Sustainable Construction Program - Report Example

Timotheus Hampton, PE CE 237 Sustainable Constructions San Jose Dept of Civil Engineering 26th September 2009 Sustainable Construction Products 1) Introduction Sustainable construction products are materials that are friendly to the environment when used for construction because they do not cause environmental degradation. LEED is a program developed by the United States for certification of environmental programs, human health; sustainable site development; efficient energy use; saving water resources and selection of materials. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design sets the standards for the environmentally sustainable construction. The program was initiated in 1998 in the US and has so far managed to undertake over 14,000 projects. 2) Sustainable Sites Considerate selection of sites can be very beneficial in reducing the disturbance to the public, animal and plant life. This can also assist in the restoration and enhancement of the environment (Kats et al 2003). LEED sustainable sites has the responsibility of encouraging the observance of the standards which are the best measures via strategies like using alternative transportation, efficient design for lighting of the site, developing high density sites, managing storm water among other concerns (Clevenger 2008). Many owners have also realized that there are financial advantages of selecting and maintaining sustainable sites particularly tax incentives for developing brown fields and reducing space conditioning by selecting cool roofing material. a) Filtrexx Bioretention System TM This is the finest management approach for storm water that makes use of soil, microorganism, and plants for filtering, retaining, and infiltration of storm water runoff from those sites that are developed. Bioretention is a very critical element of low impact development tactic since it is relatively simple, less costly, efficient and aesthetically attractive. Filtrexx growing Media TM is crucial for effective installation of bioretention. This product can be used on practically every site employing a range of design skills. The advantages are that it eases installation, controls pollution, durability, control runoff and establishes vegetation (Clevenger 2008). b) JM Reflective roof: TopGard 4000 This is a multi-use product 100 percent acrylic elastomeric coat used for several substrates like asphalt to be applied on roofing. The product offers an exceptional bleed-blocking characteristic that makes it especially well-suited to coat over asphalt. It has special qualities like wet bonding, elongation and tensile force. It is used as an outstanding reflective outside layer over smooth or granulated plane roofing structures on roofs. The benefits are that it is energy saving, prolongs roof life, acrylic permanence, totally adhered fitting bleed-blocking (Kibert 2008). 3) Water Efficiency LEED implements water efficiency to decrease production of waste water and enhance drinkable water whereas enhancing the home aquifer renewing. It is utilized in two options: option one - is reducing the potable water used for construction of sewage passage by half via use of water conservation fixtures or non-potable water. Or alternatively treating half of the wastewater on the site to tertiary standards: this water can be filtrated or reused on the site (Jones 2008). a) Toto ultra-low-flow water closets These types of toilets are easily cleaned. They utilize unique technology which makes it easy to clean and thus saves water. A research was conducted on their efficiency and it was found out that they bested about 46 models. They are slightly elongated for flow that clearly cleans effectively. TOTO's G max expertise guarantees efficiency, low cost, and low noise (Clevenger 2008). b) Delta 1.8-gpm sensor faucets These faucets are very efficient, they operate in hands free activation mode and they also automatically stop running to conserve water by preventing overflow. Their taps are sensor operated for this efficiency; they are able to save up to about one gallon of water compared to the manually operated ones. A lot of water can be saved if many such faucets are installed in most public places and in homes (Kibert 2008). Furthermore touch-less taps also enhance observance of hygiene hence contagious diseases are restricted. c) Sloan Water free Urinals Sloan's products are certified by LEED. The urinals on the other hand are specifically designed so that they can be more water efficient than the older models. The products are recommended by contractors, engineers and architects (Gevorkian 2006). 4) Energy and Atmosphere The aim of setting up this provision in LEED was to ensure that environmental degradation due to use of energy exceeding the standards is reduced. Excessive use of energy is directly linked to excess emissions which in turn translate to global warming and this has been the reason for calling the greener energy methods to use (Tam et al 2004). a) HCFC-123 refrigerant Environmental conferences have constantly been discussing the effects of emissions. Recently it was discovered that the hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were causing serious damage to the ozone layer. For that reason, it was targeted that the fridges that use Chlorineflourocarbons (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) should be stopped. By 2020, the HCFC-123 will not be in use and the phase out period was created to allow companies to find the most efficient technology to be used. The use of HCFC-123 is very important because they are less costly but very efficient compared to HF-134a type (Tam et al 2004). 5) Materials and Resources LEED provides a guideline on the selection of building materials deemed to be efficient in conservation of the environment. LEEDs recommends for materials that meet the performance specifications like being durable, stable, predictable and sufficient; moisture resistant, resistant to decay or bio infectivity. The materials should be non-hazardous, and non-toxic to the contractors, installers and even resident. The material should be able to install (Tam et al 2004). The green materials for construction as suggested by LEED should be the ones that are harvested sustainably, and are not toxins to the body neither causing any kind of hazard. Those which have also sunk ecological cost (re-used) are also deemed green. Material that do not need maintenance or disposal; those that cannot be bio-assimilated or recovered all compose the greener materials (Gevorkian 2006). a) Construction Technique: High C&D diversion rate Construction and demolition brings about a lot of water material and it is estimated that about 12 percent of landfills are usually from such wastes. The materials that are not necessary leading to large piles of wastes and require being disposed in landfills are very efficient and are recommended by LEED (Kibert 2008). Many buildings being constructed are currently