To Zero Carbon and Beyond - Report Example

To zero carbon and beyond The words of Anon, “Man kind for a brief moment in time has been the ruler and shaper of planetary domain, as we believed, we could do as we wanted with species and elements at hand. The explosive development of consumerism, the replacement of nature with technology and the quest of wealth through disposability has transfixed us and deadened us to the rhythms and powers of our partners on the planet.” These were the words that motivated me and kindled me to bring in this report that I was entrusted with. The present scenario of heavy energy cost, increase in fuel price and hiked cost of other ancillary operation has forced us to stand still for the moment and think of an alternate that could be effective in long run in environmental, economic and consumer’s aspect. The solution that popped out immediately was the Green building/ zero carbon / zero energy rated/ sustainable building that might mitigate the issue by effectively reducing the energy consumption with in the organization. The latest report by the eminent economist Sir Nicholas Stern suggest that, the increase in global warming, the hot issue of debate might shrink the global economy by 20% has rung the alarm bell, forcing us to consider an environmental friendly solution. But keeping in mind the words of McCullough, 2001 “Strictly speaking the erection of building can never be an ecological activity since every phase of construction process involves an interface with the balance of nature”, I have tried to conceptualized the idea of green building that might be green from inception to obsolescence. Further the Green value report from Royal Institute of chartered Surveyors (RICS), states that clients are willing to pay for green building than conventional one as they are contented that these buildings on long run are less costly in maintenance and operation. Thus keeping in mind the aim of achieving zero reliance of energy, and the interest of stock holders I have tried to outline the concept of green building, an example, its advantage , cost effectiveness, myths and the answers for it. Green building: Introduction: From time immemorial people had built their houses with stones, blocks, dirt, manually by hand. As transportation picked up, there was a need for big and best homes, the building materials being transported 1000 of miles to fulfill their dreams. But with the fuel costs increasing, and with the limitation of environment felt , builders and architects have begun seeing wisdom in sustainable buildings. The Green buildings, the emerging trend of the century is far healthier for people, best for environment and also less expensive than conventional building products. They stand with the promise of, the pink of health, good life and clean environment for the mankind . (1) A Small look back on the facts of our house-the account of energy wasted would give us an account for the state of energy depletion we are standing in. The total of 87 gallons of water per day is wasted in US as washing machine, dish washing, dripping water and toilet flesh water, unhealthy air is forming 30% of buildings in US and they again are the largest percentage of world’s wood consumers. (2) Definition Green building is the type of construction that aims at increasing the efficiency of buildings and sites in such a way that they can use and harvest, energy, water, materials, thus reducing the impact of the building human health and environment, through betterment in all stages of buildings, life cycle as cycling, design, construction, operation, maintenance and remover. Thus Green building utilizes minimum natural resources during construction and operation, with their aim to minimize demand on non-renewable resources, and maximizing the efficiency of utilization of these resources, by encouraging reuse, recycling and by tapping renewable resources. The practice of green building can lead to the benefit of reduced operating cost, by increasing productivity and minimizing the use of energy and water, in the end improving public and occupancy health. (Hopkins,2002) (3) Sustainable building is an offshoot of Green building where sustainability no only lessens environmental burden but also takes care of economical social and political sustainability. It is different than Green development is that it is more practically feasible. Appropriate technology is another word that pops up, which means the technology that is appropriate to environment culture and economic situation. It utilizes fewer resources at lower costs. The zero energy building is a term applied to the building with a net zero energy consumption through the year. This would be measured in different ways as carbon emission, relative to costs and energy. It includes both the aspect of energy generation and conservation thus achieving a energy balance. The Zero energy approach is the solution to range of social environmental issues, by reducing carbon emission, reducing the dependents of oil power, fuel imports, providing a future for energy crises. The Green architecture has become famous in many countries as Australia, Canada, Germany, India, US and UK, targeting 20% saving in energy costs, 20% reduction in water cost, 38% reduction in waste water production and 22% reduction construction ways. There are many standards and ratings for Green architecture for different countries example LEED-Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design in US, Green building council of Australia, etc. (4) (5) (6) Green Architecture The green architecture is a project that works in harmony with natural features and surrounding resources of the site and use sustainable materials that can be grown easily or recycled rather than new materials from renewable resources. From inception to obsolescence the different steps that have to be incorporated in conventional style .The energy efficiency through out the life cycle of the building is