Green Building Considerations for Northern Australia - Assignment Example

Green Building Considerations for Northern Australia Submitted By: Submitted] With the growing concern for the environment, people are becoming more aware of their activities. The construction sector has been identified as one of the leading causes of pollution. The current trend is to incorporate environmental factors such as climate and material safety. In this study, the requirements of building in Northern Australia are determined with environmental principles taken into consideration. Introduction In the past, vertical structures were constructed with due regard only to the effects of the environment to the structure and with minimal concern to the effects of the structure to the environment. This goes especially true for buildings which are designed to withstand wind, ice and earthquake loads with a minimal consideration of the effects of the building and even the construction process to the hydrological, biological, chemical and physical balance and sustainability to the immediate and even far flung environments. The Building and Construction Sector (BCS) holds significance in Northern Australia for many reasons and has real importance for sustainability because of the life of the built product, often 50-100 years or more, as well as the implications for our environment, our social life and our economy. The BCS is a large producer and consumer of resources, including materials, labor, finance, and energy, both during and post construction. It is often a key indicator of economic stability and investment and is a target of government monetary policy to manipulate a volatile economy. It is a large direct employer, and indirectly supports all other sectors including, mining, manufacture, agriculture, transport, and commerce. It also results in the alteration, destruction, or redefining of the natural environment, and has significant impacts on the land, water and air. (Cole, 2002) How our built environment is planned, designed, and constructed can largely determine our quality of life. A well-planned and designed built environment will consider the natural environment and validate it as intrinsically important and also necessary to our own wellbeing. The human built environment can and must be one that supports ongoing wellness and integrity of the natural environment as well as the individual and society, whilst maintaining social and economic prosperity. The sustainability of our built environment, and our physical health and emotional wellbeing is intrinsically linked to the quality of the environment. This paper will examine the details, costs and benefits of constructing a building that incorporates environmental consideration such as climate considerations energy efficiency. We will be mainly concern in determining the construction process in Northern Australia. Northern Australia: A Profile Northern Australia is generally considered to include the States and territories of Australia of Queensland and the Northern Territory. The part of Western Australia (WA) north of latitude 26 south - a definition widely used in law and State government policy - is also usually included. Although it comprises about half of the total area of Australia, northern Australia includes only about one fifth of the Australian population and only one city of more than one million people (Brisbane). However, it includes the main sources of Australian exports, being coal from the Great Dividing Range in Queensland and the natural gas and iron ore of the Pilbara region in WA. It also includes major natural tourist attractions, such as Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Great Barrier Reef and the Kakadu National Park. The area is also notable for its primarily tropical, sub-tropical, or arid environmental and climatic conditions. Figure 1 presents the average Daily Maximum Temperature ranging from 27 to 33 Degree Celsius giving credence to its and arid climate classification. Figure 1: Average Daily Maximum Temperature Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology Online http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/climate/cgi_bin_scripts/annual-monthly- minmax-temperature.cgi Nevertheless, Northern Australia experience more rainfall than other Australian territories as shown in Figure 2. This is why it is also some parts of Northern Australia is considered to be tropical. Figure 2 Average Annual Mean Rainfall Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology Online http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/climate/cgi_bin_scripts/annual-monthly- rainfall.cgi Construction and the Environment In Australia, commercial buildings produce 8.8% of national greenhouse gas emissions, generating up to 46.4million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (increasing by at least 3% per annum). In Australia, buildings generate more than 40% of all air emissions. Estimates of the cost burden on the Australian economy from poor Indoor Environment Quality are placed at $12 billion annually. (Australian Greenhouse Office, 1999) The environmental issue related to construction has generated policies in Australia leading to, for example, the GreenRatings Scheme which is used to determine the greenness of buildings. There are other policies and the issue is progressively gaining momentum and as such it will be on the constructor's advantage and security to observe and comply. (Ross, 2005) Design, Siting, and Construction