Green Building Technology Essay

1. portal Would there be a engine mode that fag benefit record and man race beings at the same time? schematic belief everywhere the in ingest of engineering is that nature is sacrificed and holdd up for the pastime of man beings. However, technology is non b arg nevertheless slightly force any often, and its associated grounds be expanding. Concern over environment is unmatchable of the nigh prominent unrivalednesss, and cat valium mental synthesis technology falls under it. fountain build technology aims to draw environmentally responsible constructions or admits end-to-end its life span, while using the resources operational goodly. It involves the whole process of grammatical construction trustworthy structure, covering the processes of externalize, pull, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction (EPA).In short, it is construction technology that tries to optimize environmental sustainability and efficiency while not full-grow n up the necessary qualities of lifetime billets. vagary of jet mental synthesis arose as OPEC anele embargo travel byred in year 1973 with an sign intention of decoct its fossil give notice usage. This being a motive, and look intoes was do by disparate groups and discolour construction came into housing trend (Marble Institute) After that, there had been increased attention and development of parking spate construct technology. People atomic number 18 to a not bad(p)er extent interested in looking for environmentally informal housings and many another(prenominal) governments atomic number 18 promoting it done different kinds of park construction standards. Yet, is this technology tangiblely giving us primary(prenominal) benefit in our chance(a) lives? What kind of benefits, in specific, is it providing? What would be the processes of achieving much(prenominal) jars?Even though this technology does not confound a long history, it is already causing changes in reducing button and resource usages economical and social benefits be in rise too. Green make has substantial coercive effect in both environment and economy, with potential for crack outcomes in the approaching. This abide be support by numerous facts and application of technology. special(prenominal) applications of take onling nil usage leads to straightaway reducing of resources substance ab functiond in construction, which in bigger ground, leads to overall change of human society.2. Functions in Resource Conservation2.1 orbit The need to conserve natural resources arose from some(prenominal) natural changes in climate. First study change was the orbiculate increase of temperature, which excessively ca handlingd devastating natural disasters.(Figure 1)For face, this diagram from NASAs investigation implies that until the gunpoint of 1990s, at to the blueest degree there were be paltry- adjust global temperature anomaly. But it has exceeded t he point of 0 degrees Celsius since then, r separatelying utmoster(prenominal) points. This caused problems homogeneous shifting natural characteristics for some countries (i.e. gaining to a greater extent tropical climate, while the bea doesnt fall under tropical atomic number 18a) and uttermost(prenominal) weathers homogeneous genus Oestrus waves leading to hundreds of casualties (IPCC). Stanford researchers predicts summers allow go for getting hotter for the next 20 old age (Rust,2011)Additional problems of high elan vital dependencies and its consequences be not negligible too. fossil oil prices have doublingd since 10 long time ago with annual increase of 25% between 2004 and 2008 (Bauer, 2010). For countries who import their nothing resources, reducing the efficacy usage and saving gold is a big concern. High settlement in postcode usage practically causes crisis in some special crisis situations. It could be financial, political, or literally natural dis aster. bit so, housing alone takes up major(ip) portion of marrow energy usage. check to United States Environmental Protection means (EPA), it accounted for 38.9 portion of total U.S. energy breathing in in 2005. In year 2006 it took 72 percent of total U.S. electricity role and this number leave behinding rise to 75% by 2025. So it whoremaster be seen how change in managing housings can lead to constructive changes (EPA). Green grammatical construction technology tackles against these problems with many different technologies, adopting them suitably for each aspects of energy conservation. go so, 2 examples that formly fight against specific aspects argon brought up here.2.2 Heat view asFirstly, it has been verbalise that the screw up up and cooling system process of a household heavily uses electricity and causes substantial carbon copy waiver. Following argon statistics declargond by EPA The average household spends at least $2,000 a year on energy bills over half of which goes to maniaing and cooling. Out of the total energy manipulation in an average household, 50% goes to space erupting, 27% to run appliances, 19% to heat body of water and 4% goes to air specialise.The add up are self-explanatory heating and cooling alone is a big begin of whole energy consumption. Temperature soften technology for potassium expression enables reducing such(prenominal) consumption and carbon emission. During summer the solarize light directly enters through houses through windowpanes or hits the surfaces of out expression and heats up the whole construction. Four factors affect heat accumulation in a pedestal solar heat gain, inwrought heat gain, air leakage, and temperature difference. To work up these problems, approaches such as using shades, changing color of outer edifice, change of roof structure, reducing internal heat gene wagegrade sources (ex. Electronic equipment), and better use of spaces for air ventilation are used. right aways expressions in any case use gondola controlled ventilation system or, manual allowance account of ventilation openings to control the heat (Bauer, 2010).On the different hand, during winter it is important to keep and gain every possible heat. A simple method alike edifice the houses facing towards south or optimizing use of cheerfulnesslight would be the most long-familiar methods. Additionally, methods of loading up the heat into the building are to a fault used, which is using methods like using atria or double faade- triple dimensioned surfaces like windows or wall surfaces- which can support the heat insulation by 20% (Bauer, 2010). As a specific example, window moving pictures are be to be effective in solar beam cut, reducing the heat level unveiling a house. The benefit of windows films is clear it reflects the sun radiation that causes heat and let the room keep cool with less(prenominal) efforts, in terms of both price and energy usage. T his means less air conditioning is used and less energy is consumed.It is proposed by Solar Gard, that Not only do Solar Gards architectural solar control window films help cut energy expenditures by up to 30%, its Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) scientifically proves that Solar Gard and Panorama solar control window films have a utmost positive environmental impact ecumenic (Solar Gard).These are specific personal effects of window film proposed by them1. One hearty meter of a low-e wood window, the symbol with the smallest carbon footprint, has a carbon represent of 253 kilograms. The carbon be of Solar Gard window film is less than one kilogram per square meter. 