the single goal of green architecture. Architects may use different techniques to achieve this. Using of building materials available with in 500 mile radius of the site would minimize fuel transportation. Building itself might me planned and oriented in a particular direction to take advantage of natural features as wind, sunlight, etc. Natural light reduces the energy consumption of artificial lights. Usage of materials as wood and its recycling from the same site would increase energy consumption. Well insulated windows walls and doors help to reduce energy loss. Thus reducing energy usage, to address further energy loss hot water heat recycling may be use to reduce usage of domestic water heating. Low impact building materials wherever feasible as insulation with low volatile organic compound materials such as recycle denim can be used. To control pest boric acid treatment and organic or milk based paints may be used. The reclaiming materials from architectural savages may be used as and when appropriate, as wood reclaimed for flooring doors windows etc. Other parts as mantel, hardware can be recycled in green building. Easily replenish able material – sustainable material as bamboo and outer bark of oak can be used instead of demolishing other trees that would take years grow back. Green architecture also reduces waste of both energy and material. In the construction phase its goal is to reduce landfills. A perfectly designed building can infact reduce the amount of waste generated by the occupants in log run by providing onsite solutions as composed winds, etc. When coming to the aspects of water Green architecture provides water treatment plants with many options. Gray waste water – the water from dish washer, washing machine could be used to flush toilets water lawn for car washing. Rain water collection for similar purpose can be used in the building with proper and special design for installing rain water collectors. Green architecture also emphasis the usage of new able resources in the place of non renewable resources for e.g. using sunlight through passive solar, active solar and photo voltaic techniques, that incorporates high thermal mass and insulation. Using plants and trees in green roofs, rain gardens for holding back the rain water run off would in fact reduce the water need.. Many more innovative techniques as using packed gravel for parking lot instead of concrete are asphalt could replenish ground water. Another aspect of the cost effective element on the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system is an well insulated building, that has less heat generating or less power dissipating efficiency but requires more ventilation to expel polluted air. Installing onsite-recycling technique as aerobic digester, and technology to capture energy from hot water and stale air to warm incoming chill and fresh air. One main point with the green architecture is climate oriented construction In cold area warmer and in warm area heater drain the energy. This energy loss can be paralyzed by using insulation for getting warmer feel and placing single storey building and building near water body for natural cooling effect, thus sited to go with natural force. Best bet or half the work can be considered to be finished if building is placed in proper place. Instead of placing in isolated , individual place which takes maximum power consumption, it can be placed in mixed zonal of urban and suburban area. When spoken about zero energy using or emission building, it never means that no energy is used but minimal energy that hopes on renewable energy is used. For this it employs both energy conservation as solar power and turbines and energy generation. Energy generation- using various micro generation techniques that may provide heat and electricity as solar cell, seasonal thermal store, autonomous off grid etc. (7,8,9,10,11,) It is easily understandable that proper design and construction is the base for a efficient and successful green building. Unlike conventional builder this green architect should in the beginning do an energy analysis and life cycle operating cost calculation along with those local building codes. These energy first building though in the beginning might look costlier on estimation, the reduced energy demand and operating cost would give an long standing profit. Designers of green building, initially use computer simulation tools to account for the range of variables available, and to decide building parameters as orientation (related to sun), window placement, over hang depth, insulation values of building, its air tightness , efficiency of heating system, lighting, local climate, water resource and treatment plants etc. This simulation gives the model and financial estimate and over it all above said features would be incorporated. (12) Another term often used in green building is life cycle analysis, that is assessment of environmental impact of the product through out its life span- the cradle to grave analysis that requires the assessment of raw material production, manufacture, distribution, disposal, including transport. In context of energy industry it is a holistic approach of tangible- fuel source, development, post extraction of land remediation, ware disposal etc. and intangible cost – release of carbon to environment, license and time and political resistance to innovative process from conception till the returning to the land or its next use state. Perfect example of cradle to grave to quote might be trees produce paper, recycled to low energy cellulose( for insulation) that act as energy saving device in the ceiling of home for 40 years thus saving 2000 times fossil fuel energy. (13) Example: The best example out of many types of green construction in many countries is passive house of German. This employed computer simulation and brought in ultra low energy building with green concepts as space heating provision- passive solar design solar heater and thermal mass super insulation –reduced heat leak by thermal insulation advanced window technology- as insulatd glazing, low emmisivity coating, argon and krypton type gas fill Air tightening- by careful air barrier installation, sealing joints and penetration points Ventilation- as heat recovery with high efficiency motors ,earth warming tube and heat exchanger lighting and electric appliance- low energy appliance as compact bulbs etc.