Technical Solutions to Ensure the Building Is Energy Efficient and Consistent with the Planets Ecosystem - Research Paper Example

AUTONOMOUS DEVELOPMENT Outline i. The choice of materials (methods and a justification as to their sustainability and build ability) ii. An outline programme for the works identifying critical activities & resource smoothing opportunities iii. Measures for Minimizing Construction Waste, Embodied Energy and Carbon Emissions iv. The Best Procurement Method for the Project Autonomous Development The choice of materials (methods and a justification as to their sustainability and build ability) The incorporation of environmentally friendly techniques in the erection of buildings is an upcoming trend that is difficult to disregard. According to Speigel and Meadows (2012, p 16), most corporations and investors are seeking green solutions and want energy efficient materials to be present in their buildings. This study aims to highlight sustainability and usefulness of such products and their relevance in the end to the corporation. This paper entails the innovative and technical solutions that are necessary to ensure the building is energy efficient and consistent with the planets ecosystem. Nowadays numerous buildings are expected to accomplish the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings when constructing. Speigel and Meadows (2012, p.58) assert these standards are meant to advance the sustainability goals, diminish energy utilization, and encourage sustainability of the buildings and renewability. Replenishment of Insulation and energy deficiencies in a building can be through the introduction of high performance windows that are thick and can guarantee diminution loss of warmth during winter. Moreover, the windows with low E have capabilities of keeping heat either in or out (Simmons 2010, p.62). These windows can be put in the rooms where workers will spend a large proportion of their time. It is essential for the internal thermal conditions to be conducive for the inhabitants to be comfortable. This windows can be initially expensive but eventually the will be cost saving. This is because an alternative mode will be utilizing electricity to increase the thermal levels of the rooms. In addition, there are solar windows that are transparent but encompass qualities that enable them absorb the sun’s beam. This is a renewable resource, and it will accumulatively harness energy that is clean and comparably efficient as electricity. The building should incorporate mechanisms that will enable it recycle materials it utilizes in its operations (Speigel & Meadows 2012, p. 24). This building can have a design that will facilitate control of rainwater to reservoirs that are sufficient. Rainwater harvesting will enable the building gain economically since it will save the costs it exploits in such endeavors. This will prevent flooding of the corridors and walkways of the building since this makes the ground slippery and frequently results in injuries (Simmons 2010, p.64). This water will be viable for utilization in other operations such as washing equipment. In addition, it is essential for the building to fit in a recycling plant that will accumulate the water used in the operations of the building and recycle it. Direction of this water to a single reservoir will be through pipes that emanate from every section of the building. It is imperative to have a sifting system that separates the dirty water from the solid waste. This will assist the building in cost saving since they utilize water that they have treated. The recycling can also prohibit pollution of the environment that would be inevitable if the recycling plant was not in place. Another material that the building can have pervious paving floors that will quickly absorb rainwater or any liquid that reaches the ground. This concrete is durable, equally sustainable as the normal ones, and not very porous. However, these pervious pavers are not tough enough to sustain the heavy automobiles such as trucks with two axles. This design can allow flooding from rainwater or flowing water from cleaning. The Ekopaver material has close integration, and since it is made of ceramic, it permits water to flow through it (Simmons 2010, p.65). The buildings should utilize timber during indoors construction since wood is cost effective and is less toxic than other building material. Most of the concrete materials that are constructors use entail mixtures of chemicals that can later be toxic to the inhabitants of the building. The metal framework of the windows erodes when it endures extreme conditions, and it starts decomposing. A wooden one can replace this metal framework, which is less corrosive after application of appropriate wood preservatives. Consequently, timber floors and barricade have a better insulating effect than the concrete ones thus maintain the thermal levels in the room (Johnston & Master 2005, p.154). In addition, wooden structures are easy to maintain than concrete buildings since they only entail application of wooden preservatives, unlike concrete. Simmons (2010, p.67) describes one recognizable method of green buildings is the “green roofs” or “vegetated roofs” that are present in many corporate buildings. These “green roofs” comprise of introduction of small gardens on the rooftops or balconies of buildings. These “green roofs” involves layering of some roof membranes that will protect the roof from elements that can cause its weakening. Simmons (2010, p.67) suggests the roofs have to be firm enough to