GED 1261
Sustainable Development
Lecture-08
Md. Golam Shahria Bhuyain
Lecturer
Department of Civil Engineering
Leading University, Sylhet
Contact: shahria_ce@[Link], golamshahria4@[Link]
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
EXAMPLES
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
EXAMPLES:
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION?
Sustainable construction means using recyclable and renewable
materials in building projects and minimizing energy
consumption and waste production.
The primary goal of the sustainable construction method is
to reduce its impact on our environment.
Sustainable construction does not end after the completion of the
building project, the design of the building itself should have a
minimal impact on the environment over the structure's lifespan.
It means that the design of the building should incorporate
elements and materials that have a continuous influence on the
structure's environmental impact. These can include energy-
efficient roof hatches on the rooftop, solar panels,
appropriate insulation to prevent heat loss, and minimizing
IS SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
IMPORTANT???
From the emission up to energy consumption, the construction industry
contributes a significant impact on the environment.
Aside from its potential for building structures over wild habitats, its energy
consumption is high. Most of the heavy machinery and equipment still
heavily lean on fuel. Even inefficient electricity usage will result in
unnecessary combustion of fuels to sufficiently supply those grid power
supply lines.
The construction industry contributes 36 percent of energy usage
and 40 percent of CO2 emissions worldwide.
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
The principles cover:
Sustainable design
Durability Sustainab
Energy efficiency le
Waste reduction
Indoor air quality Construct
Water conservation ion
Sustainable building
materials
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
1. Sustainable Design
Early planning and design of a building have a major impact on
reducing energy use and pollution. This will ultimately lead to long-term
environmentally friendly benefits within the building.
There are many sustainable solutions to choose from which all can save
money, energy and time in the long run. To make sure of sustainable
building goals consider the BREEAM Assessment. The ‘Building
Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method’ is the
world’s longest-running method of assessing, rating and certifying the
sustainability of a building. The BREEAM Assessment looks into different
categories (all of which hold certain criteria to fulfill) such as:
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
1. Sustainable Design
The current BREEAM
assessment is broken down into
10 categories:
Energy
Health & Wellbeing
Innovation
Land Use
Materials
Management
Pollution
Transport
Waste
Water
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
1. Sustainable Design
BREEAM assesses the
performances of buildings
over a wide range of
environmental issues to
produce a rating of either
UNCLASSIFIED (<30% –
non-compliant),
PASS (*, >30%),
GOOD (**, >45%),
VERY GOOD (***, >55%),
EXCELLENT (****, >70%)
or OUTSTANDING (*****,
>85%).
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
2. Durability
The durability of materials used within construction can be seen through
the impressive age of buildings. These buildings are perfect examples for
builders of how to create modern, sustainable buildings.
Of course, the environmental and economic benefits of having a durable
building are positive. In addition, using durable materials and products to
develop buildings means they will not need to be replaced or repaired as
frequently, resulting in less maintenance. Some of the most durable
building materials are brick, stone and concrete.
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
3. Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient technology-
Improving the energy efficiency of technologies has the ability to
significantly reduce energy consumption and reduce emissions. Switching
to eco-friendly energy technologies will convert sources into
services, such as lighting, mobility, and heat. There are a range of
energy-efficient devices, appliances and other equipment available such as
stoves, air conditioners and refrigerators.
Energy-efficient materials-
There are now many varieties of energy-efficient building materials for
developers to choose from. Materials range from insulating concrete
forms, low-emissivity windows, structural insulated panels and
much more.
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
3. Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient build methods/design-
Energy-efficient builds are becoming more popular world due to reducing
carbon emissions in construction.
It’s essential that implement the goal of creating an energy-efficient build
at the concept/design stage to achieve success. There are three main
aspects to consider:
• Insulation
• Air Quality
• Temperature (heating and cooling)
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
3. Energy Efficiency
SAP Calculations for Energy Efficiency-
SAP is the standard procedure for assessing the energy within builds,
as set by the government.
SAP assessment measures CO2 emissions, energy costs, and thermal
performance of elements within the building.
When designing a new build, provide a SAP assessment with building
regulation application.
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
4. Waste Reduction
Overall, if buildings were built to be more adaptable and reusable,
there would be a lesser need for demolition and removal.
Demolition has an enormous impact on the amount of waste
initiated during each building’s lifetime.
To help reduce waste at the building site, make sure to use low-impact
materials that are sustainability sourced and reused from other projects as
well as sustainable recycling at every stage of the construction process.
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
5. Indoor Air Quality
Bad air quality – typically caused by indoor pollution releasing
harmful particles – can have a negative effect on indoor environments
and the health of residents.
Inadequate construction – such as limited ventilation – increases
indoor pollutant levels massively as it does not bring in enough
outdoor air to dilute these emissions. Add into the mix high
temperatures and humidity levels and even more pollutants floating
around.
One standard building regulation considers researching indoor air quality is
the Air Quality Strategy. Building regulation covers performance-based
ventilation and sets maximum acceptable indoor levels for nitrogen
dioxide, carbon monoxide, and total volatile organic compounds.
To improve indoor air quality, use heating systems that minimize
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
6. Water
Conservation
Water is an increasingly precious resource with pollution and climate
change having a huge effect on freshwater supplies. The construction
industry has acknowledged the need to manage water and much of the
industry has taken measures to begin sustainable water design
throughout the building development process.
There are a few steps that can take to minimize excessive water use and
help with water conservation:
Implement pressure-reducing valves into the building to reduce flow
in toilets, showers, and kitchens
Regularly do leak detection tests followed by prompt repairs when
needed
Use more durable service pipes to minimise leakage
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
7. Sustainable Building materials
And finally, sustainable materials can be explained as materials that have
no direct impact on the environment and do not use non-renewable
resources. Constructing with sustainable building materials can save
money alongside ‘doing bit’ for the environment and giving those all-
important credits towards BREEAM and other environmental assessment
tools.
Examples of sustainable buildings materials:
Timber instead of steel
Concrete reinforced with natural fibers
Geo-textiles made from crops
Straws bales
Materials that are accredited as being responsibly sourced such as the
WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
Building With Sustainable Construction Materials
Wood - Adequate management of forests will provide habitat for wildlife
and supply valuable building materials.
Alternative Bricks - Wool and mud is excellent raw material to create
bricks that are just as strong as traditional brick materials without using
a kiln in its process, resulting in harmful emissions in the environment.
Sustainable Concrete - Recyclable materials and plastics are an ideal
substitute for traditional concrete and can significantly minimize carbon
dioxide production.
Plastic Construction Materials
Plastic is one of the significant destroyers of the environment or
ecosystem. However, it can become a considerable strength when
appropriately used in construction. One of the main goals of sustainable
construction is to build longer lifespan buildings. The fact that plastic
materials won't degrade for an extended time means it doesn't require
much replacement or maintenance. Manufacturers can start incorporating
plastics to produce durable and recycled construction materials.
THANK YOU