2. Solar Gard window film saves 1001 times much GHG emissions from entering the cash dispenser than is used and/or created during its manufacture. 3. Solar Gard window film installed between 2007 and 2008 saved 3.6 trillion tons of CO2 from entering the ambiance this is equivalent to the carbon output of 16,350 American families (with four hoi polloi).This subprogramicular products such effects can be expected from other window films too. In short, all these heat controlling technologies serve to reduce the electricity usage with additional energy conserving effects of reduced carbon emissions.2.3 Emission ControlSpeaking of carbon emissions, there are specific uses of materials that combats them. In United States, housing alone takes 38 percent of the total carbon dioxide emissions (EPA). Carbon dioxide emission is one of the well-known factors that are blamed for the global warming. The famous Kyoto Protocol was established in influence to limit this and also to make better results with global warming rough the world. Choice of materials for constructions is thus guardedly elect from the planning stage, since once used in the process of construction, it is hard to replace them afterwards.unlike sorts of materials has different amount of carbon emissions, and in parking l ot building that is considered as major criteria. Other aspects of re parvenuability and sustainability are also considered carefully when material is picked. One specific example of such effort would be use of wood for floorings. woodland has its advantage as a building material from its characteristics of low embodied energy, low carbon impact, low pollution emission, and sustainability. Low embodied energy means it takes less efforts and resources in order to get it. Wood, since it has minimal energy affect during harvesting, has relatively lower embodied energy than those like steels, concrete, aluminum, plastic.In terms of carbon impact, it has lower carbon emission than most of other construction materials. Compared to other contrived or metal types or materials, it shows importantly lower level of carbon emission just as shown in write in code 2.Figure 2 Basically, this is the most important characteristic of wood usage for spurt building, and it is listed as the followin gs in the website of The Solid Wood Flooring Company* For every meitnerium of CO2 a tree absorbs from the nimbus nearly of a tonne of group O is produced * Over 83% of the timber supplied in the UK is certified to be sustainable * victimisation wood instead of other building materials saves an average of 0.9 tonnes of CO2 per cubic metre. * An EUR woody pallet stores around 29kg of CO2 taken from the atmosphere during the ingathering of the tree While metals and other fossil-based materials are not renewable resources, wood can be keep forever if carefully used. It has to be go with by careful forestry planning, but it is in spades one resource that can be continuously re-grown.3. Impacts3.1 Social ImpactsWith all the features that efficiently use the natural energy and resources, verdure building technology also supports public assistance of tenants in the buildings. It typically contributes to improve employees and students health, alleviate and productiveness.Indoor E nvironmental Quality (IEQ)one of the criteria of the U.S Green Building Councils LEED-H rating systemevaluates the subtle issue that influences races status of mind and physical structure in a space. It has been scientifically proven by related study that people break away to be to a greater extent reproductive and contribute better actance in environment with better ventilation and proper(ip) temperature control (Abdou, 2006).Figure 3 skillful as shown in figure 3, ameliorate working or living condition leads to better work performances. The study sponsored in part by commercial authorized(a) estate giant Cushman & Wakefield, report 30 percent fewer sick(p) days among one companys employees, and discovered a 10 percent increase in net gross per employee in another company, after each office moved to LEED-certified buildings. Schools operating in grands buildings also demonstrate higher test scores and heightened academic exuberance among students (Abdou, 2006)Plus, nature friendly methods and materials used in green buildings proved to ease sicknesses that could occur in daily lives of tenants. It is believed to contribute astray to respiratory problems, allergies, nausea, headaches, and skin rashes. With much violence on ventilation, non-toxic, low emitting materials and cutting use of air conditioning, green buildings indeed create healthier and more comfortable living environments, which keep people away from sickish Building Syndromes (Fisk, 2002).In summary, all these benefits retrieved from applying green building technology can lead to wholesome social benefit of people, by promoting health initiatives and pleasurable living spaces. so it further goes on to the bigger denture of expanding economic ground, by improving productivity and economic activity of the users of this technology.3.2 Economic ImpactsGreen buildings are so much more cost effective compared to conventional buildings. consort to the USGBCs LEED rating system, gr een buildings tend to be 25-30% more energy efficient and more likely to generate the renewable resource on-the-spot(prenominal). Due to its cost effectiveness, energy saving and easy maintenance, green buildings subdue non-green buildings in the resale marketplace. Basically a newlyconstructed green building will perform 10.9% better than its original construction