M.E. Rinker School of Construction Management

Principle of Sustainable Development & construction

Dr. Charles Kibert

FALL 2015

Blog book 2015By

Aayush Shah

Table of Contents

S.No Title1. Introduction to Sustainable Construction and Green Building 2. Building Envelope3. Ecological economics4. Ecosystem Service and ecological economics 5 Eco-label6. Biophilic, biomimetic and ecological design 7.8.9.10.11.12.

Introduction to Sustainable Construction and Green Building

Within a last few decades there has been a great change in climatic condition. Due to this change, the designs of building are changing. There is great demand for buildings which are using minimum energy and water, whose materials are environmental friendly, and are also resource efficient. Buildings which are designed according to this approach are known as high performance green building or simply green building and this approach is known as sustainable construction

According to conseil international du bâtiment (CIB) sustainable construction may be defined as “creating and operating a healthy built environment based on resource efficiency and ecological design”. In 1989 in United Kingdom the first building assessment system BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) was established. BREEAM was successful, over 200,000 building were certified as green building. In United States the USGBC developed an American green building rating system known as

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED is a rating system for design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green building in United State. The sustainable construction movement is now international with 60 national green building councils. Some of the major councils are CASBEE in Japan (2004) and Green Star in Australia (2006).

In 2000 a typical office building in United States consumes energy of about 300 kilowatt-hours-per square meter annually (kWh/m2/yr) todays energy consumption for green building are approaching to 100 (kWh/m2/yr).There are basically three reasons for the increase in demand of high performance green building in US.

1. Green buildings though they are costly on a capital or first cost basis, but they always make economic sense on a life cycle costing (LCC).

2. Sustainable constructions are best and always provide ethical response to issues of environmental impact and resource consumption.

3. Sustainable designs focuses on the effect of building and its operation on the health of its human occupant.

The need for this sustainable construction is due to the climatic change and the primary cause of climatic change is unexpected increase in level of carbon dioxide co2 in the atmosphere. About 40% of the emission of carbon in the atmosphere is due to the building construction and its operation. New concepts such as low carbon, carbon neutral, and zero carbon buildings are emerging to reduce the emission of carbon which is associated with building construction and its operation.

Net zero energy (NZE) buildings are grid connected buildings that export excess energy during the day and import energy during the evening, such that the net flow of energy throughout the year is zero. The net zero energy buildings have a zero annual energy bill. The best example of NZE is Research Support Facility (RSF) in Colorado.

There are certain obstacle also for the construction of green building, some obstacle are

1. Inertia of building profession and the construction industry. 2. Difficulty due to changing building code.

Despite this obstacle the US green building movement continues to gain momentum. There are so many construction and professional industry in US who made it the mainstay of their practice. Numerous innovations are made each year in the design ideas of sustainable construction. Soon their will be one day when all the projects are build according to the concept of sustainable construction.

Reference

1. http://www.breeam.org/ 2. http://www.usgbc.org/leed 3. https://www.wbdg.org/resources/netzeroenergybuildings.php

BUILDING ENVELOPE

INTRODUCTION

Building envelope is an interface between the inside of building and the outside environment. It protects the building and provide resistance from air, water, noise and heat transfer. Building envelope is also some time known as building enclosure but building enclosure is a very wide term it also includes appearance and structure of building. Building envelopes basically deals with water barrier, air barrier and most important thermal barrier.

Building envelope is the basis for the energy saving buildings. It includes insulated wall, floor, roofs, fenestration, doors and foundation. Thermal envelope plays an important role in regulating inside temperature. In cold climate building envelope helps in reducing the amount of energy used in heating the space and during hot climate the building envelope reduce the amount of energy required to cool up the space. Envelope may be of any type depending upon the climate such as aid climate envelope, cold climate envelope, and hot climate envelope

Building envelope is a composition of layers with varying thermal and permeability properties. The envelopes are made of sheets, blocks and preassembled material. Building envelope can be of two types open frame and closed shell. When the condition are harsh the designer chose closed shell and when the condition are normal the designer chose of open frame.

It can affect energy use in no of ways

1. Design of building envelopeThe overall design of the building greatly affects the amount to light and heat that are entering. There are certain innovation in the field of designing and architecture of the building.

2. Building envelope material and product selection Insulation and air sealing

Insulation provide resistance to heat flow. Heat flows from warmer to cooler space. If the building is properly sealed it reduces the amount of energy needed to keep the building warm in winter and cool during summer.

