Unit-I

Introduction to Green buildings

[Link] _ Free PowerPoint Templates, Diagrams and Charts

 Contents
• Introduction to green the Green buildings
• The shifting landscape of Green buildings
• The driving forces for sustainable construction:
Need of sustainable construction
• Basic Concepts and Vocabulary
• Major Environmental and resource concerns
• International Building Assessment systems
Introduction
 The beginning of the twenty-first century has ushered in the era of green
.
buildings.

 Traditional/conventional buildings use energy inefficiently, generate large

amounts of waste in their construction and operation, and emit large quantities
of pollutants and greenhouse gases.

 In contrast to conventional buildings, green buildings seek to use land and

energy efficiently, conserve water and other resources, improve indoor and
outdoor air quality, and increase the use of recycled and renewable materials
Definitions
 Green building also known as green construction or sustainable
building expands and complements the building design concerns of
. economy, utility, durability, and comfort.

“Green” Buildings are high performance structures that also meet certain
standards for reducing natural resource consumption

The practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their
site use energy, water, and materials, and reducing building impacts on human
health and the environment.
(Office of the Federal Environmental Executives).

 The practice of creating structures and using processes that are

environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s
life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintnance, renovation
and deconstruction (Environmental Protection Agency ).
. Definition of green building

The buildings which are

– Energy efficient
– Generate less amounts of waste in
their construction and operation,
– Emit less quantities of pollutants and
greenhouse gases.
– Economical
.

Synonyms of green buildings

High performance’ building

Environmental efficient buildings

Zero waste buildings

Economical building
.

.
Where can green buildings fit in?
Economics
. – Can save lots of $$ over life cycle

Environment
– Can save huge amounts of energy, resources, and
emissions

Social Equity
– Can produce happier, healthier workers/tenants
GREEN BUILDING AND THE GREEN MOVEMENT: ITS HISTORY

. Started the arrival of the industrial revolution

As the ancients had few other options at their disposal, these builders
incorporated passive design that took advantage of the resources provided by
nature, namely the sun and climate to heat, cool, and light their buildings.

The history of green building dates back much further than the 1970's.

Around this time, the late 1800's to early 1900's, a number of solar power
plants were built to utilize the sun's energy for steam power.

During the energy crisis of the 1970's, green building moved from research
and development to reality.
GREEN BUILDING: MYTHS AND REALITIES
Green/sustainable buildings cost much more than conventional
. buildings

It’s just another fad and therefore not particularly important

 Green buildings are often “unattractive” or “ugly” and lack the

aesthetic quality of conventional buildings

Green building is essentially about eco-friendly material selec-

tion

Green buildings do not fetch higher rental rates or capital com-

pared with traditional buildings
.

Myths & Realities

Green buildings do not provide the comfort levels that many of today’s
tenants demand

Green building products are often difficult to find

Green building uses traditional tools and techniques and not

cutting-edge technology
Green building products don’t work as well as traditional ones

Building green is too difficult and complicated

It is not possible to build a high-rise green building

It is difficult or not possible to convert existing conventional buildings

into energy efficient buildings
.
.
[Link] shifting landscape of Green buildings
. 
The site and landscape planning for green building construc-
tion are performed such a way that the design and construction
strategies are sustainable and efficient

Site and landscape planning for green building ensures

following objectives:

Minimum disruption of the site

Landscaping in Appropriate way
Maximum usage of microclimate features
Site Planning for Green Building

These involve the following features.

1. Planning
A collaborative approach is followed where the owners, engineers, architects,
contractor and important stakeholders to bought together to develop a sustain-
able design process.

2. Site Plan
A sustainable site plan is developed based on the discussions and inputs.
A sustainable site plan of green building construction is the plan that has less
impact on the environment while meeting the project goals of the client. The site
plan must fit to the project parameters without compromising environmental
concerns.
3. Site Selection
Important parameters to be considered while selecting site
are:
The site must not fall under the disaster zone. Flood plain areas must
be avoided.
If the building is to be constructed around water bodies, buffers of
undisturbed soil must be provided.
Ease of transportation of resources for construction purpose must be
kept in mind.
The site accessible to public and other means of transportation is a
good choice.
Ensure that basic amenities such as bank, child care , post office , park ,
library , primary school , clinic and community hall are near to or within the
site premises .
. 4. Site Layout