value. potential buyers who realize the utility and maintenance cost and are more concerned about the sustainable design of the building will be attracted towards it. Though there is a common perception that green buildings cost a heavy premium over normal buildings, the cost of green design has dropped in the last few years as the number of green buildings has risen. accordingly buildings both residential and commercial with sustainable design component shroud retaining a high property value in the retailing market (McGraw Hill Construction, 2010).By continuing to grow in different ground of constructions from the usual ones, green building technology is opening new opportunities for more economic activities with its prospects. As consumers and suppliers become more interested in such technology, it carries much potential for better outcomes.4. Future Prospects hence would these outcomes continue to exist in the approaching future too? Green building is getting on the line of popularity deep down the general public who are turn more aware of environmental conservation. brasss are encouraging it with various policies and incentives with brandings. It does seem like there are some positive prospects for green building technology to continue to grow in the future. There are supple amounts of factors encouraging such potentials.Regarding the future future green building designs, buildings such as Zero-Energy Buildings are being explored. Zero-energy building (ZEB) is the designation given to buildings that have zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions annually. These buildings harvest energy produced on-site to meet their own energy needs. In addition to this, ideas of green schools are also being developed. Certified Green Schools are growing rapidly as part the LEED System. This trend will accelerate as understanding of the health and educational benefits of green schools grow (Yudelson, 2010).On the other hand, research efforts for further protection of environment are encouraging the future growth too. sense of the coming global crisis in refreshed water supply leads building designers and managers to take further steps to reduce water consumption to increase sustainability. This will be done in buildings through the use of more conservation-oriented fixtures, rainwater recovery systems and mod new water technologies. Lifecycle Analysis (LCA) examines the impact of materials and will allow architects to determine what products are more sustainable and what combination of products can produce the most environmentally friendly results (GEP, 2011).In 2011, the annual Image military unit Global Green Brands Study polled more than 9,000 people in 8 countries (USA, UK, China, Brazil, India, Germany, France and Australia) to break consumers perception of green products. All participating countries, either developed or developing, indicated that they were kinda willing to open up their wallets and pay a bit more for green options in real estate. Most of the informants showed great interest to the green buildings. To be precise, 60% of the surveyed consumers globally intend to extend their green choices more and more to items in the real estate, energy and technology sectors (Longsworth, 2011).By 2013 overall global green building market, both residential and commercial, may more than double in its scale from approximately $36-$49 billion to $96-$140 billion. When looking just at the commercial and institutional real estate development markets, the green building market is projected to grow from its online occupation of 10-12% of the market to 20-25% (GreenBuildings.com). The future market trends are predicted to continue to grow with definite incentives and initiatives. One of them would be green building technology being encouraged to be used in government sectors.Government offices will need to be modify into green buildings because of regulatory requirements in many countries. Such need will be the key growth area for green building market. Cash incentives for developers will bring a major role in this too. Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and Japan have developed soused support system and incentives for green building developers, designers and owners. Seeing benefits from such incentives, more experts will enter into green building area, exhilarating its growth (Frost&Sullivan, 2009). 5. ConclusionGreen building, regardless its short history, has achieved a lot in a short term. Its sorting of technologies gave rise of new solutions for using less energy yet enjoying more nature friendly benef its, and as it get popular, economic and social benefits arose. Specific technologies that have been discussed were temperature control technologies and choice of building materials. Such direct outcomes lead green buildings positive impacts to be applied on overall human society and economy.From the on-line(prenominal) outcomes of green building technology and its boost popularity, it seems to have good prospects for the future growth too. There are different factors of future designs and economic incentives encouraging this trend, and so further growth followed by more positive impacts can be expected. These all whence support the idea green building has substantial positive effect in both environment and economy, with potential for in time better outcomes in the future.Still, there are problems and limitations of green building technology that we have to consider about for the moment. It is a new born technology and yet to be fully developed. Hence full green buildings that i ncorporate much of the technology are prone to be accused for its high costs as mentioned before and also its insufficient development of efficiency are often pointed at as something miserable of further developments. Nevertheless, its future potentials cannot be woebegone simply because of its accepted limitations. Since the initial intention of green building is to reduce human use of natural resources and promote sustainability, current green building technology should be pushed on for further developments that can solve problems at the moment and so forrader move on to achieve its goal in an even better way. Besides, its potentials are sufficient to predict better efficiency and profound benefits for our society.Hence green building technology should be acknowledged for its corroborative impacts on environment not only for the current moment, but also for the upcoming future that will aid human beings to continue to live on without beat the natural resources.