Green Building

GREEN BUILDING CONCEPTS
ABSTRACT:
Constructing and operating buildings requires enormous amounts of energy, water, and materials
and creates large amounts of waste. Where and how they are built affects the ecosystems around
us in countless ways. Thus, a concept has been introduced, which lets humans live in harmony
with nature. This is called the GREE !"#$%#G C&CE'T. (ustainable design or building
)green) is an opportunity to use our resources efficiently while creating healthier buildings. #t
provides cost savings to all through improved human health and productivity, lower cost
building operations, and resource efficiency**and it moves us closer to a sustainable future. +
green building, also ,nown as a sustainable building, is a structure that is designed, built,
renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource*efficient manner. Green buildings
are designed to meet certain ob-ectives such as protecting occupant health. improving employee
productivity. using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently, and reducing the overall
impact to the environment. This paper deals with some of the concepts of green building by
which the resources of nature can be protected and conserved.
KEYWORDS:
Water, energy, construction materials, building operation, orientation, environment
impacts, Waste reuse, utili/ation, power generation, maintenance, wor,ability, and functions.
0. INTRODUCTION:
(ociety is living beyond its means. We are about to dispossess the earth of capital assets in the
space of a few lifetimes through patterns of e1ploitation. These patterns are devastating the
natural environment upon which we depend for our long*term survival. With about one*third of
all energy consumed being used for heating, cooling, lighting and appliances in buildings,
considerable attention has to be focused on enhancing energy efficiency within homes, offices,
schools, hospitals and other buildings. This method of improving the energy efficiency of
buildings can be achieved if the building is planned, designed and constructed according to the
green building concept.
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2. WHAT IS “GREEN BUILDING”?
Green building is a loosely defined collection of land*use, building design, and construction
strategies that reduce the environmental impacts that buildings have on their surroundings.
Traditional building practices often overloo, the interrelationships among a building, its
components, its surroundings, and its occupants. 2Typical3 buildings consume more of our
resources than necessary and generate large amounts of waste.
3. Elemen! "# G$een B%&l'&n(!
There is not any one single technique for designing and building a green building, but green
buildings often4
 'reserve natural vegetation
 Contain non*to1ic or recycled*content building materials
 5aintain good indoor air*quality
 "se water and energy efficiently
 Conserve natural resources
 6eature natural lighting
 #nclude recycling facilities throughout
 #nclude access to public transportation
 6eature fle1ible interiors, and
 Recycle construction and demolition waste
). W*+ ,+-e! + B%&l'&n( G$een?
+ green building, also ,nown as a sustainable building, is a structure that is designed, built,
renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource*efficient manner. Green buildings
are designed to meet certain ob-ectives such as protecting occupant health, improving employee
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productivity, using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently, and reducing the overall
impact to the environment.
.. W*+ A$e *e Elemen! "# G$een B%&l'&n(!?
../. S&&n(
• (tart by selecting a site well suited to ta,e advantage of mass transit.
• 'rotect and retain e1isting landscaping and natural features. (elect plants that have low water
and pesticide needs, and generate minimum plant trimmings. "se compost and mulches. This
will save water and time.
• Recycled content paving materials, furnishings, and mulches help close the recycling loop.
8.7. Ene$(0
Responsible energy use is fundamental to sustainable development and a sustainable future.
Energy management must balance -ustifiable energy demand with appropriate energy supply.
The process couples energy awareness, energy conservation, and energy efficiency with the use
of primary renewable energy resources.
There are many different issues that should be considered in the design and construction of
housing, and consumers need to be aware of available cost*effective and sustainable methods
and technologies using renewable resources. &ne e1ample is the construction of 9ero Energy
:omes ;9E:<.