Once a green building team and project goals have been established, the siting and design phase can begin, followed by construction. Post-construction activities such as commissioning, testing, and maintenance are also important for ensuring that the building performs as expected. When designing and siting a building, factors like regional climate and environment should be taken into consideration. For example, in cold climates, proper insulation is necessary for maintaining optimal indoor comfort and energy efficiency. For warmer climates such as the case for Northern Australia, cooling systems and processes are the requirements. There are various technologies and systems for heating and cooling. The current landscape of the potential site should also be considered. For a new building, it is ideal to preserve as much of the current vegetation as possible, and limit the building's "footprint" to the smallest necessary area of land. For an existing building, strategic planting of new vegetation to naturally reduce cooling costs through the increased shade may be considered. (Gestring, 1997) Beyond design decisions influenced by local environments, the structures and systems within the building must be developed with consideration of their impacts on each other. For example, in designing a building's energy systems, an efficient envelope (the building's basic elements like walls, windows, and roofs) can significantly reduce loss of heat in the winter and absorption of heat in the summer. This can reduce the size of equipment needed for heating and cooling, which can result in significant energy and cost savings. In some cases, a highly efficient building can eliminate the need for certain equipment like air conditioning, further increasing these savings. The green design elements that a building team decides to incorporate will vary with building type and location, budget, project goals, and other factors. Below is a chart showing the basic categories of green design specified by LEED (developed by the United States Green Building Council) for new and existing commercial buildings and schools, along with examples of elements applicable in each category. The draft categories for the LEED residential rating system vary slightly, but are quite similar. Figure 3. Green Building Design Considerations Source: Australian Green Buildings Mission Report (2003) Construction Material Considerations The manufacture and supply of the materials completes the basic elements of construction that a sustainable building needs. Sustainable materials include those from new and recycled products. Currently most homes and buildings that are deemed sustainable are limited by the amount and extent of sustainable materials that are available. A comprehensive supply of sustainably produced materials is lacking within the sector. Even so, adesigner, builder or occupant of a truly sustainable home must consider the materials to be used. Materials that include a high-recycled content are of highest priority because the capturing and reuse of waste materials reduces resource consumption, lowers the materials embodied energy and lessens landfill and associated impacts including potential ground water pollution. Green Procurement and life cycle assessment (LCA), or cradle to grave assessment of materials are terms that relate to sustainable materials and must therefore be of prime importance in sustainable building and construction. Green procurement and LCA relates to environmental management, the environmental impact on habitats and eco-systems, air, land and water pollution, level of resource consumption, and reusability including recyclability. (Lomborg, 2001) Although current building practice has the builders choosing where to buy materials and products, the designer can specify particular materials, even extending to a full materials specification list. Project homes companies and the larger building companies have a more integrated design and materials specification, with many of the materials sourced from preferred manufacturers and suppliers. It would be more environment-friendly to source construction materials from EMS/ISO accredited suppliers which supply building products such cement/concrete, clay bricks and tiles, steel and aluminum, and timber. In addition to designing a building's green features, steps must be taken throughout the construction process to ensure their inclusion in the project and improve conditions for construction workers during construction. This requires continued involvement of the building developer and architect to ensure green technologies and materials are installed properly and that the site is clear of air pollutants and other hazards to workers. (Ross, 2005) Once the building has been constructed, it should be aired out before occupancy to dispel any remaining construction fumes. Of course, the fewer toxic materials are used in the construction process, the less of a problem this will be. Commissioning Do not underestimate the value of commissioning. Commissioning is a rigorous quality assurance program administered by a knowledgeable third party that ensures the building performs as expected. Buildings, even simple structures, are complex systems of electrical, mechanical, and structural components. Green buildings are healthy, efficient, environmentally sensitive structures whose performance and efficiency can be significantly affected if the building has not been designed following the owner's intent or constructed