The plan is elongated along East/West axis

Exposures to north and south are good for day lighting
Windows must not be provided facing east and west
The most populated area must be oriented towards the north
or south direction
.
5. Reduce Impervious Surfaces of Site
[Link] green roofs

[Link] plants around parking areas

[Link] permeable pavement options

Landscaping for Green Building
landscape planning for green building construction are:
.
The landscape is placed to directly receive the runoff and
captured water
Landscape is placed and design such that it filters and clean
storm water
Provide site rain gardens in parking areas
Instead of constructing retention ponds, bio-retention ponds
can be employed.
Care needs to be taken to avoid an undesirable increase in
humidity levels, by excessive plantations. Plant species for
landscaping have to be chosen based on the microclimatic
benefits they provide and their water demand.
[Link] driving forces for sustainable construction
Sustainability
To “Sustain”= To “Endure”, “Maintain”

-Sustainable Development
Meeting the needs of present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their needs

In other way – moving ahead while making sure that we can

maintain, manage & do justice to changes we seek & intend
to bring out
.

Sustainable Construction

Sustainable building design and construction is the

practice of creating structures and using processes that
are environmentally responsible and resource efficient
through out the life cycle of a building– from selecting the
site to design, construction, operation, maintenance,
renovation, and finally, deconstruction.

Sustainable construction goes beyond green building practices —

structures are designed to have a lower environmental impact
over their entire lifetime, while providing a normal level of comfort,
durability and functionality for occupants
Basic Vocabulary i
Affordable Housing - should be affordable to buy and maintain (low utilities).
.
Air Tight Homes - Well sealed homes, tested with a blower door. Typical existing homes have more than 5 air changes per
hour (ACH) under test conditions. Energy Star homes have to be below 5. Many builders achieve 2 to 3 ACH. Passive
Homes have to be less that 0.6. Airtight homes should be mechanically ventilated

Active Solar Heating

Systems that collect and absorb solar radiation, then transfer the solar heat directly to the interior space or to a storage
system, from which the heat is distributed. There are two types of systems: liquid-based systems and air-based systems. If
a system cannot provide adequate space heating, an auxiliary or back-up system provides the additional heat. Both air and
liquid systems can supplement forced air systems.

Active Solar Power

A solar electric (photovoltaic or "PV") system, not passive solar design, that converts the sun's energy into electricity for
the home. It is usually done with PV panels installed on the roof.

Attached Greenhouse
A structure situated on a lower floor (or even below the first floor) and located on a home's south side can provide passive
solar heat to the home. Heat collected by the greenhouse at the lower level rises into the interior of the home by way of
convection.
Basic Vocabulary ii
Bioremediation
.
A process that uses biological organisms to clean up contaminated water or soil;
often used in oil-spill cleanup.
. Carbon Footprint
A calculation of the amount of greenhouse gases produced as a result of
commercial, industrial, and individual activities.
Commissioning
A quality assurance process intended to confirm that all systems of a building—
heat, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, safety, security—are operating as
intended by the building owner and designed by the architect and engineer.
Daylighting
Designing a building to take advantage of natural sunlight illumination.
Deconstruction
Dismantlement of a building so that components can be reused and recycled.
Basic Vocabulary iii
.Double Pane Windows
Double or triple pane glass windows often contain argon, krypton, or other gases
between panes to reduce heat flow and improve insulation.
Dual Flush Toilets
Toilets with two buttons for two flush options, one for liquid and another for solid waste.
The button for liquid waste uses less water per flush.
Energy Assessment
A written report prepared by a qualified party evaluating energy usage, highlighting
weak points in energy efficiency, and identifying cost-savings measures. A less
rigorous process than an energy audit.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Products that use less energy than conventional models. The ENERGY STAR® label is
a credible third-party certification of a product's energy efficiency. Consumers can also
refer to the FTC's Energy Guide label, a yellow label affixed to most appliances today
Basic Vocabulary iv
. Energy Guide Label
An appliance label that provides an estimate of how much energy the appliance uses, compares
energy use of similar products, and lists approximate annual operating costs.
Energy Star®
A certification granted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy for
household appliances and buildings that perform at specified levels of energy efficiency.
Enterprise Green Communities
A non-profit organization which provides resources and expertise to enable developers to build and
rehabilitate homes that are healthier, more energy efficient and better for the environment, yet still
affordable. Green Communities is the first national green building program developed for affordable
housing.
Geo Thermal Heat System (Closed Loop)
Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) use the constant temperature of the earth to provide cooling and
heating for a home. A loop of piping is buried in the ground and fluid circulates through the loop. In
the summer, the fluid uses the cooler temperature of the ground to provide indoor cooling. During
colder months, the geothermal heat pump uses the below-ground temperature, which is significantly
warmer than the outside air, to warm a home.
Basic Vocabulary v
.