(14) Advantages of green building: Green buildings has primarily three fold advantage, creates a healthy living environment Maximize the financial resource of both residents and owners by reducing the utility cost and operating expense. Minimizes local regional and environmental impacts. Offers reduced energy consumption without sacrificing the comfort levels of the residents Reduction in the destruction of natural areas, habitats, and biodiversity, with considerable reduction in soil loss from erosion etc. Reduced level of air and water pollution that offers with direct health benefits Reduced water consumption thus leading to better water resource management Limited waste generation due to recycling and reuse of material Reduced pollution loads as land fills are reused Increased user productivity that comes with economic benefit. Enhanced image and marketability and profit. (Joel Hirshberg , 1997) (15) Myths of green architechtureand the answers to it: Is green building more expensive? Though might look bit expensive in the beginning, many green building designs, strategies, materials and practices save money foe everyone by reducing ion long run energy cost, labor cost and medical cost now and future. Green building is healthier and usually in long run requires less maintenance cost. Green products are environment friendly, nontoxic and reduces the pollution level. no or non VOC –volatile organic compound is not exactly green building. It aims at reducing the main components in them that may create smog. Green building is still new and is not efficient as traditional building. This design and technology has been around in fact for more than 1000 years but in different form. The recent popularity is not because of recent health and energy cries but is an natural evolution in building technology. Green building is passing fad. No, locating buildings for breeze, solar orientation and for natural resources has long existed and would exist in future also. Green materials are not available? This is also a false statement as the principle of green building is to use local resources, tap renewable resource and recycle the waste.(16) Economics of green building: It has been estimated that $100,000 a year can be saved in energy cost by using 60% less energy than conventional building of similar size-98, 000 sq ft. Also CFC’s can be virtually eliminated and green house and acid rain are expected to be cut by 60 – 80 % Markets for many construction waste material, as cardboards, wood, concrete metal and glass are available and revenue opportunities for recyclers. the recycling industry can create 10 times more job in industry at same cost of sending waste to landfill. Studies show that initial raise of cost in life cycle is only 2%of 30 years. so for a healthy owner of 40 to 50 years occupancy, green house is a big project in term of energy, and maintenance charge.( John Hermannsson ,1995) (17) Conclusion: Green building is easy, a holistic process of application of little commonsense and not merely slipping green here and there. It requires more planning, research and closer collaboration between design and engineering. Green building design can be taken as an process of doing more with less, that uses less energy and extends building life beyond traditional 50 years. This process as explained requires an integrated team approach, with measurable goals established from inception, design alternatives, exploration, documentation, evaluation and assessing environmental impact. So the stakeholder including user, operator, builder, architect, designer and owner need to work together to define requirement and identify sustainable opportunities. Above all it is our duty to gift the earth or pass on the nature intact to the future generation as they have equal right as any others for clean air, unpolluted water and peaceful environment. Today is never late. So let as together, take step to save Mother Nature from the harm’s of pollution and abuse. Lets “Live green, maintain green and pass on the earth green to future generation “. Bibliography 1. Establishing Priorities with Green Building Feature - Environmental Building News September/October 1995 2. http://www.greenbuilding.com/greenHistory.html Green Building Timeline 3. Hopkins, R. 2002.A Natural Way of Building. Transition Culture. Retreived: 2007-03-30. 4. John Imes, Grün auf Deutsch, at HOME in the Capital Region, pp 35 -36] 5. Washington State Law Mandates Green Building, RenewableEnergyAccess, 2005-04-21. Retrieved 2007-02-10 6. "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_building" 7. Schumacher, E. F.; Small Is Beautiful: Economics As If People Mattered : 25 Years Later...With Commentaries. Hartley & Marks Publishers ISBN 0-88179-169-5 8. Common Fire Foundation Comprehensive Overview of Green Building, plus info on the net-zero energy "Greenest Building in the Eastern US" (non-profit) 9. Download 2000 ZEB meeting report 10. Zero Energy House - NAHB Research Center 11. "Self-Sufficient Solar House " Fraunhofer Institute's (ZEB), Freiburg, Germany 12. February 2002, Energy Design Update, "Zero Energy Homes Face Marketing Hurdles" 13. Thomas,J.A.G., ed: Energy Analysis, ipc science and technology press & Westview Press, 1977, 14. ecoLogical Home Ideas Magazine for green home building/remodeling 15. Joel Hirshberg , 1997 ,Six Myths about "Green" Building 16. http://www.noharm.org/details.cfm?ID=1061&type=document 17. John Hermannsson ,1995, Construction Cost Savings with Green Building Products Read More