according to the designers' specifications. For example, systems intended to be highly energy efficient may not yield intended fuel or electricity savings if pumps, switches, and fans are not installed according to design. Building testing and maintenance Even after occupancy, green building practices should continue through the proper testing and maintenance of building systems and equipment to maintain the building's high level of performance. In particular, continued testing of energy and water systems is critical to ensure they remain efficient. Landscaping should also be maintained to prevent erosion and to keep vegetation in good condition for optimal sun allowance/shading. Successful maintenance requires the education and buy-in of operations and maintenance staff in the purpose of the building's green features. Most often, training and manuals can help ensure proper use and repair of green building systems. (Australian Building Codes Board, 2002) The Importance of Integration The involvements of all project team members who design, build, and maintain building systems is essential to the successful performance of a green building. Because green building is still a relatively unfamiliar process for many firms, this can require more training and collaboration than a conventional building project. However, the long-term environmental and financial benefits are significant, so it is worth taking the time to integrate the building team to ultimately reap these benefits. Energy Efficient Considerations The easiest way to ensure energy efficiency in buildings is to design it to suit the local climate. By taking advantage of free natural warmth from sunlight and cooling from breezes you'll reduce your need to use costly energy for heating and cooling. Careful building design can easily achieve internal temperatures 5C warmer in winter and 10C degrees cooler in summer than in typical, poorly designed homes in the south west Australia. According to Arnel (2005), the main features of energy efficient design relates to: - Building orientation - Internal room layout - Window placement, sizing and shading - Use of insulation - Ventilation - Draught proofing - Use of heat absorbing building materials - Landscaping - Use of energy efficient appliances. Most features such as improved layout, appropriate window placement and sensible garden design, will make little difference to initial building cost. Other features such as fully insulating homes may add to costs, but the savings in energy bills will quickly pay them back. Solar Heating Water heating for cleaning, showers, washing dishes and clothes is the single biggest greenhouse polluting activity in residential buildings. This is because much of the heating mechanism is thru the of LPG, the burning of which produces greenhouse gases and process for producing and bringing to homes produces large amounts of greenhouse gases. Around 30% of the greenhouse pollution of residential buildings comes from water heating but only 5% of Australian homes have a solar water heater installed. Residential buildings should incorporate a solar water heater. ((Australian Greenhouse Office, 1999) Water heating in Brisbane, Darwin and other places in Northern Australia accounts for 40 percent of the energy bill. Incorporating a solar heater in the design of the building can save up to five tonnes of greenhouse pollution every year. Solar energy is abundant in humid Northern Australia and the incorporation of such devices can work for the construction firm as their customers can save two to three times the cost of their water heater over the life of the system. (Australian Greenhouse Office, 1999) Government rebates on solar water heaters are available in every state except Tasmania making it all the more attractive for incorporation. Figure 4: Solar Energy Design in Residential Buildings Source: Australian Green Buildings Mission Report (2003) Energy Efficient Artificial Lighting Another simple matter that can be incorporated in the design is the incorporation of energy efficient lighting systems which are becoming more and more available. Instead of using light globes or halogens, one can use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). (O'Meara, 1999) The range of CFLs has broadened significantly to include 'warm' colours and to fit almost every type of fitting, including outside spotlights and downlights. Replacing a 60 watt incandescent with the equivalent 11 watt CFL can save 107 kilowatt hours over a year if used for six hours a day - this is a saving of around $15.50 per light, per year. (O'Meara, 1999) One kilowatt hour equals one kilogram of greenhouse gases or 1.4 kilograms in Victoria due to brown coal use. Replacing a 50 watt halogen in the same scenario will save 85 kilowatt hours, or $12.30 per light per year. Cost-competitive of green buildings A 2003 study conducted for the California Sustainable Building Task Force shows that an initial increase in upfront costs of approximately 2% for green design will yield lifecycle savings of more than ten times the initial investment, or 20% of total construction costs (based on a conservative estimate of a 20-year building life). Based on the study's findings, if $40,0001 in green design is initially invested to incorporate green features into a $2 million dollar project, the initial investment is repaid within two years. Over a 20-year period, savings amount to $400,000. This example shows the importance of performing a lifecycle cost analysis of