Green Guides
Guidelines published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) providing standards for advertising claims that a
product is green.
Greenhouse Gases
Emitted gases that are trapped in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.
Green Philosophy
A way of living that involves a holistic approach to preservation and conservation of natural resources. It aims to
provide a better understanding of the balance between human action and natural environmental resources and
improve health and well-being. It also entails creating a better understanding of social responsibility and what
effect choices made by people and business have on the environment.
Green Pricing
Commitments between the customers and utility companies that aim to increase a company's focus on
renewable energy sources.
Green/Living Roof
A roof surface covered by a water-proofing membrane, a drainage plane, a water retention medium, and
plantings of drought-resistant species. The benefits of a green roof include control of storm water runoff which
can reduce urban water pollution; absorption of airborne toxins and an increase in oxygen in the air, and a
reduction of surface temperature of the roof (heat island effect). They also can increase the lifespan of the roof
system and provide building and noise insulation. Green roofs are most common in multifamily or other large
urban buildings.
Basic Vocabulary vi
. Green Seal
A certification for construction products, such as windows, paints, and adhesives, attesting that the products
were manufactured and can be used with minimal impact on the environment.

Green washing
Falsely promoting or exaggerating the greenness of a product or service.

Grey Water
Water from laundry, bathing, and similar uses that can be reused for non potable activities.

Home Energy Rating System (HERS)

A scoring system established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Homes built to the
specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code)
scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a HERS Index of 0. Each 1-point
decrease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the HERS
Reference Home. Thus, a home with a HERS Index of 85 is 15% more energy efficient than the HERS
Reference Home, and a home with a HERS Index of 80 is 20% more energy efficient.
Basic Vocabulary vii
. HVAC (16 SEER+)
A rating system, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), used to measure the effi-
ciency of central air conditioners and air source heat pumps. The higher the rating, the
more energy efficient it is. For reference, air conditioners that are 14 or higher SEER
meet ENERGY STAR criteria.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
A measurement of the overall cleanliness of the air within a building or home. The EPA
has a builder program called Indoor airPLUS.
Insulated Glass Windows
A glass consisting of two panes of glass separated by a space. The perimeter of the
glass is sealed, allowing no movement of outside air into the space. The space, itself,
can be filled with dehydrated air, or with a special gas. The type of glass, spacer and gas
used in the space contribute to the overall insulating efficiency of the glass.
Basic Vocabulary viii
International Energy Agency (IEA)
. An organization committed to energy policies around the world. The goal is to ensure a cost-effective
and dependable renewable energy system for a country's citizens through their commitment to en-
ergy security, economic development and environmental protection.
Kyoto Protocol
A United Nations agreement signed in Kyoto, Japan in the 1990s. The agreement set country-targets
for reduction of carbon emissions and created a method for offsetting (trading) carbon emissions.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

The green building certification program created by the United States Green
Building Council (USGBC). The comprehensive rating system
(based on prerequisites and points) takes a whole building approach factoring
in
community resources & public transit, site characteristic, water efficiency, energy
efficiency, materials & resources, indoor environmental quality, awareness &
education, and innovation.
Basic Vocabulary ix
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
A trade association that helps promote the policies that make housing a national priority. Since 1942,
. NAHB has been serving its members, the housing industry, and the public.
National Green Building Standard (NGBS)
The National Green Building Standard (also known as the ICC-700) is the ANSI-approved, above
code rating system for residential green construction. It can be applied to new and existing single and
multi-family projects as well as land developments.
Certification to the National Green Building Standard is provided by the NAHB Research Center..
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
National organization that sets standards for windows and doors.
Structured Insulated Panels (SIP)
Panels made from a thick layer of foam (polystyrene or polyurethane) sandwiched between two lay-
ers of Oriented Strand Board (OSB), plywood or fiber-cement. SIPS are often used in panelized con-
struction. They are an alternative to the foam core and are available with a core of agriculture fibers
(such as wheat straw) that provides similar thermal and structural performance. The result is an en-
gineered panel that provides structural framing, insulation, and exterior sheathing in a solid, one-
piece component.
Vocabulary x
US Green Building Council (USGBC)
. A non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable building design and construction. US-
GBC is the developer of the LEED building rating system.
Watershed Protection
An environmental movement that monitors our daily actions and their effects toward the
conservation, development, utilization and proper disposal of water in order to maintain
safe and effective drainage for the various water systems surrounding us.
Zoned Air-Conditioning
Systems with separate thermostat controls in different parts of a structure that allow for
independent temperature control of each area.
Zoned Heating
Heating systems with separate thermostat controls in different parts of a structure to
allow for independent temperature control in each area.
Major Environmental and resource concerns

