Construction of Sustainable: Green Star Commercial and Retail Buildings - Term Paper Example

Running Head: CONSTRUCTION OF SUSTAINABLE/GREEN STAR COMMERCIAL/RETAIL BUILDINGS Construction of Sustainable/Green Star Commercial/Retail Buildings Course Tutor Date Construction of Sustainable/Green Star Commercial/Retail Buildings Introduction The common goal of green house practices is to lessen the effects of the built environment on both human health and natural environment. This is done by allocating the resources effectively, reduction of both waste and pollution as well as by protecting the health of the occupant. In this report, I will be examining the sustainability principles since they are applicable to all developments irrespective of the ultimate product. The principles consist of, preliminary considerations, rating tools, site characteristics as well as passive design (Strategic Urban Solutions Project Team, 2010). Rating Tools Numerous rating tools have been developed worldwide to measure different aspects of the environmental performance of buildings. Basically, there are three systems prevalently used in rating the building within Australia and the systems include: Green star NABERS EnviroDevelopment At completion of the master plan, the building should acquire star rating or at least use the directions star rating offers to incorporate sustainability into the development. Preferably, the recommended star rating tools should consist of: Green Star-Office Design v3: this if for ensuring that environmental impacts were taken into account when designing the building as well as the documentation to certify these considerations. Green Star- Office As Built v3: This is used in certifying the construction and procurement of environmental initiatives of an office building. Green star-Office Interiors v1.1: In evaluating the environmental impacts of an interior fit out. This consists of matters like natural light, waste management, energy conservation, low emission paints as well timber from sustainable forests (Oliver, 2009). Green Star Green Star is classified into nine segments that evaluate the environmental impact that is a direct result of a project site selection, design, construction in addition to maintenance. These classifications are: Management Indoor Environmental Quality Energy Transport Water Materials Lands use and ecology Emissions Innovation These classifications are divided into credits and every credit has the likelihood of improving environmental performance. Points are granted in every credit for actions that illustrate that the project has complied with the general aims of Green Star. Once these are evaluated, the proportion score is calculated and Green Star environmental weightings are then applied, which differ allover Australia to indicate the diverse environmental concerns (Oliver, 2009). Design for Disassembly The present status of construction is very wasteful and maybe it might be difficult. Nevertheless, steps can be taken to change from the present wasteful practices to a more closed-loop system. This is where Design for Disassembly (DFD) comes in. Design for Disassembly refers to the deliberate effort when designing in order to maximize the potential for disassembly rather than demolishing the building completely or partly, to enable components to be reused and materials to be recycled after recovery. For DFD to be effective DFD should be considered early within the design stage and the construction team should be informed of the DFD before the project is started. Below are the key principles for design for disassembly as applicable to buildings: Utilize recycled and also recyclable materials Reduce the number of types of materials Avoid both toxic and risky materials Utilize lightweight materials and elements Offer typical and stable identification of material types Utilize an open building system with compatible parts Utilize modular design Avail access to each and every building components Reduce the number of fasteners and connectors Design joints and connectors to bear up recurring assembly and disassembly Maintain information on the building and its assembly procedure (William, 2009). Design for Disassembly has a vital role in reducing waste during construction and can lead to reduced costs because of reusing some materials throughout the future stages of development. Passive Design Climate Effective knowledge of the local climatic condition is important and essential within any sustainable development. Solar Orientation Solar orientation is the manner in which a building and the sun angle correlate and is very important in passive cooling. The shape of the building as well as building envelope can control solar radiation in addition to effective usage of shadows (Strategic Urban Solutions Project Team, 2010). Natural Ventilation Air movement is a very important aspect of passive cooling since it increases the rate of evaporation. Cross ventilation is most efficient in air exchange, which cools the buildings and fans for the movement of air which in turn cools people. An air speed of 05.m/s is equivalent to a three-degree fall in temperature at comparative humidity of 50%. The proper usage of window canopy’s and louvers can direct cross breezes optimizing individuals and building cooling. Windows that have louvered sunshades normally optimize the direction of the breeze (Mugan, 2008). Thermal Chimney Effect (Sustainable Built Environments, 2007) Indoor Environmental Quality Volatile Organic Compounds Reduction of toxicity of the indoor environment