RoofsRoofs design and material increases the amount of solar heat that is reflected rather than absorbed thus reducing the amount of air conditioning required in hot climate. For example roofs that qualify ENERGY STAR are estimated to reduce peak cooling by 10 to 15 percent.

WallsThermal mass building absorb energy slowly and retained it for longer duration thus the energy required for heating and cooling of building is reduced. Thermal mass material includes traditional material such as stone and Adobe, and cutting edge products.

Windows, doors and skylights Along with the designs of windows and door their placement and installation method also affect the amount of light and heat to transfer. There are certain innovation in the designs of window such as multiple glazing, the use of two or more plane of glass or other films for insulation.

Environmental benefits

Due to several improvements in building envelope it has potential to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions from new and existing buildings. The building envelope can significantly reduce the amount of light and HVAC, the two major components of energy requirements of building

In addition to climatic benefits there are several other benefits also which includes low energy bills, improved thermal comfort, moisture control, and noise control

Obstacles to future development

There are several obstacles for the future development of building envelope, major barrier include cost concern, market barrier, public policy, planning barrier and customer barriers.

References

1. http://www.c2es.org/technology/factsheet/BuildingEnvelope 2. http://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/buildings/building-envelope 3. http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/green-basics/green-enclosures-do-four-things 4. http://continuingeducation.construction.com/article.php?L=38&C=235

ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS

The ecological economics deals with the environmental sustainability. It has been developed from the historical developments. Our behavior and our attitude towards the nature must be guided by code of ethics, which must be derived from basic principles and practical consideration of issues at stake. Economic system foster the rules by which rare resources can be allocated among the populations. The relationship between man and nature has always remain ambiguous, nature can play any role it can act as provider or can act as provider enemy. Some people think that they dominate the nature, while other think that they are integral part of nature. There are three independent goals of ecological economics

1 sustainable scale 2 fair distribution 3 efficient allocation

Sustainable scale refers to the what amount of low entropy raw material is to be taken from the environment and what amount of high entropy can be given back to the environment. It is directly related to the capacity of ecosystem as to how much it can regenerate and how much it can absorb

Distribution refers to the division of resource flow, in the form of final goods among different peoples. It tells how much it goes to me, to you, to other, to future generation.

Allocation refers to division of resources among various product users.

Neoclassical economics focuses on the determination of prices, outputs, and income distribution in market through supply and demand. The term neoclassic was given by Thorstein Veblen in his 1990 article ‘Preconceptions of Economic Science. Neoclassical economics deals extensively with allocation, secondly with distribution, and not at all with scale. While on other hand ecological economics deals with all of this. The biggest difference between ecological economics and neoclassical economics is the inclusion of scale.

THE PERCEIVED AIM OF ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS

Firstly it is most important to clearly define what we meant by “Ecological Economics” different author with different background have different phases, but according to me the best definition of ecological economics is

“Ecological economics studies how ecosystems and economic activities interrelate”

From this definition it is clear that how the use of fossil fuel and carbon dioxide concentration are interrelated, how the deforestation and species loss are interrelated, the consequences of genetic engineering, all this problems are global level problems and are a call for ecological economic approach.

The aim of ecological economics has been divided into two groups

1. Scientific aim and problem 2. Political and ethical issue

There are two types of sustainability one is weak sustainability and the other is strong sustainability. Weak sustainability is the idea within environmental economics, which states that ‘human capital’ can be substituted by ‘natural capital’. It is based upon the work of Nobel Laureate Robert Solon and John Hatwick. And the strong sustainability assumes that ‘human capital’ and ‘natural capital’ are complementary but not interchangeable.

Human capital includes resources such as infrastructure, labor, and knowledge. Natural capital covers assets such as fossil fuel, biodiversity and other ecosystem services. Unlike weak sustainability, strong sustainability put emphasis on ecological scale over economic gains. This implies that nature has right to exist and it has been borrowed and should be passed from one generation to another.

Ecosystem Services and Ecological Economics

Ecosystem services

Ecosystem services are the benefits that are provided by the nature which makes the human life better and possible. Example of ecosystem services includes food, water, sunlight, waste treatment, soil erosion, and environment. Some ecological services are directly available to human being such as water, timber and food. Other services arises from the functioning f ecosystem such as formation of soil, soil erosion and climate regulation. The concept of ecosystem services was popularized by Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) in the early 2000s [1]. According to Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), ecosystem services are "the benefits people obtain from ecosystems."