support the roof even in occasions when the soil is heavy with water. Moreover, the “green roofs” have water resistant membranes that ensure the water that the small gardens absorb is not detrimental to the roof of the building. These green roof installations have various environmental merits, for example, it absorbs rainwater and hence prevents flooding of the rooftops, which can initiate roof discrepancies such as leaking. The “green roofs” provide a cooling sensation with the vegetation since they have moisture and are windbreakers. This roof consists of three layers that make vegetation to be sustainable on the rooftop. The first one is synthetic and rapidly absorbs water, the second comprises of lightweight material. Finally, the plant vegetation that requires plants that do not necessitate frequent irrigation is evident. According to Simmons (2010 p.68), in US Chicago is attributable as the “Greenest City in America” since most buildings have “green roofs”. Reflective roofs are another sustainable mechanism that can constructors can utilize to maintain coolness of an office or residential house. These roofs reflect the suns rays and hence eliminating the absorption of the high temperature by the roof. This will assist in standardizing the warmth of the room to create a workable setting. An outline programme for the works identifying critical activities & resource smoothing opportunities Period Time Activity 1st Week 9.00 am-5.30pm Clearing the site to enable constructors to dig, measure and level it. Also, determine the where the columns will be installed to fortify the building. 3 days 8.00am-4.00pm Initiate the construction of the concrete slab on the areas that the contractor has advised. Ensure the concrete does not encompass a mixture of harmful toxins that are not environmentally friendly (Johnston & Master 2005). 4 days 8.00am-4.00pm Pour water on the foundation and ensure it is firm and sufficiently strong to enable the construction to proceed. 1 Week 9.30 am-5.30pm Put up strong walls that have efficient insulation properties to assist in heat retention and diminish heat loss. 2 days 8.00am-4.00pm Put up a reflective roof that will enable the turning the sun’s beams 3 days 8.00am-5.00pm Replace the indoor concrete walls with wooden slabs thus reducing the toxic repercussions of wall fungi that are resultant of dampness of the wall. This can be detrimental since it can initiate health complications of its inhabitants. Moreover, wooden indoors are warmer than concrete ones. 1 day 8.30am-4.00pm Installation of low E solar windows, which are sufficient in absorbing heat, can enable conserving of power. This can minimize the utilization of electricity and other fuels that can enhance carbon dioxide discharge, which is detrimental to the environment. Solar panels are a great alternative to the conventional mechanisms of harnessing energy (Johnston & Master 2005 p.162). 1 day 11.00am-4.00pm Fluorescent bulbs are more efficient in conserving energy than the ordinary bulb models. The initial costs of these bulbs can be expensive, but its quality of diminishing the consumption of energy will benefit the individual eventually (Johnston & Master 2005 p.161). 2 days 9.00am-6.00pm The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) should be appropriate to eradicate any unnecessary heat or uncomfortable atmosphere indoors (Johnston & Master 2005 p.162). Therefore, it is elaborate to install appropriate ventilation systems. 3 days 8.00am-3.00pm The kitchen should entail efficient power appliances of refrigerators and cooking appliances (Simmons 42). 2 days 9.30am-4.00pm The furniture selection should be something that is not something toxic but comfortable and friendly to the indoor atmosphere. 1 day 10.00am-3.00pm Application of non-toxic wood preservatives on the timber floors and it will be beneficial to thereafter apply this preservative on the wooden wall partitioning. Measures for Minimizing Construction Waste, Embodied Energy and Carbon Emissions Volz and Stovner (p.1 2012) agree the best construction design is the one, which utilizes models that reduce construction waste, embodied energy and carbon emissions. Firstly, effective waste supervision will be accessed under three basic components, excellent design, good logistics and sustainable onsite utilization. Initial stages will entail the identification of the key waste rivulets in order to design approaches geared towards countering or reducing wastages from these routes. One effective consideration targeting reduction of the construction waste will be the provision of an apparent and an easily accessible room for the waste isolation and good storage conveniences for unprocessed supplies to reduce damages (Volz, & Stovner 2010). Additionally, the construction will operate under the following hierarchical model of waste management. Firstly, the scheme will observe a concept of onsite re-utilization of materials. According to Volz and Stovner (2012), this will ensure utmost exploitation of resources. Importantly, the idea of maximum landfill will highly be accounted for. Landfill and proper organization of construction materials reduce transfer movements, a factor which reduces wastages resulting from unnecessary breakages. Lastly, the structure approach will entail substance recycling and recovery models. Recycling may entail probing other possible entities or firms that can reuse the construction’s wastes while recovery should involve refashioning of waste materials into other useful products (Volz & Stovner 2010). In order to cut on embodied