is very important. The following measures should be implemented to reduce exposure to volatile organic compounds; Make sure that asbestos and other mineral fibers are eradicated from the space that had been occupied before the construction started Give specifications that all furniture used during fit out should not give off or should give off the lowest VOC emissions possible. Utilize modular reusable carpet and one that can be recycled Make used of paints, caulking and sealants that are water based Manually operable windows should be installed for improved ventilation Make sure that all HVAC equipment is appropriately sealed during storage (Hordeski, 2010). Lighting Lighting has a very important role in facilitating a healthy indoor environment. The perfect healthy indoor environment allows natural light indoors and the lighting should replicate natural light as much as possible. In order to have the best possible lighting environment, below strategies should be employed: Make use of Led or compact Fluorescent lighting in the entire building as this is just like natural light and saves energy costs Do not use ballasted lights which include, fluorescent, mercury vapor, metal halide in addition to sodium lights Use windows and skylights sufficiently as this improves natural lighting (Luis, 2008). Daylight Glare Control To alleviate the negative impact of interior glare, windows situated on the eastern and western façade is supposed to have low Visible Transmittance (VT) rating. It is possible to accomplish this through choosing window types with suitable levels of glazing applied. The table below illustrates various types of windows and their corresponding VT levels: Type of window Glazing VT Single-glazed Clear 0.69 Double-glazed Clear 0.57 Double-glazed Bronze 0.43 Double-glazed Spectrally selective 0.51 Triple-glazed Low-e 0.48 (Strategic Urban Solutions Project Team, 2010). Sound/Noise Transmission Noise that comes from air handling systems, lights, transformers in addition to other sources can cause distress and also health problems to the building occupants. Below steps should be followed when designed an acoustically satisfactory indoor environment: Make sure that sound levels within particular areas of a building are at or below the standard range for the precise application. Supply suitable insulation from areas that generate noise Lower the requirement for fluorescent light ballasts (William, 2009). Water Efficiency The two most crucial components of the hydrological cycle in a building include the supply of potable water and waste water disposal. Reorganizing the delivery of these components can extend the supply of the available water, improve human health and assist in protecting sensitive eco-system. The following steps are necessary in improving the conservation of water; Install low flow fixtures and fittings with AAAA ratings. This includes urinals, showers, taps as well as drinking fountains. Integrate electronic controls for fixtures for enhanced water savings Implement strategies of harvesting rainwater for supplying all urinal flushing and landscape irrigation requirements. This needs water catchments and also storage area and connection to plumbing system. Even though costly to design, grey water systems may be used in separating gray water and black water for the purpose of irrigation (United Nations, 2009). Utilize native and adaptive species for landscaping since they need less water when compared to exotic variety. Make use of adequate mulch to lower the rate at which the water is lost as a result of soil evaporation. Make use of semi permeable surface and design landscape. This absorbs storm water run off (United Nations, 2009). Energy Efficiency The conservation of energy is one on the most important matters in the built environment. This is because energy can cause negative effects on the environment and also there is high probability energy costs increasing. Implementation of energy reduction measures results into high savings in the long run, in spite of initial capita costs. Energy reduction measures that are effective include: Maximizing construction components of passive design whenever possible. Installing effective HVAC system that reduces energy usage Integrating effective lighting systems, for example LED, lighting controls, electric motors and maximizing day-lighting Integration of renewable energy use. This will maximize extent possible Implementation of a Building Management System (BMS) using carbon dioxide sensors as well as water metering (United Nations, 2009). This table shows some of the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy systems Renewable Energy Type Advantages Disadvantages Photovoltaics (PVs) New technologies allow integration into building façade Price of PV modules is dropping as demand increases Still comparatively costly Potential problems associated with metering and the local utility Wind Lowest kWh cost of any renewable energy source Generally large, unsightly generators Wind is unreliable and significant annual wind speed is needed Biomass Can use local vegetation for fuel Very low-cost energy source Biomass systems for buildings are rare and not readily available (Strategic Urban Solutions Project Team, 2010). Sustainable Materials In order to accomplish a sustainable result in the long run, it is advisable to use materials having: High-recycled content Low toxic emissions Low embodied energy and embodied water This table is the general guideline when choosing each key category of building material: Wood and