ASSIGNMENT ON

SUSTAINABLE
ARCHITECTURE
CONCEPT ON GREEN ARCHITECTURE
CONCEPT OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDING

NAME: ATOMA FAITH AREROSUOGHENE

MAT. NO: ENV/2232900092
LEVEL: HND 2
COURSE: SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
DEPT: ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY
THE CONCEPT OF GREEN ARCHITECTURE

1.1. GREEN ARCHITECTURE

Sustainable architecture, often referred to as green design, focuses on construction

methods that reduce negative impacts on the environment and human health. A “green”
architect or designer aims to protect air, water, and soil by selecting environmentally
friendly building materials and construction techniques.

1.2. Green Architecture and Green Design

Green architecture encompasses a comprehension of eco-friendly building design

across various categories and includes some shared agreements. It can possess
numerous traits like these:

1. Ventilation systems designed to optimize heating and cooling efficiency

2. Lighting and appliances that conserve energy
3. Plumbing fixtures that reduce water consumption
4. Landscaping designed to enhance passive solar energy utilization
5. Minimal impact on the natural environment
6. Alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power
7. Materials that are non-synthetic and non-toxic
8. Woods and stones sourced locally
9. Woods that have been harvested sustainably
10. Adaptive reuse of existing structures
11. Utilization of reclaimed architectural materials
12. Effective use of available space

While most green buildings do not have all of these features, the highest goal of
green architecture is to be fully sustainable.

2. GREEN ARCHITECTURE METHODOLOGY

In order to achieve the stipulated aim, the study presented in this paper, traces the
following steps:

1. A general introduction to utilizing “Green Architecture” as a sustainable concept.

2. Identifying key factors for Green Building.
3. Outlining the advantages of implementing criteria for Green Building approaches
that could enhance energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality.
4. Discussing the potential of case studies in relation to Green Building elements.

3. CONSIDERATION FOR GREEN BUILDING

Green building encompasses four primary considerations: site development,

material selection and reduction, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.
 • Evaluate site development to lessen the project's impact on the surrounding
ecosystem. For instance, position buildings to optimize solar exposure, shade, and
wind patterns to decrease heating and cooling demands.
• Choose materials that are long-lasting, incorporate recycled content, and are
sourced locally to minimize environmental harm. There is an expanding market for
quality recycled materials available at reasonable prices.
• Implement energy-efficient design strategies in buildings to foster an efficient and
comfortable setting. Utilize natural elements and technologies to conserve
resources, enhance occupant comfort and productivity, while reducing long-term
operational expenses and pollutants.
• Aim for superior indoor air quality to enhance the health and productivity of
occupants.
• Reduce waste generated during construction and demolition by salvaging
materials for reuse or recycling.
o THE PRINCIPLES OF GREEN BUILDING DESIGN

The concept of green building design centers on constructing eco-friendly structures that
lessen harmful effects on the environment while enhancing energy efficiency, conserving
resources, and supporting the well-being of occupants. Key principles include:

1. Energy Efficiency: Creating buildings that lower energy use through effective
insulation, heating, cooling, and lighting systems, in addition to utilizing renewable
energy sources like solar and wind.
2. Resource Conservation: Employing sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and
reducing the consumption of natural resources. This also includes the recycling
and repurposing of materials whenever feasible.
3. Water Efficiency: Installing systems designed to decrease water usage, such as
rainwater collection, low-flow fixtures, and water-saving landscaping.
4. Indoor Environmental Quality: Ensuring a healthy indoor atmosphere, abundant
natural light, and thermal comfort to enhance the health and well-being of those
within the building.
5. Sustainable Site Planning: Selecting locations for buildings that reduce
environmental disturbance, safeguard local ecosystems, and boost biodiversity
through the incorporation of green roofs, landscaping, and effective water
management practices.
6. Lifecycle Thinking: Assessing the complete lifecycle of a building—from
construction and use to demolition—and ensuring it is designed for durability, with
minimal environmental impact throughout its entire existence.

