leadership in Energy Environmental Design. LEED Certification LEED certification is the biggest achievement of a building in the 21st century. When a building is certified by LEED it means that the building in question has observed the following criteria 1. Energy efficiency; by this it means the designers ensure that their designs are up to date and implemented so that the outcome is that the building is efficient in all aspects of energy saving and production a building like this it means can produce a certain amount of power it uses while the same time making use of the modern technology to cut down on usage of the energy in the building. Another important factor is 2. Sustainable development; while a building can be up to date with green technology integration. LEED ensures that the technology and the design are sustainable long into the future. This is important since some buildings in the past though green in nature were not sustainable and in the long run they were a huge waste of resources resulting in even more damage to the environment than were initially aimed to achieve. Thirdly is the factor of the water efficiency. LEED greatly appreciates a building that puts effort in saving water. This is because water like energy is in the center of life itself and without it no building would be green enough. Thus as a resource it should be fully considered in the design to avoid wastage and contamination. Then there is the matter of indoors everything else according to LEED can be done properly but fail to achieve the expected standards when it comes to the inside. A green building should be habitable and the air inside should be fresh and up to standard. In short environment inside the green building should be of high environmental quality to ensure the health of the occupants Lastly LEED is most concerned of the building material used though toxicity is at the centre of this what actually matters is the source of the material what carbon footprint that leaves and where possible the use of recyclable material is applied. 5.0 Examples Across the world there are many examples of green houses and green buildings I have thus chosen to report on three two of which are LEED certified and one which is a ambitious project that showcases what the green future hopes to look like. 5.1 Council House Building Melbourne The council house building in Melbourne cost about $50 million Australian dollars to develop. With this it achieved 10 stories. However what is most outstanding is its ability to successfully have sewage recycling (black water) and to as well integrate solar pv for energy this was coupled with chilled ceilings, and wind turbines. The builders went further, to successfully use recycled timber for cooling down the building and recycling energy for heating and cooling the building 5.2Trans bay Towers San Francisco The rooftop of the Tran bay Towers perhaps I one of its kind it has the ability to absorb the building Co2. This is coupled with wind turbines and solar pv that work together to generate electricity. In addition to this amazing design the towers is also 100% ventilated with natural air system. While this might seem impressive taking its size into account the building also has the capability to capture and recycle rain water which gives it an extra mark as a green building in the 21st century. 5.3 Masdar City Abu Dhabi Masdar city is an ambitious project that perhaps marks the future of green designs. The aim of its designers is to design a city that will be fully powered by renewable energy mostly solar pv outside the city. In addition to this the city is to lie on 6 square miles with both working and living space strategically organized. Inside the city their will be no automobiles of any kind achieving the city zero carbon. The goal is to have a city that not only has zero carbon but also zero waste in line with ecological goals. 6.0 Conclusion What is most important factors to consider when it comes to green design is alternative use and production of energy, efficient insulation , windows that perform equally efficiently, a seamless construction that avoids leakages and unnecessary errors, environmental air conditioning system, good ventilation and recycling. All this factors should maintain affordability when being integrated into the system. Equally it is necessary to ensure that the materials used are not only green but long-lasting and equally up to date with the modern technology. It’s very important that the designer works closely with the constructor’s, builders and other stakeholders e.g. future occupants to ensure that the designs are sufficiently installed and implemented to achieve success It’s my hope that this report gives the necessary evidence to show that green design is important to our future and to the sustainability of our environment. With green design the world can achieve a better life for all its occupants. References: Abraham, M. (2006). Sustainability science and engineering defining principles. Elsevier Amsterdam: Boston. Calkins, M. (2012). The sustainable sites handbook : a complete guide to the principles, strategies, and practices for sustainable landscapes. Wiley: Hoboken, N.J. Carroon, J. (2010). Sustainable preservation : greening existing buildings. Wiley: Hoboken, N.J. Farr, D. (2012). Sustainable Urbanism Urban Design With Nature. John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken. Friedman, A. (2007). Sustainable residential development planning and design for green neighborhoods. McGraw-Hill: New York. Jones, L. (2008). Environmentally responsible design green and sustainable design for interior designers. John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, N.J. Lehmann, S. (2010). The principles of green urbanism : transforming the city for sustainability. Earthscan: London Washington, D.C Keeler, M. (2009). Fundamentals of integrated design for sustainable building.: John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, N.J Kibert, C. (2013). Sustainable construction green building design and delivery.: John Wiley & Sons. Hoboken, N.J. Krygiel, E., Nies, B. & McDowell, S. (2008). Green BIM Successful Sustainable Design with Building Information Modeling.: John Wiley & Sons. Hoboken. Maffei, G. & Houze, R. (2010). The design history reader.: Berg Publishers. Oxford New York. McLennan, J. (2004). The philosophy of sustainable design : the future of architecture.: Ecotone. Kansas City, Mo Peters, T. (2011). Experimental green strategies : redefining ecological design research.: Wiley John Wiley distributor. Hoboken, N.J. Chichester. Reed, B. (2009). The integrative design guide to green building : redefining the practice of sustainability.: Wiley. Hoboken, N.J. Sabnis, G. (2011). Green building with concrete : sustainable design and construction.: CRC Press. Boca Raton, FL. Thompson, J. & Sorvig, K. (2008). Sustainable landscape construction a guide to green building outdoors.: Island Press. Washington. Vallero, D. & Brasier, C. (2008). Sustainable design : the science of sustainability and green engineering.: John Wiley. Hoboken, N.J. Read More