..2./. 1e$" Ene$(0 H"me!: + 9E: combines state*of*the*art, energy*efficient construction
techniques and equipment with renewable energy systems to return as much energy as it ta,es
on an annual basis. (pecifically, when renewable resources cannot provide the entire home=s
power, e.g., at night or on a cloudy day, the homeowner purchases energy from the utility. When
renewable resources produce more than the house is using, e.g., during sunny days when no one
is home, power is sent bac, into the utility grid. (ome utilities operate the home=s electric meter
in reverse, essentially providing the homeowners full retail value for their energy.The concept is
simple > couple the ma1imum possible building energy efficiency with the best available
renewable energy resources in a way that ma1imi/es the effectiveness of both.
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Photovoltaic system installation on a zero energy home
..2.2. Rene2+3le ene$(0 $e!"%$4e!:
(pecific e1amples of renewable energy resources and their characteristics, applicability,
advantages, and disadvantages are described here.
 S"l+$ Te4*n"l"(&e!. + broad range of solar technologies e1ists * some are as simple as sun
tempering a building by orientation and shading. $ow technology systems are readily
available to preheat water and dry foods. 5edium temperature systems can provide
refrigeration. (olar collectors with multiple units ensure reliability.
 L"2 Tem5e$+%$e T*e$m+l S0!em!. This class of systems is commercially available,
and both installation and maintenance requirements are familiar to the electrical and
plumbing trades.
 S2&mm&n( P""l He+e$!. (wimming pool heaters are commonly manufactured of low*
cost '@C or C'@C materials and are in the form of a simple piping loop with a circulator
pump. Controls are simple and can even be omitted in most southern latitudes.
 D"me!&4 H" W+e$ He+e$!. %omestic hot water heaters are typically closed*loop
systems used for providing potable hot water to household or commercial facilities. They
come in a variety of shapes and si/es, but generally include a water*heater storage tan,,
either of the common household water heater type, or of a solar applications design that
has an additional heat e1changer and super insulation. The solar collectors are generally
flat*plate designs that vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. These systems are simple
to install, and maintenance is low.
 ,e'&%m Tem5e$+%$e T*e$m+l S0!em!. +ir*conditioning or industrial*process water
heating are typical applications of these systems. These systems are less common than low
temperature systems, and installation requires an e1perienced contractor and several wee,s
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of pro-ect time. 'aybac, is e1tended when the application is for air*conditioning. %omestic
hot water can be a by*product of the absorption unit, and will defray operating costs
somewhat. The collectors themselves are cost*effective, and systems using them to pump
water and other such uses are very cost*effective.
 P*""6"l+&4 S0!em!. +mple sunlight, low maintenance, high reliability, and widespread
support ma,e photovoltaic systems an attractive option for remote energy generation.
(ystem design is fle1ible and easily e1panded. + development can be energi/ed by a single
centrali/ed large array and battery storage, or smaller autonomous systems serving local
areas, even individual dwelling units. +lthough there may be cost advantages for a
centrali/ed system, there are reliability advantages for a number of small modular systems
with interchangeable components.
 De6el"5 !$+e(&e! " 5$"6&'e n+%$+l l&(*&n(. S%'&e! *+6e !*"2n *+ & *+! +
5"!&&6e &m5+4 "n B+!&4!
• 'roductivity and well*being.
• #nstall high*efficiency lighting systems with advanced lighting controls. #nclude motion
sensors tied to dimmable lighting controls. Tas, lighting reduces general overhead light
levels.
• "se a properly si/ed and energy*efficient heatBcooling system in con-unction with a
thermally efficient building shell. 5a1imi/e light colors for roofing and wall finish
materials. install high R*value wall and ceiling insulation. and use minimal glass on east
and west e1posures.
• 5inimi/e the electric loads from lighting, equipment, and appliances.
• Consider alternative energy sources such as photovoltaic and fuel cells that are now
available in new products and applications. Renewable energy sources provide a great
symbol of emerging technologies for the future.
• Computer modeling is an e1tremely useful tool in optimi/ing design of electrical and
mechanical systems and the building shell.
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 W&n' S0!em!. +s with solar technology, the simplest use of the prevailing winds is
incorporation into the architecture. Wind scoops, cross*ventilation, and passive thermal
chimneys use air movement to ,eep buildings comfortable. Wind generators can be a good
choice for remote applications and small power demands such as pumping water.
