Building Construction IV:

Chapter 7 – Sustainable Construction Techniques

Chapter 7: Sustainable Construction Techniques

Sustainable building involves considering the entire life cycle of buildings, taking environmental
quality, functional quality and future values into account. The five objectives for sustainable
buildings are as follows:
 Resource Efficiency
 Energy Efficiency (including Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction)
 Pollution Prevention (including Indoor Air Quality and Noise Abatement)
 Harmonization with Environment (including Environmental Assessment)
 Integrated and Systemic Approaches (including Environmental Management System)

WHAT IS GREEN BUILDING?

The term green building is used to describe design and construction of buildings with some or all
of the following characteristics:
 Buildings that have minimal adverse impacts on local, regional, and even global
ecosystems;
 Buildings that reduce reliance on automobiles;
 Buildings that are energy-efficient in their operation;
 Buildings and grounds that conserve water;
 Buildings that are built in an environmentally responsible manner from low-
environmental-impact materials;
 Buildings that are durable and can be maintained with minimal environmental impact;
 Buildings that help their occupants practice environmentalism, e.g. by recycling waste;
and
 Buildings those are comfortable, safe, and healthy for their occupants.

Green building addresses the relationship between a building and the land on which it sits; how the
structure might help to foster a sense of community or reduce the need for automobile use by its
occupants; how to minimize energy use in the building (energy consumption being one of the
largest environmental impacts of any building); and how to create the healthiest possible living
space.

Energy conscious design

The main features of energy efficient housing relate to
o Building orientation
 Longer façade facing south
 Appropriate spacing between buildings
o Site planning
 Energy conservation
 Passive space heating modes
 Active space heating modes
o Internal room layout
o Window placement, sizing and shading
o Use of insulation
o Ventilation

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o Use of heat absorbing building materials

o Landscaping
o Use of energy efficient appliances

Energy type
1. Renewable
It is the term used to cover those energy flows, which occurs naturally and repeatedly in the
environment and can be harnessed for human benefits.
Sources: Sun, gravity force, earth’s rotation
Examples
 Solar energy
 Wind
 Wave
 Hydroelectric
 Bio-mass
 Energy from waste
 Tidal power
 Geo thermal energy

2. Non-Renewable
The flow of energy that can be extracted from the elements available, as the source goes on
depleting while the energy is being generated.

Sources
Minerals, nuclear elements
Examples,
 Fossil fuel
 Nuclear energy
 Electricity by fuel

1. Solar Energy
Active solar heating
Active solar is a term which refers to the use of solar energy to "actively" convert the energy in
sunlight into other forms. It is contrasted to passive solar which refers to certain architectural
design elements by which buildings make use of the sun's energy for heating, and/or cooling.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells are semiconductor devices, usually made of silicon, which contain no
liquids, corrosive chemicals or moving parts. They produce electricity as long as light shines on
them, they require little maintenance, do not pollute and they operate silently, making photovoltaic
energy the cleanest and safest method of power generation.

Photovoltaic cells come in many sizes, but most are 10 cm by 10 cm and generate about half a volt
of electricity. PV cells are bundled together in modules or panels to produce higher voltages and
increased power. When sunlight strikes the surface of a PV cell, this electrical field provides
momentum and direction to light-stimulated electrons, resulting in a flow of current when the solar
cell is connected to an electrical load. Photovoltaic panels are generally available in capacities
ranging from 5W up to 200W peak output. Lower wattage panels are typically 12-V,while most
high-wattage panels are available only in 24-V configurations.

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Passive solar heating

Various components of building designed in such a way, which maximizes the collection of solar
heat, which is stored and then distributed throughout the building without any expenditure of
conventional for of energy. That is, a building is designed in such a way that it uses maximum
amount of solar energy trapped inside the building.

Passive solar building design uses a structure's windows, walls, and floors to collect, store, and
distribute the sun's heat in the winter and reject solar heat in the summer. It can also maximize the
use of sunlight for interior illumination. The technology is called passive solar design, or climatic
design. Unlike active solar heating/cooling systems, it doesn't involve the use of mechanical and
electrical devices (such as pumps, fans, or electrical controls) to circulate the solar heat. Buildings
designed for passive solar incorporate large south-facing windows and construction materials that
absorb and slowly release the sun's heat. The longest walls run from east to west. In most climates,

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passive solar designs also must block intense summer solar heat. They typically incorporate natural
ventilation and roof overhangs to block the sun's strongest rays during that season.

Passive solar design can be used in most parts of the world. If designed by an experienced passive
solar architect, buildings using passive solar design principles don't have to cost more up front than
conventionally designed buildings. And when they do, the savings in energy bills quickly pay for
themselves.