4.1. WATER SYSTEMS

Water, frequently referred to as the essence of life, can be collected, stored,

purified, and repurposed. It represents a crucial asset that should be honored in the
realm of sustainable building design. Water conservation in structures can be achieved

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by implementing dual plumbing systems for water reuse, utilizing water-efficient fixtures
such as low-flow toilets and showerheads, and integrating bidets to lessen toilet paper
consumption. Treating and heating water at the point of use enhances both water quality
and energy efficiency, while also reducing waste.

4.2. NATURAL BUILDING

The foundation of natural building lies in the desire to reduce the environmental effects
of structures and their supporting systems while maintaining comfort and health. To
enhance sustainability, natural building primarily employs materials that are abundant,
renewable, reused, or recycled. There is a growing emphasis on utilizing rapidly
renewable materials.

4.3. PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

Passive solar design harnesses sunlight for heating and cooling by utilizing building
materials that capture and emit heat. These solutions are straightforward, require
minimal upkeep, and can greatly decrease or entirely remove heating and cooling
expenses without depending on mechanical systems.Passive solar design uses that to
capture the sun’s energy:

• Passive solar design elements

• Building shapes and configurations.
• Facade orientation.
• Layout and elevation design of the building.
• Roof thermal insulation and heat retention.
• Thermal insulation and heat retention of exterior walls.

Houses in any climate can harness solar energy by integrating passive solar design
elements and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Even during chilly winters, passive
solar design can aid in lowering heating expenses and enhancing comfort.

Solar structures are crafted to maintain a pleasant environment throughout the

year with minimal electricity costs, achieving 30 to 40% savings with an additional 5 to
10% investment in passive features.

Key Elements: Orientation, double-glazed windows, window overhangs, thermal

mass walls, roof treatments, roof coloring, ventilation, evaporative cooling, natural
lighting, building materials, etc.

Designs are influenced by the sun's direction and intensity, wind patterns, ambient
temperature, humidity, and other factors. Various designs are tailored for distinct
climatic zones.

4.4. GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS

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 Eco-friendly construction materials are derived from renewable sources and
prioritize environmental responsibility by taking into account their complete lifecycle
effects. They provide advantages such as reduced maintenance expenses, energy
efficiency, and enhanced health for occupants. Important factors for selection include
recycled content, minimal toxicity, sustainability, longevity, and sourcing from local
suppliers.

Common natural building materials consist of clay, sand, straw, and fibers, which
are used to create cob or adobe. Other materials include earth (such as rammed earth or
earth bags), wood, bamboo, stone, and various recycled, non-toxic substances like
urbanite and repurposed glass. These materials are frequently selected for their
sustainability and ability to be reused.

4.5. LIVING ARCHITECTURE

Just as our bodies metabolize nutrients and eliminate waste, the environment operates
similarly. Living Architecture emphasizes these functions by incorporating ecological
processes into structures that capture, store, and filter water, cleanse the air, and
manage various nutrients.

4.5.1 Green Roofs

Green roofs fulfill several roles, such as absorbing rainwater, providing insulation,
supporting wildlife habitats, enhancing aesthetics, and reducing stress levels. They also
contribute to lowering urban temperatures and alleviating the heat island phenomenon.
There are two categories of green roofs:

1. Intensive roofs, which are deeper, with a minimum thickness of 12.8 cm, can
accommodate a greater variety of plants but are heavier.
2. Extensive roofs, which are shallower, with depths ranging from 2 cm to 12.7 cm,
are lighter than intensive green roofs and require minimal upkeep.

4.5.2. Green Walls

Vertical greenery, commonly referred to as green walls, entails the incorporation of

plants onto the exterior surfaces of buildings. In contrast to green roofs, they have the
capability to cover a greater area, particularly in environments populated by towering
structures. Green walls can be categorized into three primary types based on the plant
species, the growing media used, and the method of construction.

1. Moss-based Green Walls

 Plant Species: Mosses and lichens.

 Growing Media: No soil; typically use preserved or live moss, often supported
by a substrate like felt or a mesh system.
 Construction Method: Usually involves mounting the moss directly onto a wall
or a pre-installed frame, without irrigation systems.

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2. Soil-based Green Walls

 Plant Species: A wide variety of plants, such as grasses, shrubs, and small
trees.
 Growing Media: Soil or a soil-based mixture, which is placed in trays or panels.
 Construction Method: These walls use a system of trays or panels that hold
soil, and they are often irrigated using an integrated watering system.