 B&"(+! U!e. +s a by*product of the anaerobic digestion of the solid waste stream, biogas
offers the comprehensive benefits of waste and wastewater processing, methane
production for coo,ing and refrigeration, and generation of organics for soil enhancement.
%epending on the quantity of waste that is available, possibly all the energy needs within a
sustainable development may be met through the use of biogas.
.. WATER:
Efficient use of water depends on these main aspects4
• 5inimi/ed use of water
• (election of proper source of water such that uncontaminated water is got with minimum use
of energy
• 'roper storage of water for minimi/ed wastage and minimum use of energy for transportation
• %esign for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a gray water system that
recovers rainwater or other non*potable water for site irrigation.
• 5inimi/e wastewater by using ultra low*flush toilets, low*flow shower heads, and other water
conserving fi1tures.
• "se re*circulating systems for centrali/ed hot water distribution.
7./. W+e$ C"n!e$6+&"n
The cornerstone of any domestic water supply program is conservation. Water conservation also
includes using water of lower quality such as reclaimed wastewater effluent, gray water, or
runoff from ground surfaces for toilet flushing or irrigation of vegetative landscape or food
crops. These uses do not require the level of water quality as that needed for internal
consumption, bathing, or washing. With the proper type of wastewater treatment and plumbing
hardware, sea water can be used as a toilet flushing medium. (ome e1amples of conserving the
use of water in fi1tures and fittings are as follows4
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7././. Flush toilets are the largest inside user of water. To conserve water, the ma1imum
permissible water use per flushing cycle is 0.C gallons. Water conservation flush toilets are
widely manufactured. %ouble flush units also save water by providing a partial flush for
liquid wastes and a complete flush ;0.C gallons< for fecal wastes.
7./.2. Lavatory fixtures should be spring*loaded and have a ma1imum flow rate of 7.7 gallons
per minute ;gpm< at a test pressure of DE pounds per square inch ;psi<. +lthough most water
systems operate in the 78*AE psi range, the high*test pressure ensures that a purported
conservation device actually does conserve water over a wide pressure range. Electronic
pro1imity devices are now commercially available with lavatory fi1tures. These units are
water efficient but should be used only after evaluating local repair capabilities.
7./.3. Shower fixtures should be rated for a ma1imum flow rate of 7.8 gpm at DE psi. (hower
fi1tures of 7.E and 0.8 gpm are available and wor, very satisfactorily depending on user
preference. (hower fi1tures should have a timed cycle after activation by user or be spring
loaded with chain operator. #nstead of a hot water shower, tempered water using a solar
thermal collector may be a good median between a cold shower and an energy*intensive hot
shower.
7./.). Urinals should have a ma1imum flow rate of 0.E gpm and be spring*loaded.
7.2. W+e$ S"%$4e!
The source of water selected for usage must be such that there is uninterrupted supply of
uncontaminated water with the minimum use of power. (ome of the sources recommended are
as follows4
7.2. Groundwater (Wells and springs): +n uncontaminated groundwater source or spring
usually requires the least input ;energy, chemical, financial< to provide safe water for drin,ing,
bathing, and coo,ing. E1treme efforts should be made to protect e1isting and potential
groundwater sources from contamination. To ensure that groundwater is not contaminated by
surface water or other influences, wells should be a minimum of 8E feet deep and generally 7EE
feet hori/ontal from surface water.
"se of groundwater is probably the least energy*intensive because renewable energy sources
;wind, photovoltaic< can be used to pump the water to a hillside storage reservoir for distribution
* F *
by gravity. This type of system has so many advantages from both an environmental and
economical perspective that the source can be developed up to several miles from the final use
point.
:owever, the use of ground water must be restricted so that the natural water table is not
lowered, which is against the concept of green building.