Some scientist follow a stricter definition of ecosystem services as only those services that are directly enjoyed, consumed by human wellbeing. The average value of entire ecosystem economics services is estimated to be about US$ 33 trillion per year this is twice the gross national product (GNP) which is about US$ 18 trillion [2]. According to millennium ecosystem assessment (MA) ecosystem services can be further subdivided into four categories

1 Provisional services are the services that are obtained from ecosystem such as fresh water, food, timber, and fibers

2 Regulating services are the services which are obtained from the regulation of ecosystem such as climatic regulation, water purification and waste management.

3 Cultural services are the nonmaterial benefits which the people obtained from ecosystem such as recreation and tourism, cultural heritage, and spiritual and religious enrichment

4 supporting services are the services which are provided by eco system for the production of other services such as soil erosion, and water cycling.

Ecological Economics

Ecological economics may be defined as relationship between ecosystem and economic system. This relationship is the solution of many of our problems such as sustainability, global warming. Ecological economics is how people have interacted with the environment in the past and how they will interact in future. It not only connect ecology and economy but also connect psychology, history and anthropology. It mainly focuses on Natural capital. Capital may be subdivided into five groups

1 Human capital 2 Manufactured capital 3 Social capital 4 Financial capital5 Natural capitalConventional economics ignores the financial and natural economics.

Economy can be viewed in two ways

1 Neoclassical view in neoclassical view of economy nothing enters into the environment and nothing exits from the environment

2 Ecological Economic view in this view the flow from and into the environment is very important. The environment provides the raw material and act as a sink for waste products.

Dow Jones Sustainability Indices

Dow jones are the family of indices launched in 1999. This indices are used to evaluate companies listed on Dow Jones Global Total Stock Market Index. DJSI analysis companies on the basis of risk management, climate change mitigation, brand management, and supply chain standards. DJSI can reject the companies if it is not functioning in sustainable and ethical manner. DJSI has many index based on geographical area such as Europe, Asia Pacific. TEPCO was removed from DJSI in 2011.

Economic Value

Economic value = direct use value + ecological function value + option value

+ Existence value + bequest value

REFRENCES

1. http://www.millenniumassessment.org/en/About.html2. http://www.griequity.com/resources/Environment/Valuing%20Ecosystem

%20Services.htm3. http://www.djindexes.com/sustainability/

ECO-LABEL

Eco labels are the approval given to the products that are supposed to have less impact on environment as compared to other similar products. Eco labels are attached to those products which passes the eco-friendly criteria laid down by the government, association or standard certification bodies. Ecolabelling are done to make it easier for the customer so that they can make environmental concerns into account when shopping.

Eco labels are the approval given to the products that are supposed to have less impact on environment as compared to other similar products. Eco labels are attached to those products which passes the eco-friendly criteria laid down by the government, association or standard certification bodies. Ecolabelling are done to make it easier for the customer so that they can make environmental concerns into account when shopping.

Eco labels must not be confused with green symbols or claim statements that are provided by the manufacturer or service providers. Eco labels are the most plausible labels that are based on life cycle considerations and are given by an impartial third party. This labels are generally awarded for 2-3 years, after that the label must need to be renewed.

Eco labels focuses on certain environment aspects of product such as energy consumption, water usage, source of timber etc. Examples of eco-labels include the Japanese Eco Mark, International Energy Star, USA Green Seal and UK BREEAM.

Eco labelling has number of benefits:

1 informing customers: eco labelling is an effective way of empowering people to discriminate between products that are harmful to environment and that benign to environment.

2 promoting economic efficiency: Eco-labeling is generally cheaper than regulatory controls. The need for regulation can be kept to minimum by promoting customers and manufacturer to make environmental supportive decisions. This will be beneficial for both government and customers

3 developing sustainable environment: when customers choses eco labelled product it has a direct impact on supply and demand in the marketplace. By this signal the market can guided towards a sustainable environment.

For more benefits: https://www.iisd.org/business/markets/eco_label_benefits.aspx

Case study and examples

1. Blue Angel

The first eco labelling program was introduced by Germany in 1977 known as Blue Angel. In this industrial participation is voluntary. The products are assessed regularly to reflect technical and design developments and only those products which that exceeds the average are awarded the Blue Angel. In every few years approved products are re- assessed. More than 4000 products in 71 categories are covered by the eco label. . Blue Angel criteria include: efficient use of fossil fuels, alternative products with less of an impact on the climate, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and conservation of resources.