3. Hydroponic Green Walls

 Plant Species: Typically lightweight plants, such as ferns, herbs, and small
flowering plants.
 Growing Media: No soil; plants are grown in an inert medium like clay pellets,
foam, or perlite, with nutrient-rich water circulating through the system.
 Construction Method: Plants are placed in modular panels or trays that are
irrigated via a hydroponic system, where water and nutrients are supplied
directly to the roots.

GREEN BUILDING BENEFITS

Green buildings, which are designed and constructed with sustainability in mind,
offer a wide range of environmental, economic, and social benefits. These advantages
can be categorized as follows:

1. Environmental Benefits: They conserve resources, reduce energy use, lower

carbon footprints, and promote water and waste management, helping to preserve
ecosystems.
2. Economic: Green buildings lower energy and maintenance costs, increase
property values, offer tax incentives, and provide long-term savings.
3. Health and Well-Being: They improve indoor air quality, enhance natural light
and ventilation, reduce stress, and boost occupant productivity and comfort.

THE CONCEPT OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDINGS

WHAT IS AN ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING?

The energy efficiency of a building refers to how the energy usage per square
meter of its floor space aligns with the recognized benchmarks for energy consumption
specific to that type of structure in certain climatic conditions.

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 Energy consumption benchmarks for buildings are typical values for various
building categories that allow for comparisons between a building's actual performance
and these established standards.

WHY IS ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDING SO IMPORTANT?

Improving energy efficiency in buildings is vital for several important reasons:

1. Environmental Impact: A large portion of global energy use and carbon

emissions can be attributed to buildings. Enhancing energy efficiency allows us
to cut down greenhouse gas emissions, aiding in the fight against climate
change and lessening environmental pollution.
2. Cost Savings: Buildings that are energy-efficient use less energy, resulting in
lower utility bills for heating, cooling, lighting, and other energy expenses. Over
time, these reductions in costs can lead to significant savings in overall
operating expenses, making ownership and maintenance of buildings more
economical.
3. Resource Conservation: Utilizing energy more efficiently helps to preserve
limited resources like fossil fuels and decreases the necessity for additional
power generation plants, which can minimize environmental harm and resource
exhaustion.
4. Comfort and Health: Buildings designed for energy efficiency tend to have
superior insulation and ventilation, creating more pleasant indoor settings.
Adequate insulation and sealing diminish drafts and temperature variances,
enhancing occupant comfort and air quality inside.
5. Energy Independence: A reduction in energy use diminishes reliance on
external energy supplies, especially fossil fuels, which can be unpredictable and
susceptible to market changes. It also facilitates the use of renewable energy
sources like solar and wind power.
6. Economic Competitiveness: As energy costs continue to rise, buildings with
energy efficiency provide a strategic edge by decreasing operating expenses.
This is particularly important in the commercial real estate sector, where
operational efficiency plays a crucial role in drawing tenants and minimizing
vacancies.
7. Regulatory Compliance: Increasingly, governments are putting energy
efficiency regulations and standards into place, requiring buildings to adhere to
specific efficiency benchmarks. Constructing buildings to meet or exceed these
energy standards ensures compliance and helps avoid potential fines or
consequences.
8. Resilience and Sustainability: Energy-efficient buildings are generally more
robust to power interruptions and energy shortages since they usually consume
less energy and can integrate renewable systems (such as solar panels) to fulfill
their energy requirements.

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURE FOR BUILDING

Energy efficiency strategies for buildings involve methods to lower a building's

energy use while preserving or enhancing the comfort levels within it. These strategies
can generally be divided into the following categories:

• Test for heating demand reduction

• Test for cooling demand reduction
• Test for decreasing energy needs for ventilation
• Test for minimizing energy consumption for lighting
• Test for cutting down energy use for heating water
• Test for reducing electricity use of office devices and appliances
• Implementing effective housekeeping and solutions involving people.

Reducing Heating Demand

Heating needs can be diminished by:

• Minimizing the building’s exposed surface area;

• Enhancing the insulation within the building’s structure;
• Decreasing ventilation losses;
• Choosing energy-efficient heating systems with proper controls.