7.2. Rain water harvesting: #n those cases where there is a lac, of water, rain catchments
becomes an option as a stand*alone supply of water or a supplement to a limited ground or
surface supply. Rainfall catchment from the roofs of structures is a recogni/ed option for water
supply, provided the necessary treatment processes are used prior to distribution. Care should be
used in selecting a roofing material ;e.g., hard and smooth< that does not collect dirt. 5etal roofs
may release heavy metals into the drin,ing water if the rainwater is acidic. Rainwater collected
from ground surfaces ;par,ing lots, etc.< can be used for secondary uses such as toilet flushing
and irrigation of food crops.
7.3 W+e$ S"$+(e
Gravity storage of any water product ;raw, finished, and reclaimed< should be used wherever
possible. 6or every 0 foot of elevation a storage tan, is located above a use point, E.A??psi static
pressure is generated. Gravity storage enables wind and photovoltaic pumping systems to be
effective. !ecause these pumping systems wor, at relatively low pumping rates, the gravity
storage tan, acts as an accumulator to store water for heavy demand periods or for days when
the wind does not blow or the sun does not shine. 'hotovoltaic pumping systems can provide
moderate daily flows of up to 78,EEE gallons per day and produce total dynamic heads of 0EE*
08E feet.
8. ,ATERIALS:
Green building materials are composed of renewable, rather than non renewable resources.
Green materials are environmentally responsible because impacts are considered over the life of
the product. #n green building constructions, materials used should be such that they do not
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produce any harm to the surrounding environment. They should have low to1icity to protect
indoor air quality. Energy efficiency is another important factor to be considered. "se of
naturally occurring products or harvest products helps to maintain the natural Eco system. The
materials to be used must be analy/ed to find whether it will be cost efficient and nature
friendly.
8. W*en *e&$ !"%$4e &! !%!+&n+3le?
• Natural materials are less energy*intensive and polluting to produce, and contribute less to
indoor air pollution.
• Local materials have a reduced level of energy cost and air pollution associated with their
transportation, and can help sustain the local economy.
• Durable materials can save on energy costs for maintenance as well as for the production and
installation of replacement products.
• #n selecting building materials, it is helpful to prioriti/e them by origin, avoiding materials
from non*renewable sources.
8.2. P$&m+$0 ,+e$&+l! 9 materials found in nature such as stone, earth, flora ;hemp, -ute, reed,
wool<, cotton, and wood
• ensure new lumber is from certified sustain ably managed forests or certified naturally felled
trees
• use caution that any associated treatments, additives, or adhesives do not contain to1ins or off*
gas volatile organic compounds ;@&Cs< that contribute to indoor airBatmospheric pollution
8.2. Se4"n'+$0 ,+e$&+l! 9 materials made from recycled products such as wood, aluminum,
cellulose, and plastics
• verify that production of material does not involve high levels of energy, pollution, of waste
• verify functional efficiency and environmental safeness of salvaged ;recycled< materials and
products from old buildings
• loo, closely at the composition of recycled products. to1ins may still be present
• consider cellulose insulation. it is fireproof and provides a greater R*value per inch thic,ness
than fiberglass
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• specify aluminum from recycled material. it uses DEH less energy to produce over initial
production
• evaluate products containing recycled hydrocarbon*based products. they may help ,eep used
plastics out of landfills but may do little to reduce production and use of plastic from virgin
resources
• ,eep alert for new developments. new environmentally sound materials from recycled goods
are coming on the mar,et every wee,
8./. Te$&+$0 ,+e$&+l! 9 man*made materials ;artificial, synthetic, nonrenewable< materials
having varying degrees of environmental impact such as plywood, plastics, and aluminum
• avoid use of materials and products containing or produced with chlorofluorocarbons ;C6Cs<
or hydro chlorofluorocarbons ;:C6C< that deteriorate the o/one layer
• avoid materials that off*gas volatile organic compounds, contributing to indoor
airBatmospheric pollution
• minimi/e use of products made from new aluminum or other materials that are resource
disruptive during e1traction and a high energy consumer during refinement
:. WASTES:
Construction waste can and should be managed in the same way as other home building
operations. Efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle construction waste may save money, reduce
liability, ,eep -ob sites cleaner and safer, and conserve valuable landfill space.
