The Increased Emission of Harmful Gases in Environment - Essay Example

Egyptian Green Building Council (EGBC) As the increased emission of harmful gases in environment is damaging ozone layer, every country is striving hard to overcome and preserve the natural environment. Egypt has also been striving hard for the past two years in order to address greenhouse emission and improve building energy efficiency systems. The increase in population has resulted in increased demands on almost every sector of Egypt and these demands have lead to the realization of using efficient energy systems. These demands along with the Egyptian state would ultimately constraint the long term growth of the economy of Egypt. Researches and extensive studies have shown a direct linkage between energy and population growth. Due to this reason, Egyptian government and other officials have decided to look for different ways which can reduce the GHG emission and power consumption. For the accomplishment of this goal, developing energy efficient building is the first step in identifying the alternative methods of efficient energy. There have been many proposals forwarded for improved performance but manpower and interest is absent here. Many people are experiencing this dilemma however some other people are looking for alternative systems in order to deal with this issue and increase awareness to other people about its importance. In subsequent paragraphs, there are some initiatives taken for the bridging the gap between code compliance and code design. i. “Egyptian Green Building Council” In 2009, a major step was taken by Egyptian government in establishing Egyptian Green Building Council-EGBC. There are many international and national personalities who have become member of this council; they include NGO officers, government officials, ministers, labour leaders, contractors and prominent businessman. The objective of developing this council is to satisfy environmental conservations and energy efficiency by providing opportunities to investors to adopt BEECs and other existing codes. The purpose of focusing on new constructions is that by focusing on it, EGBC can utilize its leverage as an organization to persuade and educate builders, engineers, owners and contractors about the advantages of establishing green constructions on people, community and most significantly, to the nation. In this way, green construction can be a required objective for buildings, construction work and other projects as energy efficiency codes would be tools, material and road map to attain that desired objective. The imperative motivation is to eradicate the clichéd perspectives related to the green construction. It will assist in taking appropriate course of actions that are financially logical and incorporates national and global concern by generating viable sustainable projects in order to meet the long term and short term needs of common people. The incentives that are associated with the Green permit included: i. Postponements, Waivers and Tax Brackets ii. Concessions in utility iii. Employee assistance and support iv. Equipment finance and support v. Financial assistance including insurance, credits and guarantees ii. “Eco-villages National Projects” The Minister of Housing, urban communities and utilities have permitted a proposal for developing an eco-village in Egypt. It is decided to construct eco villages as per the Green Building Regulation, Green Principles and BEECs. A site in Cairo has been selected for this purpose. HBRC is assigned the construction and design of this project. Egypt has a critical situation about the sustainable standards and homeless population. Increasing population of homeless people will have a direct and adverse impact on the Egyptian economy. It can also rupture the social cohesion and security of nation. For this case, the project of setting up eco-villages will provide an opportunity for implementing sustainable techniques, methodologies, technologies and systems. These technologies and methodologies are aimed to benefit the homeless citizens to get back to a social place in community. It is expected to contribute positively by improving the welfare of the nation. This project is proposed to provide people with basic necessities of life that are education, health care, work training, religious guidance and social assimilation. In response to these facilities, people will produce energy, food and other kind of output in order to cooperating with the enterprise. As an additional benefit, people will experience the ownership of property and will become self reliant individuals. iii. “National Affordable Non-Conventional Housing Projects” In 2008, HBRC delegated a project to explore the opportunities for low income families by introducing environmentally friendly and energy efficient Housing systems. The group which was assigned to lead the project assured that BEEC would incorporate into development and design of those housing projects which can utilize support and energy efficient materials. This new system is proposed for public development at larger scales and therefore it is expected to satisfy social, environmental, energy and aesthetic needs. It will be the major driver of government, individual and private constructions. For this reason, numerous manufacturers and producers have taken forward steps to define the objective of these communities in order to utilize these systems. The practice of including urban planners, architects, constructors, builders and engineers will forge a vision that will meet LEED requirements and will lay the basis for sustainable communities. The developmental process will integrate an entire community which will include clinics, hospitals, malls, cinemas, mosques, clubs, schools and stores. iv. “ICC HBRC Building Inspector Program” In 2004, Urban Communities (MHUUC) and Ministry of Housing Utilities signed a memorandum with International Accreditation Service (IAS) and International Code Council (ICC). The purpose of this memorandum was to train the Technical Inspectors by developing a national program. The initial certifications of this program included fire protection, structural concrete, mechanical inspection and plumbing. This program will be coordinated with HBRC’s technical support and additional research. The goal of this program is to provide insights and technological innovation to the job site. There is enormous demand of green housing in Egypt but the availability of professionals to conduct programs for this is limited. For this reason, inspectors will have a higher demand and will play a major role in establishing building codes and enforcing BEECs. They can also support the Green Building Rating System (GBRS). This certification will be beneficial in adding professionals to the workforce and will provide individuals with the opportunity to differentiate them. They can also stand out from other in their field of expertise. Awareness and general knowledge about green principles are also expected to be increased by great extent in building community. The inspectors after this certification will stand in frontline in the battle of energy efficiency, enforcement and compliance in Egypt. Career advancement and increased earnings will be some other bi product that will ensure the safety, health and welfare of inspectors. Properly trained professional are an imperative requirement for every nation and by conducting appropriate programs their skills can be furnished. Trained inspectors will demonstrate honesty, integrity and fairness in their dealings, will maintain the competence professionally in their field of employment and will not exercise acceptance for their personal favours. These ideal characteristics can secure the foundation of Green Egypt. Why Green Pyramid? The pyramids located in Giza are considered as oldest green structures. The reasons for such considerations are: Utilization of green materials Naturally available ventilation system Naturally available lighting system Minimum maintenance required and durability Structural system is sustainable Harmonizes with the environment Level of Green Pyramid Rating System (GBRS) The following are the three levels of GBRS. i. Green pyramid ii. Golden pyramid iii. Silver pyramid The highest level of certification is considered as green pyramids which increase the awareness and substantiate the ultimate objective. References Achieving profitable and sustainable buildings and infrastructure projects for Egypt. (n.d.). Retrieved on 8 February 2012 from http://www.sustainableconstructionegypt.com/Event.aspx?id=382420 Egyptian Green Building Council. (n.d.). Retrieved on 8th February 2012 from http://egypt-gbc.org/ HBRC. (n.d.). Retrieved on 8 February 2012 from http://newmedina.eu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=12&lang=en Read More