encouraged to use C and D diversion when about 50 percent of the construction and demotions are diverted to construction projects elsewhere. This strategy is economically beneficial and motivates project development. Contractors are now able to select recyclable materials and those that are already recycled (Jones 2008). b) JM ComfortTherm Plastic-wrapped Fiber Glass Insulation Batts and Rolls ComfortTherm insulation is an insulation material that is lightweight and guards from thermal heat, acoustic reflections and it is typically manufactured from glass fibers that are bonded with acrylic material and thermoregulatory formalin-free binder. The product is always packed in a plastic wrapping for more comfortable installation which causes less itching and dusting (Gowri 2008). The plastic face also acts as a vapor retarder. Still in areas that do need retarding vapor; the ComfortTherm offers insulation that is not fitted with the retarder. ComfortTherm insulation is applied on the ceilings, floors, wall cavities and the attic (Wheeler & Beatley 2004). 6) Environmental Quality The quality of the indoor environment is also a concern of the LEED regulation. So far this has been taken for granted. Air conditioning demands that there is creation of a contained environment. The air is in most occasions recycled and not changed par se. The natural environment is usually contaminated with bacteria, viruses and other toxic compounds floating in the air (Kibert 2008). Air condition cleans and frees the air of these contaminants. LEED recommends close monitoring of indoor air like Carbon dioxide and so on. a) JM EnviroAire Duct Board The glass duct is manufactured from very resilient glass fibers that are sealed with thermosetting resin. The side of passing the ire current on the duct board has features of a fiber used for speed of up to 30.5 m/sec. The Formaldehyde-free formula treats the air inside the building providing safer homes and healthier environment for families and even at work (Gevorkian 2006). 7) Innovation and Design The innovation and design program operated by LEED is intended to encourage creativity. Very creative projects or groups are usually awarded for their outstanding contribution. Innovation in design credit is awarded (Haselbach 2008). a) USC - BSCE (Building Science) This program deals with the program of offering education to professionals in the university programs. The Viterbi School of engineering as well as the school of architecture provides four year programs leading to a degree in civil engineering. Building science includes all the steps of building designs, from formulation of the original concept to the creation of drawings for the buildings (Haselbach 2008). 8) Summary There are several cost benefits that result from using or complying with the regulation of the LEED standards. The first cost benefit is that the individual or the company is socially responsible. Proper preparations and implementation of projects do not usually cost more than the conventional buildings. It has been proved that the buildings which are certified by LEED use on average about 25% less energy, 24% less water and this in long term usually translates into a very considerable operation savings. Those organizations or projects that attain particular levels of energy efficacy are usually given rebates and tax incentives (Tam & Tsui 2004). With the apparent clean surroundings, certified buildings will result in healthier workforce and enable easy attraction and retention of top talents in the organization. Certified buildings have also been proved to be more valuable than conventional ones (higher property value) and purchasers buy them at premium prices. LEED certified buildings are awarded plaque which is a very important mark. These usually depict the organizations or individual dedication to the greener and sustainable environment and hence result in many minor benefits like Public perception, and Public relations mileage (Tam & Tsui 2004). Getting LEED 2.2 credits; by using green products is very easy and very advantageous. The only thing required is for one to use concrete certified by LEED. As much as this may look simple, the program is very rigid and currently there are about six accreditations in existence. One of them is the LEED CS vs. for construction and major repairs. The rating is just in the five accreditation areas mentioned earlier. The program for offering the credits draws up intents, technologies and the requirements plus tactics for every credit. To be awarded with LEED NC v.22 certification, the following must be accomplished; the sustainable site should earn at least 14 points, water efficacy five points, energy and environment 17, resources and other material input 13 and indoor environmental value should score 15 to the minimum level of score are platinum, silver and gold. The uses of concrete increase the points especially by meeting the suggestions presented by LEED (Tam & Tsui 2004) 9) Conclusion The construction processes and the implementation of the green building program is intended to cut down the resource used and enhance the impact of buildings on human health and also the physical environment. Buildings usually use up energy, air, water and other materials with progressing efficacy. The building will have little negative impact on the environment and enhance living in the buildings. The LEED recommended design, operations construction, maintaining and ultimate demolition have been analyzed and found to reduce the overall negative impact on the environment and the human health. 1.0 References Clevenger C. (2008). Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. U.S Green Building Council. Architectural Energy Corporation Gevorkian P. (2006). Sustainable energy systems engineering: the complete green building design resource. McGraw-Hill Professional Gowri K. (2008). Green Building Rating Systems. An Overview. ASHRAE Journal Haselbach L. (2008). The Engineering Guide to LEED--New Construction: Sustainable Construction for Engineers. McGraw-Hill Professional pub Jones L (2008). Environmentally Responsible Design: Green and Sustainable Design for Interior Designers. John Wiley and Sons Kats, G., et al (2003). The Costa and Financial Benefits of Implementing Green Building- retrieved on 26th September 2009 from http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/greenbuilding/Design/CostBenefit/Report.pdf Kibert C.J (2008). Sustainable construction: green building design and delivery .John Wiley and Sons Tam C.M, Tam V.W & Tsui W.S (2004). Green construction assessment for environmental management in the construction industry of Hong Kong. International Journal of Pject management Vanegas J.A, DuBose J.R & Pearse A.R (1996). Sustainable Technologies for Building Construction Industries. Symposium on Design and Global environment. Wheeler S. & Beatley T (2004). The sustainable urban development reader The Rutledge urban reader series. Rutledge, 2004 Read More