Construction and %emolition ;CI%< debris consists of the waste generated during construction,
renovation, and demolition pro-ects. Covering a wide array of materials including wood,
concrete, steel, bric,, and gypsum, CI% debris is a large and comple1 waste stream. Reducing
CI% debris conserves landfill space, reduces the environmental impact of producing new
materials, and can reduce overall building pro-ect e1penses through avoided purchaseBdisposal
costs.
The management of wastes in general consists of three stages4 Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
:./. REDUCE:
&ne of the best ways to address construction waste management is to avoid creating waste in the
first place. Reducing the amount of CI% debris disposed of in landfills or combustion facilities
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provides numerous benefits. $ess waste can lead to fewer disposal facilities, potentially
reducing associated environmental issues including methane gas emissions, which contribute to
global climate change. Techniques for reducing the amount of material used in construction
without any harmful consequences to the structure are still being developed. &ne of the best
e1amples of debris reduction techniques is Efficient 6raming, which can greatly reduce the
amount of lumber used in wood framing for houses.
Efficient framing or &ptimum @alue Engineering ;&@E< refers to framing techniques that
reduce the amount of lumber used to build a home while maintaining the structural integrity of
the building. "sing &@E techniques results in lower material and labor costs and improved
energy performance for the building.
:.2. REUSE:
(everal waste materials, regardless of quantity, can be reused4 fiberglass and rigid insulation.
slightly damaged finished products such as cabinets and doors. large pieces of clean carpet and
vinyl flooring. and masonryBconcrete material. 6or e1ample, all bric, and concrete waste is inert
fill that can be used on site under wal,ways or driveways.
Reuse is different from recycling in that materials are not processed and ,eep their functional
value. &ne way of getting materials for reuse without much damage is the preference of
deconstruction to demolition. The process of ta,ing apart a structure with the primary goal of
preserving the value of all useful building materials, so that they may be reused or recycled is
called deconstruction.
:././. RECYCLE:
+ resource recovery method involving the collection, separation, and processing to specification
of scrap materials and their use as raw materials for manufacture into new products is called
recycling. Cardboard, wood, drywall, metals, and some plastics are all recyclable, but their
recyclability depends on quantity, quality, and the inherent value of the waste material. J
(ome of the e1amples of recycled materials used in construction are as follows4
• Straw: (traw is a by*product from crops such as wheat. rye, rice, and fla1 that are left over
after all the food products have been e1tracted. #t is gathered, baled, and transported to a factory,
where it is transformed into a wood*li,e product by compressing it under high temperatures that
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bond the straw fibers to together, sometimes without adhesives. + high*quality finish can be
applied to the outside of the panel to providing a surface fit for e1posed applications. To create a
stronger structural panel, the straw board can be sandwiched between two oriented strand boards
;&(!<. a building product that is cheap, straw*based building products provide all of these
benefits in addition being resistant to fire, water, and termites.
• Recycled woodplastic lu!"er: Recycled woodBplastic composite lumber is one of the prime
uses for recycled plastic trash bags and waste wood fibers. The composite material is used to
produce building products such as dec,ing, door and window frames, and e1terior moldings.
5anufacturers claim that products produced with recycled woodBplastic lumber are more
durable than conventional preservative*treated lumber. +lso, these products contain no to1ic
chemicals such as those used in conventional treated lumber. Recycled woodBplastic composite
lumber typically consists of a 8E B8E mi1 of wood fibers from recovered saw dust and waste
plastics that include high*density polyethylene, '@C, and others. The material is formed into
both solid and hollow profiles. Recycled woodBplastic composites are typically more rigid than
0EE percent recycled plastic lumber because the wood fibers act as reinforcement. #n addition,
the plastic encapsulates and binds the wood together to resist moisture penetration and
degradation from fungal rot.
