Green Glasses in Buildings - Case Study Example

The most benefits associated with glass use include:

• Its recyclability
• Innovative application: glass is quite flexible as a building material hence an architect’s imagination can be expressed well. Daylighting: glass reduces energy consumption since it allows light in during the day and avoids reliance on avoiding surficial lights.
• High efficiency
• Noise control
• Self-control in the blending roll interiors and interiors

 The biggest consumers of energy in the world remain to be buildings and they account for approximately 25% to 33% of all the energy used greenhouse gas emissions similar to this (Kruger and Seville, 2013). While there has been much clamour for cars to meet strict fuel efficiency standards, buildings have been left free hence less attention being paid to buildings to ensure high energy efficiency despite the effects in terms of cost and environmental degradation.

Nevertheless, this is changing mainly due to the increasing cost of energy, the rising electricity d, demand, and environmental concerns that have pushed countries to adopt more energy efficient methods. As an example, of changing trend, Clinton Foundation recently promised an initiative to issue loans up to the tune of US$ 5 billion from various largest banks to help finance energy-efficient buildings. Among the cities chosen to benefit from the project include Mumbai, Seoul, Tokyo, Karachi, and Bangkok.

Differences of about 100 degrees for the exposed surfaces are realized .at the time the glass fell out, the heat flux at the face of the glass was about 50-70 kW/m square.

The efficiency measures foe efficiency involve insulation, air conditioning and heating, the lighting and water heating. the measures result to an incredible saving by developers and the occupants of the houses since the savings accrued to it surpass the costs. It is foreseen that the price of energy will keep rising hence buildings have no choice but adopt new techniques which increase energy efficiency including the use of glass.

The effect of having green buildings and the conversion of the old types into green will not solve the world’s environmental problems, but it is one area which can reduce the adverse effects of climate change (Crisinel and Eu cost, 2007). Buildings energy efficiency is about doing more with less and not only focusing on air conditioning and lighting. 2.1.1 Main Findings Energy efficiency is the main factor which can address the environmental challenges. It has proved to be the easiest, quickest and most efficient ways.

For example the cost of building a new one megawatt power generating plant costs four times the cost of saving one megawatt through greater efficiency. 30 percent of the world’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are linked to buildings which is the main causes of climate change (Hyatt and Hyatt, 2004). Buildings are long term investments and last for decades therefore the operating costs and the consumption of energy resulting from the design of a building today will last for a number of years.

It is also found that many energy saving initiatives can be attained with less costs by proper building designs mandated by the property developers, occupants and proper management practices. Currently, numerous technologies are in existence aimed at improving energy efficiency in buildings. The challenges facing energy efficiency in buildings include; education to the occupants, dissemination and decision making about how to utilize the new technologies found. There is a positive financial impact to organization if they adopt energy efficient methods by effective monitoring, response and leading (Hawthorne, Stang and Exhibition., 2005). For property developers, current and innovative designs and high efficiency components are a key to attain maximum efficiency in buildings.

This starts with making energy management a priority to the occupants and operators. This means that throughout the life cycle of building, decision making should involve all the parties. 2.1.2 Passive Design This refers to building design which seeks to take advantage of the natural energy flow and attain the required comfort without the need for any mechanical heating or cooling. These buildings maximize on air movement for cooling and reject sun during summer (Bauer, Mösle, and Schwarz, 2010).

It also traps and stores sun’s heat and minimize any possible heat loss to the environment. In the design of building envelop, the passive design options include the increased utilization of glazing, use of coating in glazing to lower the radiation transmission, insulation of wall panels and frames and fin shading. Buildings’ Heating and cooling loads determinants are; Poor quality commissioning High capital costs for commissioning Poor design of HVAC systems Limited skills about efficient energy methods Benefits of Glassed House include; It provides market differentiation to developers It offers good public image The buildings have high occupancy rates The developers access higher rent rates The value of the property appreciates.

There’s increased satisfaction by the occupants and employees occupying the house. 2.1.3 Encouraging use of Glass for Energy Management 2.1.3.1 Government modeling Since majority of the buildings are owned by the government, the practices used for procuring and the practices in operating can greatly influence the market. The government should set the pace by adopting energy efficient methods like use of glasses (Kibert, 2013). This is being done in Asian countries. 2.1.3.2 Carrying out Demonstration projects To stimulate the sector, demonstrations on the effects of glass and other technologies can be showcased in demonstrations.

Also, these demonstration projects have been witnessed in China, Japan, Malaysia and India. 2.1.3.3 Capacity building through industrial linkage Carrying out of research and development, skills and trainings can foster the knowledge on the energy performance of glass and other materials used in construction.