How It Works
Every passive solar building includes five distinct design elements (see diagram 1):
1. An aperture or collector — the large glass area through which sunlight enters the building.
2. An absorber — the dark surface of the storage element that absorbs the solar heat.
3. A thermal mass — the material that stores the absorbed heat. This can be masonry materials
such as concrete, stone, and brick; or a water tank.
4. A distribution method — the natural tendency of heat to move from warmer materials to
cooler ones (through conduction, convection, and radiation) until there is no longer a
temperature difference between the two. In some buildings, this strictly passive distribution
method is augmented with fans, ducts, and blowers to circulate the heat.
5. A control mechanism — to regulate the amount of sunlight entering the aperture. This can
be as simple as roof overhang designed to allow more sunlight to enter in the winter, less in
the summer.

Diagram 1: Elements of passive solar design, shown in a direct gain

application.

2. Biogas
Biogas is actually a mixture of gases, usually carbon dioxide and methane. It is produced by a few
kinds of microorganisms, usually when air or oxygen is absent. (The absence of oxygen is called
“anaerobic Conditions.”) Animals that eat a lot of plant material, particularly grazing animals such
as cattle, produce large amounts of biogas. The biogas is produced not by the cow or elephant, but
by billions of microorganisms living in its digestive system. Biogas also develops in bogs and at
the bottom of lakes, where decaying organic matter builds up under wet and anaerobic conditions.

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Biogas is a Form of Renewable Energy Flammable biogas can be collected using a simple tank, as
shown here. Animal manure is stored in a closed tank where the gas accumulates. It makes an
excellent fuel for cook stoves and furnaces, and can be used in place of regular natural gas, which
is a fossil fuel. Biogas is a form of renewable energy, because it is produced with the help of
growing plants.

3. Rain Water Harvesting

RAIN, A FORM of precipitation, is the first form of water in the hydrologic cycle, the continuous
circulation of water in the earth-atmosphere system. Rain is the primary source of water that feeds
rivers, lakes, and groundwater aquifers. Rivers, lakes, and groundwater are all secondary sources of
water. Currently, most of us depend entirely on secondary sources for our water supplies. The
value of rainwater, the primary source of water, is typically ignored. Rainwater catchment directly
responds to the value of this primary source of water, making optimal use of rainwater where it
falls. Rainwater collection has been used for several thousand years as a way to take advantage of
seasonal precipitation that would otherwise be lost to runoff or evaporation. While rainwater can
provide water for many uses, the most common use is for agricultural irrigation and residential
potable water.

There are numerous identified benefits of water catchment from either rooftop or ground level:
 It provides a self-sufficient water supply located close to the user.
 It reduces the need for, and hence the cost of, pumping groundwater.
 It provides high-quality soft water that is low in mineral content. Rooftop rainwater
harvesting is usually less expensive than other water sources. Rooftop rainwater harvesting
systems are easy to construct, operate, and maintain.

Whether it is large or small, a rainwater harvesting system has six basic components:
1. Catchment area: the surface upon which the rain falls. It may be a roof or impervious pavement
and may include landscaped areas.
2. Conveyance: channels or pipes that transport the water from catchment area to storage.
3. Roof washing: the systems that filter and remove contaminants and debris. This includes first-
flush devices.

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4. Storage: cisterns or tanks, where collected rainwater is stored.

5. Distribution: the system that delivers the rainwater, either by gravity or pump.
6. Purification: includes filtering equipment, distillation, and additives to settle, filter, and disinfect
the collected rainwater.
Requirements:
 Catchment Area
 Gutters
 Flush mechanism
 Clean Water Tank

Rainwater harvesting and storm water catchment consists of up to six primary compo nents
depending on the degree of water quality required. These components include catchment,
conveyance, filtration, storage, distribution, and purification.

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Calculation of Water Volume from Rain Water Harvesting:

V = C x I x A / 10.75

Where,
V = Volume in Litres
I = Annual Rainfall in mm
A = Catchment Area
C = Run-off Coefficient (Roof tile: 0.8 – 0.9, Concrete: 0.6 – 0.8, CGI: 0.7 – 0.9)

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why build a green home?
There are many reasons to build a green home. Perhaps you want
to provide a safe, healthy place for your children to grow up, or
maybe you’re concerned about rising energy costs. Your priority
might be comfort, or durability—knowing that the house will last a
long time with minimal maintenance. For a growing number of us,
building a green home is about doing our part to protect the
environment, helping to make the world a better place for our
children and grandchildren. A green home is all of this, and often
much more.

– Alex Wilson, author of Your Green Home and executive editor of

Environmental Building News,

What is green building?