• Fly ash: 6ly ash is a fine, glass*li,e powder recovered from gases created by coal*fired
electric power generation. 6ly ash is an ine1pensive replacement for 'ortland cement used in
concrete, while it actually improves strength, segregation, and ease of pumping of the concrete.
6ly ash is also used as an ingredient in bric,, bloc,, paving, and structural fills. Consisting
mostly of silica, alumina and iron, fly ash is a po//olan**a substance containing aluminous and
silicious material that forms cement in the presence of water. When mi1ed with lime and water it
forms a compound similar to 'ortland cement. The spherical shape of the particles reduces
internal friction thereby increasing the concreteKs consistency and mobility, permitting longer
pumping distances. #mproved wor,ability means less water is needed, resulting in less
segregation of the mi1ture. +lthough fly ash cement itself is less dense than 'ortland cement, the
produced concrete is denser and results in a smoother surface with sharper detail.
;. B%&l'&n( O5e$+&"n +n' ,+&nen+n4e
Green building measures cannot achieve their goals unless they wor, as intended. !uilding
commissioning includes testing and ad-usting the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
* 07 *
to ensure that all equipment meets design criteria. #t also includes instructing the staff on the
operation and maintenance of equipment.
&ver time, building performance can be assured through measurement, ad-ustment, and
upgrading. 'roper maintenance ensures that a building continues to perform as designed and
commissioned.
;./. #$%&&R '$(#R&$)'$* +U,L#*-:
&ccupant comfort, both thermal and acoustical, is an essential component of indoor
environmental quality ;#EL<. The building should be designed such that the human needs are
properly balanced with the environment, with the minimum use of energy. (ome of the factors
influencing #ndoor Environment Luality are discussed below.
;././. Cl&m+e:
• apply natural conditioning techniques to effect appropriate comfort levels for human
activities . . . do not isolate human needs from the environment
• avoid overdependence on mechanical systems to alter the climate ;such dependency signifies
inappropriate design, disassociation from the environment, and nonsustainable use of resources<
• +naly/e whether the climate is comfortable, too cool, or too hot for the anticipated activities,
and then which of the primary climatic components of temperature, sun, wind, and moisture
ma,e the comfort level better ;asset< or worse ;liability<.
;./.2. Tem5e$+%$e:
• Temperature is a liability in climates where it is consistently too hot or too cold
• areas that are very dry or at high elevation typically have the asset of large temperature
swings from daytime heating to nighttime cooling, which can be flattened through
heavyBmassive construction to yield relatively constant indoor temperatures
• when climate is predominantly too hot for comfort4
• 5inimi/e solid enclosure and thermal mass ma1imi/e roof ventilation.
• use elongated or fractured floor plans to minimi/e internal heat gain and ma1imi/e
e1posure for ventilation
* 0? *
• separate rooms and functions with covered bree/eways to ma1imi/e wall shading and
induce ventilation
• isolate heat*generating functions such as ,itchens and laundries from living areas
• provide shaded outdoor living areas such as porches and dec,s
• capitali/e on cool nighttime temperatures, bree/es, or ground temperatures
• when climate is predominantly too cool for comfort
• consolidate functions into most compact configuration
• insulate thoroughly to minimi/e heat loss
• minimi/e air infiltration with barrier sheeting, weather stripping, sealants, and airloc,
entries
• minimi/e openings not oriented toward sun e1posure.
