How to shape the future of construction? (original) (raw)

• 01. Benefits
• 02. Definition
• 03. Impacts
• 04. Solutions
• 05. Implementations
• 06. Challenges
• Other Topics

01. Benefits

Green building Benefits

Sustainable construction aims at reaching a high level of performance in terms of the environmental, economic and societal impacts of the concerned buildings:

• Environmental: as the priority is given to local, renewable, bio-sourced and recyclable materials, and the design is based on the use of renewable energies (geothermal, aerothermal, solar, wood) and the preservation of resources (energy and water efficiency, better insulation), the first advantage of sustainable building is the protection of the environment.
• Economic: according to a World Green Building Council report, savings in a sustainable building can be very significant: from 25 to 35% energy savings, and up to 39% water savings compared to a conventional building. Besides, green building boosts the real estate market and allows to reduce operating costs.
• Social: green buildings help improve the quality of life, by enhancing occupants’ health, well-being and comfort (thermal and acoustic insulation, better energy and lighting management). Moreover, it minimizes strain on local infrastructure.

02. Definition

What is a green building?

Green building, also called sustainable building or green construction, is the concept of creating structures and processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.

Its main goals are to preserve resources like raw materials, energy and water, fight against global warming (greenhouse gases emission), minimize waste and other pollutions, and maximise the whole life-cycle performance. Sustainable building also aims to bring comfort and health to occupants by the use of materials of high sanitary and environmental quality, both for the actual construction and for the insulation.

Fundamental principles are linked to green building:

• Minimize resource consumption (energy and water efficiency)
• Maximize resource reuse
• Use renewable or recyclable resources
• Protect the natural environment
• Create a healthy, non-toxic environment

03. Impacts

Green building technologies

The philosophy of sustainable architecture is embodied in various practices that aim to reduce the negative impact of a building on its environment and to take care of the quality of life of users and neighboring communities.

Its implementation is manifested by a set of choices of techniques, management methods, materials and the internal organization of functions and spaces, in order to control the energy consumption and the living environment of users.

Sustainable construction technologies used in green construction include:

• Biodegradable materials
• Solar power for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
• Green insulation and lighting, smart appliances, cool roofs
• Sustainable resource sourcing
• Low-energy house and zero-energy building design
• Water efficiency technologies
• Electrochromic smart glass
• Self-powered buildings

04. Solutions

Green building solutions

The Solar Impulse Label is granted to innovative smart and sustainable building solutions that meet high standards of sustainability and profitability. Each solution goes through a strict assessment process performed by independent experts.

05. Implementations

Green building solutions implementations

06. Challenges

Green building challenges

1. High costs: the higher initial design and construction costs are considered as hurdles for green building projects, even though they are profitable in the long term. This is actually the top challenge to realizing high-performance buildings.
2. Lack of public awareness / political support: lack of public awareness is still among the main obstacles in developing the green building market, especially in emerging countries. Little political support can be another challenge for the development of green building and sustainable cities.