Learn more: https://www.blauer-engel.de/

2. Nordic Eco label

Nordic eco label was established in 1989 by the Nordic Council of ministers. It is voluntary, positive, eco labelling of products and services. It is an ISO 14024 type 1Eco labelling system and is a third party control origin. Today there are 63 product groups. The aim of Nordic ecolabel is to contribute to a sustainable consumption.

Learn more: http://www.nordic-ecolabel.org/about/

3. EU eco label

The EU eco label was launched in 1992 when the European Union decided to develop a European voluntary environmental scheme in which consumers could rely on. They had granted more than 1300 licenses in late 2011 and today there are more than 17000 products labelled with EU eco label.

Learn more:

http://greenbusinessje20.tumblr.com/post/36680772751/conoces-la-etiqueta-ecol%C3%B3gica

4. Energy star

The ENERGY STAR program was initiated in 1993 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this program is a voluntary program that helps businesses and individual to save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. By the initiation Energy star there has been a significant reduction in Greenhouse gas emission- contributing to health and environmental benefits. Energy Star benefits have grown steadily over time nearly tripling in last decade.

Learn more: http://www.energystar.gov/about

5. Leadership in energy and environmental design

LEED, or leadership in energy and environmental design is a green building certification program. To get LEED certification building project must satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. LEED v4 is the newest version of the world’s premier benchmark for high- performance green buildings. LEED certification is recognized all over the world as a premier mark of achievement in green building.

Learn more: http://www.usgbc.org/leed

There are four levels of certification Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Certified. The number of points a project earns determines the level of LEED certification that the project will receive. Typical certification thresholds are:

Biophilic, Biomimetic and Ecological Design

Biomimetic

Biomimicry is an innovation that are inspired by nature. Biomimetics or biomimicry are used for solving complex human problems by imitation of the models, elements and systems of nature. Humans have looked at nature for answers to many problems throughout our existence.in biomimicry for example we look at how some leaf can absorb water and how some repeal water and try to extend our knowledge to build sustainable designs. One of the example of biomimicry was the study of bird to enable human flight. Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solution to human problem

Biophilic

The term "biophilia" means "love of life or living systems". The biophilia suggests that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems. Design that reconnect us with the nature is known as biophilic design. Biophilic design provide people to live and work in healthy environment and space with less tension, high creativity, and greater overall health and well-being. The term biophilia was first coined in 1964 by social psychologist Eric Fromm.

Biophilic design can be categorized into three category

1. Nature in the space 2. Natural analogues 3. Nature of the space

Nature in space

Nature in space means direct physical presence of nature in space or place this include plant water, animals and other natural elements.

Nature in space consist of seven biophilic design

1. Visual connection with nature 2. Non visual connection with nature3. Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli4. Thermal & Airflow Variability.5. Presence of Water6. Dynamic & Diffuse Light.7. Connection with Natural Systems.

Natural analogues

Natural analogues consist of non-living things such as objects, material, colors, shapes, and patterns found in nature.

Natural analogues consist of three biophilic designs

1. Biomorphic Forms & Patterns2. Material Connection with Nature3. Complexity & Order

Nature of space Nature of space consist of four biophilic designs

1. Prospect.2. Refuge3. Mystery4. Risk/Peril

NATURE-HEALTH RELATIONSHIPS

Health is directly related to the nature. If the surrounding environment is good the person is heathy. It improves mental agility and memory, and our ability to think, learn and output either logically or creatively. It also improves our adaptability, alertness, attention, concentration, emotion and mood.

Ecological design

Ecological design may be defined as any form of design that environmentally destructive impacts by integrating itself with living process. Ecological design seeks to conform to the environmental and substantially reduce energy consumption. By carefully considering the impact the natural environment has on a structure, it is possible to utilize the environment to improve overall energy consumption and quality of life. Architects that focus on ecological designing a building will plan to minimize land use and, conserve heat during the winter and cool the home during the winter and cool the home during the summer, reduce pollutants, and use landscaping to blend into the natural landscape.

Ecological design can includes

1. Proper land use2. Incorporate solar into overall design3. Use of sustainable building material4. Waste reduction5. Landscaping

For more visit: https://www.regenerative.com/ecological-design