The term green building is used to describe design and
construction of buildings with some or all of the following
characteristics:

 Buildings that have minimal adverse impacts on local,

regional, and even global ecosystems
 Buildings that reduce reliance on automobiles
 Buildings that are energy-efficient in their operation
 Buildings and grounds that conserve water
 Buildings that are built in an environmentally responsible
manner from low-environmental-impact materials
 Buildings that are durable and can be maintained with
minimal environmental impact
 Buildings that help their occupants practice environmentalism
—e.g., by recycling waste
 Buildings that are comfortable, safe, and healthy for their
occupants

Quite often, when people think of green building, what comes to

mind is the use of recycled-content building materials—insulation
made from recycled newspaper, floor tiles made out of ground-up
light bulbs, and so forth. Materials are indeed an important

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component of green construction, but this way of building goes

much further.

Green building addresses the relationship between a building and

the land on which it sits; how the structure might help to foster a
sense of community or reduce the need for automobile use by its
occupants; how to minimize energy use in the building (energy
consumption being one of the largest environmental impacts of any
building); and how to create the healthiest possible living space.
These priorities, from a broad environmental standpoint, are
usually far more important than whether or not the floor tiles in the
entry hall are made out of recycled glass.

– Alex Wilson, author of Your Green Home and executive editor of

Environmental Building News, [Link]

Do green buildings cost more than

conventional buildings?
Green buildings are sometimes perceived as costing more, but
studies have shown the costs to be from nothing to only nominal.

A study, “The Costs and Financial Benefits of Green Buildings: A

Report to California’s Sustainable Building Task Force,” in 2003 of
33 green buildings in California found that the average cost of
building green over traditional methods was about 2 percent($3-5/
ft2) per square foot. The average energy reduction from the 33
buildings was 30 percent. This alone provides savings sufficient to
pay back the initial 2 percent premium in less than 9 years. The
same study found that, over a 20-year period, the overall net
savings for a green building is between $48.87 - $67.31 per square
foot, depending on the LEED rating of the building.

Additionally, in the Sustainable Building Technical Manual, David

Gottfried points out, "Viewed over a 30-year period, initial building
costs account for approximately just 2% of the total, while
operations and maintenance costs equal 6%, and personnel costs
equal 92%."

The majority of the increased cost is due to designing and planning

of integrating the sustainable building practices, so generally, the

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earlier the green design concepts are incorporated into the design
process, the lower the cost.

Life cycle analysis can help to evaluate the real costs over time.
Some items, such as solar panels, may cost more in the short run
but may generate huge energy savings over a number of years.

In addition, green buildings provide financial benefits that

conventional buildings do not. With more natural light and better
air quality, green buildings typically contribute to improved
employee and student health, comfort, and productivity.

What is a home energy rating?

HERS (Home Energy Rating Systems) provide a standardized
evaluation of a home's energy efficiency and expected energy
costs. A home energy rating can qualify a home owner or home
buyer for an energy-efficient mortgage (EEM) or an energy-
improvement mortgage (EIM). An energy rating can maximize the
value of the largest single investment most home owners are likely
to make in their entire lifetime. In addition, knowing a home’s
energy performance is a critical when selecting or upgrading a
home.

How do I find an Energy Rater?

Search the EnergyGauge database for an Energy Rater near you.

How can I reduce my energy costs in my

home?
Whether you-re designing a new home or retrofitting an existing
home there are several things you can do to save money. Look at
Florida Solar Energy Center's list of priorities for more details.

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What is a radiant barrier? Should I have one in

my home?
Radiant barriers are installed in homes—most commonly in attics—
to keep them cooler and reduce cooling costs. In hot climates, the
benefits of a radiant barrier include both dollar savings and
increased comfort. The barrier consists of a highly reflective
material that reflects radiant heat, rather than absorbing it.

Without a radiant barrier, your roof radiates solar-generated heat

to the insulation below it. The insulation absorbs the heat and
gradually transfers it to the material it touches, principally the
ceiling. This makes your air conditioner run longer and consume
more electricity.

For more information about radiant barriers, take a look at the

video listed below. Although the video was created in the 80s, the
technology is still applicable.

Note: The video is provided in multiple sizes to accommodate different connection speeds. Quick
Time 7 is required for viewing but can be downloaded for free by clicking the button below.

What is a "green" roof?

The term “green” roof may refer to an actual green vegetative roof
or it may refer to a roof that utilizes “green” technology, such as a
photovoltaic (solar electricity) system.

A green vegetative roof is one that is partially or completely

covered with vegetation and soil, or a growing medium, planted
over a waterproofing membrane. Additional layers, such as root
barrier or drainage and irrigation systems may also be included.
Green roof systems have been shown to reduce heat transfer
through the roof, decrease stormwater pollutants, and cut down on
stormwater volume by naturally evaporating the runoff through the
plant respiration process.

In Florida, the University of Central Florida's Stormwater

Management Academy installed the university's first green roof on
the Student Union. The roof is covered with plants ranging from
dune sunflowers to bougainvillea, and three-fourths of the

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vegetation is native to Florida. It requires little maintenance and it

is designed to absorb much of the rainwater. What isn’t absorbed is
captured into cisterns and used later to irrigate the roof.

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