wood products Supposed to come from sustainably managed forests and must bear labels to certifying this Concrete and Concrete Products Reducing the quantity of cement in concrete should be the major strategy. Fly ash and blast-furnace slag can be partially replace cement (up to 35%). Metals: Steel and Aluminum Utilize recycled steel and aluminum products. Aluminum panels are corrosion resistant, lightweight, and are enormously helpful for roofing material. Plastics Reduce Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) where possible. Biobased polymers can be recycled easier using natural processes. (Strategic Urban Solutions Project Team, 2010). Transport Generally, transport has a great environmental impact and it is necessary to take actions to alleviate the negative externalities related to automobiles. Employees should use a carpooling system but still other strategies can be employed to lower individual car use. Car parking spaces may be designed to promote utilization of smaller cars through designing all spaces to be 2.3 x 5m. Still, enough cycling facilities should be included as this will encourage the employees to cycle instead of driving. This comprises areas where bikes can be stored, change rooms as well as facilities for showering. This will also reduce congestion of traffic on construction site (Richard, 2008). Management Building management is an essential element of a building’s general sustainability. A comprehensive project management plan that is specific should be created to offer the contractors the guidelines that should be used during construction phase. This will ensure that the contractors adhere to the given objectives of the entire construction. A building user’s guide should also be established and availed to the users, occupants, tenants as well as the owners; this will offer information that will enable the users to optimize the building’s environmental performance (Yasser, 2010). It is recommendable that an independent commissioning agent should partake in the tuning of the building after practical completion. This will ensure that all building’s systems are operating effectively and efficiently. This is important because a HIVC system that is not operating properly will not cool the temperature inside the building appropriately and this will elevate the consumption of energy and also lower the quality of indoor environment. Furthermore, buildings in the Master plan should be connected to a Building Management System (BMS). The Building Management System regulates and controls functions that can occur as a result of human error. Building Management System controls energy usage by identifying the rooms being used through sensors and swipe cards. This way, lights and air conditioning can only be utilized if there is a person in the room and all windows are closed. In case the climatic conditions are good, the Building Management System can switch of air conditioning units and switches as well to natural ventilation form. It can even identify any pipe or tap that is leaking (Yasser, 2010). Building Management System can also measure: Air temperatures at both indoor and outdoor Return Carbon dioxide emissions Ambient lighting General area lighting External lighting Rainwater Potable water Grey water Power utilization Power that is produced from substitute sources Light utilization Movement of air as well as ventilation rates (Richard, 2008). Any of these components and more can be incorporated within a Building Management System. A Building Management System is very important since it senses, reports, exhibits and also measures sustainable aspects in addition to adding and maintaining safety. This enables those using the building to have a better understanding regarding the sustainable features (Strategic Urban Solutions Project Team, 2010). Waste Management Managing the waste is a fundamental requirement of Ecological sustainable development. In order to lower negative environmental effects, it engages the; monitoring, collecting, transportation, processing and disposal of all waste material. The building should be equipped with plastic, glass, organic bins and paper that can be accessed easily. All these should be separated and processed in accordance with the description. Material efficiency should be promoted as this will enable and facilitate the recovery and re-usage of materials that are disposed (Richard, 2008). Sustainability Considerations Management Implementation of the design for disassembly strategy requires creating a disassembly plan which is useful during demolition during stage of the master plan. There should be constant coordination with the construction manager as this will ensure that all materials will be identified properly (Yasser, 2010). Energy Energy competent appliances and fixtures should be used. Still, T5 high frequency ballast lighting should be used. Water Water efficient amenities (WELS) should be installed and this includes, dual flush toilets, waterless urinals and AAA rated urinals. There should be water sub metering and regular maintenance examinations and leak inspections should always be carried out. Cooling towers should be well maintained and there is supposed to be native and adaptive landscaping and resourceful usage of mulch as this lowers evaporation in the soil (Yasser, 2010). IEQ The building should have a low VOC interior including furniture, paint in addition to modular carpets and the fabric used should be Eco labeled. The printing and photocopying rooms should be enclosed using separate exhaust risers