green buildings, rather than simply taking a first-cost view of the green technology investments. According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), even the first costs of some green buildings are comparable to or less than prevailing construction prices in their areas, because of resource efficiency and correctly-sized mechanical, electrical, and structural systems. In standard buildings, these systems are often oversized, and therefore more expensive and less efficient. (Newman and Kenworthy, 1999) Conclusion Construction of buildings has to be considered in line with environmental principles. This is the now accepted trend that construction entities must bear into mind. Considerations of climate of the area where the project is to be established can result to a design which can make use of the heat to generate power for heating water. It will also lead to an efficient design with the incorporation of day lighting, orientation and landscaping schemes. Studies have shown that the incorporation of such principles will prove to be more cost efficient in the long run. This consideration all apply to Northern Australia where the climate is a combination of tropical, semi-arid to arid conditions. Solar heating can be incorporated in the design to make it more cost-efficient. An efficient, layout, one that makes use of shadings to minimize the exposure of the home (solar cells can be placed in the backyard) should be considered by the designer as to minimize the use of air conditioning. Designers should also consider using construction materials such as recycled steel (for the quality of recycled steel is the same as the brand new steel). There is also the concept of orienting buildings against the general flow of the wind at day time to increase natural ventilation and consequently decrease artificial ventilation. The designer, the construction managers and laborers must be mindful of the environmental impact of their activities. One can generally be sure of the greenness of materials which constitute the buildings by implementing the Green Ratings created by the Australian Green Building Council. From the design phase to construction to management and oversight, green building principles can be incorporated and observed. With the development of policies and program, it is best that the construction firm be aware of such and adhere to its rules and regulations. Recommendations In general, the following is a checklist of what a construction firm should consider: Use of construction materials that are environmentally friendly which means that it does not contain toxic chemicals and that the pollution generated and energy consumed in the production process should comply with acceptable pollutant emissions and sustainable energy consumption. Take into account the environmental patterns of the area so as to utilize it for a greener and energy efficient building. For example, make room for solar cells in the design of the building so as to lower energy consumption or orient the entrance to homes gains the wind for ventilation. Ensure that all the materials register an acceptable score using the Green Ratings. Follow up the utilization of the building by occupants and determine whether the green concepts incorporated are functioning. If not, find the cause and address it. Determine the environmental impact of the project at the conception phase of the project so as to be able to come up with a solution of preventing pollution from happening. For the construction firm, make use of green concepts as they may porve ot be more cost-efficient. References: Arnel, T (2005) "Green Building the key to a sustainable future", Media Release from the Victorian Building Commission. Retrieved April 19,2007 from www.buildingcommission.com.au. Australian Green Buildings Mission Report. (2003). "International Developments in Green Buildings". Retrieved April 19, 2007 from http://www.buildingcommission.com.au/www/default.aspcasid=3988, Australian Greenhouse Office Australian Commercial Building Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2010 (1999). Executive Summary Report 1999. Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) (August 2002). Regulatory Impact Statement. Energy efficiency measures for services & interim roof insulation for houses. ABCB, Canberra. Retrieved April 19, 2007 from http://wwww.abcb.gov.au Cole, Raymond (2002). "Why Build Green: 10 questions answered" Joint project by the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the School of Architecture, University of British Columbia. Retrieved April 19, 2007 from http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/buildsmart/pdfs/whybldgrntenkeyquest.pdf Davies, Ross (2005). "Green Value: Green buildings, growing assets. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveryors (RICS). Retrieved April 19, 2007 from www.rics.org/greenvalue Gestring , E (19997) from Schurer. J (2001). Urban Ecology, Innovations in Housing Policy and the Future of Cities: TowardsSustainability in Neighbourhood Communities.PhD Thesis, ISTP, Murdoch University, Perth Western Australia. Lomborg, J. (2001). The Sceptical Environmentalist: measuring the real state of the world. Cambridge University Press, New York. Newman, P and Kenworthy, J (1999). Sustainability and Cities: Overcoming Automobile Dependence.Island Press, Washington D.C. O'Meara, M (1999). Exploring a New Vision fro Cities. In Lester R. Brown et al, 1999, State of the World. W W Norton & Co., New York Read More