Environmental Concerns
From Fundamental principles of Green building

Structure design efficiency

Energy efficiency

Water efficiency

Materials efficiency

Waste and toxic reduction

Environmental Concern
Building construction can also have a large environmental impact.
The construction sector is responsible for up to 23 percent of air pollution
and. everything from sourcing and producing materials to transporting them to
actual construction processes can impact the environment.
 Green builders are more likely to use sustainably sourced materials and
use more renewable materials such as bamboo instead of hardwood, which
helps preserve for Best ecosystems and keeps more trees alive to filter
carbon dioxide out of the air.
Green design can also improve the air quality inside a building by integrat-
ing vegetation that cleans the air and using materials that release fewer
contaminants like volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde.
This improves the health of both the people who spend time in the structure
and of the environment.
Construction also produces a lot of waste, which green builders try to avoid.

Green designs use recycled materials, avoid sending excess resources to

landfills
Major Environmental and resource concerns

Resource concerns
Resources such as ground cover, forests, water and energy are depleted to construct and operate
buildings.
Resource intensive materials provide the buildings envelop and land scapping add beauty to it in turn
using up water and pesticides to maintain it.
Energy consumption system for lighting, space conditioning and water heating provide to its
occupants.
The green building depletes as little of the natural resources during its construction and operation.
The aim of green building design is to: minimize the demand on non-renewable resources and
maximize the utilization efficiency of these resources when in use.
Maximize, reuse and recycling of available resources and utilization of renewable resources.
It maximizes the use of efficient building materials and construction practices , optimizes the use of
on- site sources and sinks by bio- climate architectural practices , uses minimum energy to power
itself , uses efficient equipment to meet its lighting , air-conditioning and other needs ,
maximizes the use of renewable sources of energy and uses efficient waste and water management
practices
 Resource concerns
. The green building depletes as little of the natural resources during
its construction and operation.
The aim of green building design is to: minimize the demand on
non-renewable resources and maximize the utilization efficiency of
these resources when in use.
Maximize, reuse and recycling of available resources and utilization
of renewable resources.
It maximizes the use of efficient building materials and
construction practices , optimizes the use of on- site sources and
sinks by bio- climate architectural practices ,
uses minimum energy to power itself ,
uses efficient equipment to meet its lighting , air-conditioning and
other needs ,
maximizes the use of renewable sources of energy and uses
efficient waste and water management practices
ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS

Buildings have extensive direct and indirect impacts on the

. environment.

During their construction, occupancy, renovation, repurposing,

and demolition, buildings use energy, water, and raw materials,
generate waste, and emit potentially harmful atmospheric
emissions.

-These facts have prompted the creation of green

building standards, certifications, and rating system
aimed at mitigating the impact of buildings on the
natural environment through sustainable design.
Green Building standards

. – Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design (LEED)
– Green Globes
– Model Green Homebuilding
Guidelnes
– Built Green
– Energy Star
– Living Building
– IGBC RATING SYSTEM
. ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS
BREEAM : Building Research Establishment's Environmental
Assessment Method
USGBC: U.S. Green Building Council
– aimed at improving the environmental performance of
buildings
LEED : Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
– include rating systems for existing buildings and entire
neighborhoods
GBI : Green Building Initiative

NAHB: National Association of Homebuilders

– promoting its Green Building Guidelines for Residential
Structures
. IGBC

IGBC has developed green building rating programmes to

cover commercial, residential, factory buildings, etc.
Each rating system divided into different levels of certification
are as follows:
‘Certified’ to recognize best practices.
‘Silver’ to recognize outstanding performance
‘Gold’ to recognize national excellence.
‘Platinum’ to recognize global leadership.