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Module 2 Sustainable Built Environment Notes

The document discusses the concept of a sustainable built environment, emphasizing the importance of minimizing environmental impact through energy efficiency, resource conservation, and the use of eco-friendly materials. It highlights emerging materials such as AAC blocks, bamboo, recycled plastics, and smart concrete, along with criteria for material selection and the significance of green building rating systems like IGBC, LEED, and GRIHA. The document concludes with numerical examples demonstrating the benefits of sustainable practices in construction.

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PriyankaPatil
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665 views2 pages

Module 2 Sustainable Built Environment Notes

The document discusses the concept of a sustainable built environment, emphasizing the importance of minimizing environmental impact through energy efficiency, resource conservation, and the use of eco-friendly materials. It highlights emerging materials such as AAC blocks, bamboo, recycled plastics, and smart concrete, along with criteria for material selection and the significance of green building rating systems like IGBC, LEED, and GRIHA. The document concludes with numerical examples demonstrating the benefits of sustainable practices in construction.

Uploaded by

PriyankaPatil
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Module 2: Sustainable Built Environment

1. Introduction to Sustainable Built Environment


A sustainable built environment involves designing, constructing, and operating buildings that minimize
environmental impact, conserve energy and resources, and improve human well-being. Key aspects
include energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, use of eco-friendly materials, and
sustainable site planning.

2. Emerging Materials
Emerging materials are innovative, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional construction materials.
Examples include AAC blocks, bamboo, recycled plastics, and smart concrete.

2.1 Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks


Lightweight, precast foam concrete blocks made from cement, lime, sand, gypsum, water, and
aluminum powder. Advantages: lightweight, thermally insulating, fire-resistant, and eco-friendly.
Commonly used for walls and partitions.

2.2 Bamboo
Fast-growing, renewable material with high tensile strength and flexibility. Used for flooring, scaffolding,
and reinforcement (treated bamboo). Environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

2.3 Recycled Plastics


Waste plastics reused for making bricks, tiles, pavements, and roads. Advantages include waste
reduction, cost-effectiveness, and durability.

2.4 Smart Concrete


Concrete with self-sensing, self-healing, or self-cleaning abilities through embedded fibers or bacteria.
Offers longer life and reduced maintenance costs.

3. Material Selection Criteria


Key factors: durability, availability, embodied energy, recyclability, cost-effectiveness, and
environmental impact.

4. Durability and Sustainability


Durability ensures long-lasting materials resistant to damage. Sustainability balances environmental,
social, and economic needs.

5. Smart City Concept


A Smart City uses technology for efficient resource use, reduced pollution, and improved living
standards. Features include smart infrastructure, renewable energy, and waste management systems.

6. Green Building
A green building minimizes environmental footprint by using resources efficiently throughout its life
cycle. Principles include efficient energy and water use, waste reduction, and indoor air quality
improvement.

7. Green Building Rating Systems


Major systems: • IGBC (Indian Green Building Council): Focuses on energy, water, and indoor quality. •
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): International system with Certified, Silver,
Gold, and Platinum levels. • GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment): Indian system
evaluating site, energy, water, and innovation.

8. Purpose of Green Building Rating Systems


Encourage sustainable practices, benchmark performance, promote efficiency, and support
environmental goals.

9. Summary
Sustainable environments emphasize efficient resource use and minimal ecological impact. Emerging
materials and green rating systems play a key role in achieving these goals.

10. Numerical Examples


• Energy savings of ~30% using AAC blocks. • 0.2 tonnes CO■ saved per m³ of AAC concrete. • Water
savings of 40–50% in GRIHA-rated buildings.

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