energy, the production model will critically consider aspects involving, the design, production, hauling, quantity and products. The first approach will be to apply the reutilization of the materials from the older building to cut down on the energy emissions in production and transportation (Volz, & Stovner 2010). Moreover, the model will advocate for the use of local supplies and dodging of carbon dioxide intensive apparatus. Importantly, the lean construction concept will highly be observed where the use of low energy supplies will be the principle-guiding idea. This will include the use of customary inclined timber roofs with tiles instead of steel structured roofs. The use of single-glazed windows that are timber framed and plasterboards in partitioning in place of steel paneling. Insulation will as well be in coherent with the concept of low energy construction (Volz, & Stovner 2010). Therefore, the insulation will generally entail the utilization of planes made from resources like recycled newspapers, glass and mineral yarns. Lastly, the finishes will invite the use of products footed on natural resources such as linoleum, wood, ordinary pigmented polishes and wool while curtailing the norm of using synthetic products like Formica, synthetic carpets, artificial pigments, plastics and Vinyl floor casing. In constructions, carbon dioxide emission is associated with the practices that employ the use of diesel, electricity, gas and other fuels in running plants and auxiliary construction machines. Moreover, massive emissions occur on course of the production and transportation of construction materials. Therefore, appropriate strategies will be those that target these factors. Firstly, the construction will observe a policy, which encourages the purchase and utilization of local materials to reduce emissions from transportations. Secondly, major construction plants will be fixed with carbon gas sequestration systems to reduce the volume of carbon dioxide escaping to the environment (Volz, & Stovner 2010). Moreover, the construction will mainly embrace traditional methods in processing assembling resources such us using man’s power in preparing concrete instead of the machines to bring down emissions. Importantly, the general building structure will include systems aimed at reducing emissions during utilization. To attain this, a design that lessens the usage of energy is necessary. Volz & Stovner (2010) suggest this will include designing for maximum utilization of natural aeration and the use unreceptive engineering skills like thermal mass. Additionally, there will be the application of improved wadding and air tightness, as well as employment of renewable power utilizing systems to substitute carbon-emitting appliances. The Best Procurement Method for the Project According to De Leonardis (2011), Choosing the appropriate procurement method is of significant importance for the realization of the construction’s objectives. A procurement policy establishes a contractual outline that adjusts the wants of the contractor and owner with the single aim of conveying a successful project. Construction Management (CM) is the best procurement method for this project. Construction Management eliminates a threat of entrusting the whole venture with a single party. The owner institutes a direct affiliation with numerous contractors. Besides the designer, the owner establishes a liaison with the manager who supervises the whole project (De Leonardis 2011). Of worth noting is the concept of the execution of the project, achieved by awarding partial contracts and the separate commissioning of repairs and maintenance. This grants the owner an observatory role. Additionally, the owner enjoys the best out of each contractor. Construction Management model promotes collaboration among the manager, the client and engineers, a condition that initiates a smoother progression hence increasing the speed of delivery (De Leonardis 2011). This successful flow is as well attributable on the conveniences accompanying the scheme because of timely payment of interim costs, which reduces adversarial complications. The model also permits for the commencement of work while giving more time for designing the entire project. Additionally, Construction management scheme comes with high degrees of flexibilities on on-site working with the elimination of strict launch and completion dates (De Leonardis 2011). The contractor only needs to complete the work within the contracted times. Importantly, the model promotes transparency as all costs are set open. This reduces adversarial associations between different parties within the project while purging bid shopping. These aspects enhances the functionally and sustainability of the venture hence Construction Management model is highly recommended. List of References De Leonardis, F 2011, 'Green Public Procurement: From Recommendation to Obligation', International Journal Of Public Administration, 34, 1/2, pp. 110-113, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 12 April 2012. Vol. 34 Issue 1 Johnston, D., & Master, K 2005, Green remodeling: changing the world one room at a time. New Society Publishers, Gabriola Simmons, A. F 2010, An introduction to green homes. Chicago IL, Appraisal Institute. Spiegel, R., & Meadows, D 2012, Green building materials: a guide to product selection and specification, Wiley, Hoboken Volz, V & Stovner 2010. Reducing embodied energy in masonry construction. Structure. Viewed at http://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=1064 Read More