;./.3. S%n:
* 0A *
• (un can be a significant liability in hot climates, but is rarely a liability in cold climates
• (un can be an asset in cool and cold climates to provide passive heating
• design must reflect seasonal variations in solar intensity, incidence angle, cloud cover,
and storm influences
• when solar gain causes conditions too hot for comfort
• use overhangs to shade walls and openings
• use site features and vegetation to provide shading to walls with eastern and western
e1posure
• use shading devices such as louvers, covered porches, and trellises with natural vines to
bloc, sun without bloc,ing out bree/es and natural light
• orient broad building surfaces away from the hot late*day western sun ;only northern and
southern e1posures are easily shaded<
• use lighter*colored wall and roofing material to reflect solar radiation ;be sensitive to
resulting glare and impact on naturalBcultural setting<
• in tropical climates, use shutters and screens, avoiding glass and e1posures to direct solar
gain
• when solar gain is too be used to offset conditions that are too cool for comfort
• ma1imi/e building e1posure and openings facing south ;facing north in the southern
hemisphere<
• increase thermal mass and envelope insulation
• use dar,er*colored building e1teriors to absorb solar radiation and promote heat gain
* 08 *
;./.). W&n':
• wind is a liability in cold climates because it strips heat away quic,er than normal. wind
can also be a liability to comfort in hot dry climates when it causes the human body to
dehydrate and then overheat
• wind can be an asset in hot, humid climates to provide natural ventilation
 use natural ventilation wherever feasible. limit air*conditioning to areas requiring special
humidity or temperature control such as artifact storage and computer rooms
 ma1imi/eBminimi/e e1posure to wind through plan orientation and configuration, number
and position of wall and roof openings, and relationship to grade and vegetation
 use wind scoops, thermal chimneys, or wind turbines to induce ventilation on sites with
limited wind
;./... ,"&!%$e:
• moisture can be a liability if it comes in the form of humidity, causing such stic,iness that one
cannot evaporative cool ;cooling by perspiring< in summer
• strategies to reduce the discomfort of high humidity include ma1imi/ing ventilation, inducing
air flow, and venting or moving moisture*producing functions such as ,itchens and shower
rooms to outside areas
* 0C *
• nature can be an asset by evaporating in hot, dry climates to cool and humidify the air ;a
natural air*conditioning<
• techniques for evaporative cooling include placing facilities where bree/es will pass over
water features before reaching the facility, and providing fountains, pools, and plants
/<. O44%5+n He+l* +n' S+#e0
Recent studies reveal that buildings with good overall environmental quality can reduce the rate
of respiratory disease, allergy, asthma, sic, building symptoms, and enhance wor,er
performance. The potential financial benefits of improving indoor environments e1ceed
costs .Choose construction materials and interior finish products with /ero or low emissions to
improve indoor air quality. 5any building materials and cleaningBmaintenance products emit
to1ic gases, such as volatile organic compounds ;@&C< and formaldehyde. These gases can
have a detrimental impact on occupantsK health and productivity.
'rovide adequate ventilation and a high*efficiency, in*duct filtration system. :eating and
cooling systems that ensure adequate ventilation and proper filtration can have a dramatic and
positive impact on indoor air quality.
'revent indoor microbial contamination through selection of materials resistant to microbial
growth, provide effective drainage from the roof and surrounding landscape, install adequate
ventilation in bathrooms, allow proper drainage of air*conditioning coils, and design other
building systems to control humidity.
//. BENE=ITS O= GREEN BUILDING :
Green building has proven effective in minimi/ing industry impacts on air and water quality
and protecting natural ecosystems. #t has also been shown to increase building value by
improving cost performance, enhancing occupant comfort, and creating positive public
perception.
* 0F *
/2. E4"n"m&4 Bene#&!:
 $owers operation and maintenance costs
 #ncreases return on investment
 Enhances public image
← En6&$"nmen+l Bene#&!:
 #mproves air and water quality
 Conserves natural resources
 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions ,landfills
← S"4&+l Bene#&!:
 #mproves occupant comfort and health
 !oosts employee productivity
 Enhances community quality of life
/3. .&$.LUS#&$:
+ll things have a place and a purpose in this universe, and we humans are challenged everyday
to ma,e this a better place to live in. #t is our obligation to act respectfully toward all living
things and to manifest an approach to life in which the dignity of all species is sustained and
common interests flourish. We see that with the use of green building concept, sustainable
development can be achieved, with the minimum use of energy and resources to achieve
ma1imum comfort, thus living in harmony with nature. Conserving natural resources benefits
everyone now, and into the future. :ence, green building concepts must be incorporated in all
the construction activities, for a better and beautiful future.
R'F'R'$.'S:
http://www.greenbuildings.com
http://www.ieq.org
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