and mould should be prevented within the ducts. Mode areas that can be mechanically or naturally ventilated should be mixed and operable windows ought to be installed to improve the natural ventilation and daylight. It important to ensure that indoor temperature are monitored and controlled through the Building Management System. Features that aid in lowering the noise should be installed. This includes insulating western walls to lessen the noise coming from the warehouse. Finally, the design used should be open plan and there is supposed to be external shading to decrease direct sunlight, glare and heat as well (Gail, 2008). Material Materials to be used for floor types include, polished concrete, recycled or FSC timber floor, modular carpet and bamboo can also be used. Paints and sealants used should have low emissions and it is advisable to used HDPE plumbing rather than PVC. Furthermore, minimization of materials is necessary and concrete should be replaced with industrial waste products (Yasser, 2010). Emissions Refrigerant with low GWP and ODP should be used and also insulation appliances with low ODP should be used as this will help in lowering the rate of emissions. All cooling towers should be installed with leak detection systems and the discharge should be filtered to the sewer (Sustainable Built Environments, 2007). Water Waste management strategy is supposed to be introduced. This includes establishing recycling bins for various building materials such as aluminum, timber, steel, concrete and other materials being used. This engages a close and constant communication with the construction team (Sustainable Built Environments, 2007). Temporary Car Park The design of the car should be designed such that car space will be availed as much as possible. A temporary car park should be constructed as this will offer simple and direct access to new shop fronts for retail clients. The car park should fulfill the short term parking requirements for retail visitors in addition to partially for personnel parking requirements. This too is supposed to offer a platform for future used of strategic area since open space and entertainment precinct within the moderate and long term as well. The space should be redeveloped to provide a solution to people’s present needs (Yasser, 2010). Illustration of the Car Park (Strategic Urban Solutions Project Team, 2010). Shared Services Building Shared services should be centrally located and connectivity between the buildings should be established. The initiative behind having a shared building is to have the shared services within a centrally located position on the site and this will make the access easier. The shared services building should meet the requirements of an A grade office building whereby green star sustainable performance rating is supposed to be between 4- 4.5 stars (Bose, 2010). Conclusion As the population increases and natural resources are depleted faster, there is need to conserve energy, manage the manner in which raw material are used, as well as reduce waste and protect against pollutants. As a result, the Green star tool will help in ensuring sure that designers and developers use building materials and technologies that will assist in saving energy and preserving the integrity of the surrounding land and also guarantee a clean, healthy indoor environment (Yasser, 2010). Green star tool is important in evaluating the environmental initiatives incorporated into an office tenancy fit out after completion of base building construction. The tool is recommendable for usage at the design stage of office to make sure that green initiatives are taken into consideration as early as possible in the process. The tool examines complete tenancies after practical completion. Finally, Green star tool allows designers to standardize the environmental performance of educational facilities starting from primary schools to universities as well as TAFE facilities (Bose, 2010). References Bose, K. (2010). Energy Efficient Cities: Assessment Tools and Benchmarking Practices. Alberta: World Bank Publications. Gail, V. (2008). Sustainable healthcare architecture. New York: John Wiley and Sons. Hordeski, M. (2010). Megatrends for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. New Jersey: The Fairmont Press, Inc. Luis, B. (2008). Portugal SB07 Sustainable Construction, Materials and Practices: Challenge of the Industry for the New Millennium. Lisbon: IOS Press. Mugan, M. (2008). Review of the green star rating tool in commercial buildings Building research project. Austria: University of South Australia. Oliver, W. (2009). Improving the energy performance of buildings: learning from the European Union and Australia. Sydney: Rand Corporation, 2009. Richard, H., (2008). The environmental brief: pathways for green design. California: Taylor and Francis. United Nations. (2009). Climate Action 2009/201. Chicago: UNEP/Earthprint. William, S. (2009). Greening brownfields: remediation through sustainable development. Toronto: McGraw Hill Professional. Yasser, M. (2010). Construction Research Congress 2010: Innovation for Reshaping Construction Practice: Proceedings of the 2010 Construction Research Congress, May 8-10, 2010, Banff, Alberta, Canada. Atlanta: ASCE Publications. Sustainable Built Environments. (2007). ESD Design guide: Office and Public Building. Melbourne: University of Melbourne. Strategic Urban Solutions Project Team. (2010). Strategic Urban Solutions Project: 10-2 Capstone project: Billabong HQ. Queensland: Varsity Lakes QLD. Read More