Sustainability in Construction - Materials and Benefits

SUSTAINABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION
The terms “sustainability” and “green” that are often used “interchangeably”, have gained
recognition in the architecture, engineering, and construction issues since over the past few
decades. Also, the effort to formulate a definition for sustainability leads to many of the issues
and problems because there are several definitions for sustainability. However, the concept of the
sustainability can be interpreted as the overlap of environment, economy, and society.
Furthermore, sustainable development is not essentially the only a valuable issue, but it can also
serve as excellent vehicles for launching a broader community conversation about economic,
environmental, and social matters in general
The main target of sustainable building design is to develop “environmentally friendly
construction practices” that contribute to save energy, water and raw materials; minimizing water
surplus and greenhouse gas emissions; and consuming reusable and recyclable materials, in order
to create houses that are comfortable, clean, safe, and productive. Due to increasing of new
infrastructural developments in transitional economies of developing countries, and the
insufficient and improper use of existing buildings universally, it is an imperative of the industry
to develop sustainable building technologies. Sustainability in construction engineering is a
philosophy and an integrated design process, not only a building style
Green building is a key architectural concept of the 21st century and it is the technique of
constructing or transforming structures to become environmentally conscientious, sustainable
and resource-efficient throughout their life cycle. The GB (Green building) are capable to have
efficient water use, energy-efficient and eco-friendly environment, use of renewable energy and
recycled/recyclable materials, effectual use of landscapes, effective control and building
management systems and enhanced indoor quality for good health and comfort of the residents
as compared to conventional buildings. The concept of green buildings not only favors human
health, but also safeguards earth from harmful and poisonous effects, fulfilling the accountability
of the concept of sustainable development.
What Makes a Building Green
Green building is interpreted in many different ways, common opinion that they should be
designed and operated to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and
the natural environment by:
 Efficiently using energy, water and other resources
 Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
 Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation
A green or sustainable building is one which uses less water, optimizes energy efficiency,
conserve the natural resources, generate less waste and provide healthier space for occupants. It
often emphasizes taking advantage of renewable sources.

The specific features of sustainable buildings are as follows
 Site selection with full respect to ecology of the area, existing environment and use of
local materials
 Minimum consumption of energy by the building
 Minimum use of fresh water from external sources
 Maximum use of non-toxic, recycled and renewable material
 Highest indoor air quality without affecting the energy consumption
 Integrated Building Management System for control, monitoring, measurement and
verification
 Innovation in design and construction technique
 Secured power infrastructure
The following are important aspects of green building
A. Sustainable Site
It refers to a site that would have the least environmental threat during construction stage. It has
access to basic amenities like water and sand thereby, reducing pollution caused because of
transportation. It optimizes the use of on-site storm water management and provision for ground
water recharge. Measures are adopted to preserve top soil for absorbing less water through
effective methods
B. Water Efficiency
The main goal here is to increase the effective use of water within the building, thereby reducing
the amount of water needed for specific operations. Some methods which can be adopted for this
include, efficient landscaping techniques and use of innovative wastewater management
technology. Technologies for reuse of water such as Rainwater Harvesting, Wastewater
treatment plant and waterless urinals are installed for conservation of water
C. Energy Efficiency
It involves the installation of various methods of on-site renewable energy production to reduce
the overall energy consumption of the building and other means of using green power (solar,
wind). The optimization of building orientation, shape, design and interior colors and finishes is
done which maximizes the use of natural day lighting. This reduces the dependence on artificial
lighting energy. Window frames, sashes and curtain wall system are so designed to optimize
energy performance.
D. Material Selection
Maximizes the use of recycled content materials, re-usable, renewable, sustainably managed and
bio-based materials. Ways are identified to use high recycled content materials which range from

blended concrete using fly ash, slag, recycled concrete aggregate or other admixtures to
structural steel, ceiling and floor tiles, carpeting, carpet padding etc. Bio-based materials and
finishes such as various types made from agricultural waste and byproducts including straw,
wheat, barley, soy, sunflower shells, peanut shells etc. are used. Reuse of household waste in the
form of biogas is also a feature of this aspect.
E. Indoor Environment Quality
In order to enhance the health of the occupants, buildings should be constructed with materials
having low emissions. Building is designed to maximize the use of natural light for all
occupants. Bio degradable and environment friendly cleaning agents are used, that do not release
harmful agents and residue. There should be a provision for cross ventilation and enhanced
ventilation system
Benefits of Sustainable Building
On a broader scale, design and construction of green buildings will benefit the community at
large with the improvement in environment by reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions,
improving energy saving, and reducing the stress on natural resources. Green concepts and
techniques in the residential sector can help address national issues like handling of consumer
waste, water efficiency, extinction of fossil fuel in nature by increase energy efficiency, conserve
the natural resources. Some of the benefits of a green design to a building owner, user, and the
society as a whole are as follows:
 Reduced energy consumption without sacrificing the comfort levels
 Reduced destruction of natural areas, habitats, and biodiversity, and reduced soil loss
from erosion, etc.
 Reduced air and water pollution (with direct health benefits)
 Reduced water consumption
 Limited waste generation due to recycling and reuse
 Reduced pollution loads
 Increased user productivity
 Enhanced image and marketability
Prospects of Green Buildings and Their Development
The construction of Green Building mainly focuses on reduction of electricity and water
consumption. Lighting loads are biggest consumption points of electricity in buildings. Usage of
Sky lights maximizes the day lighting thereby reduces usage of artificial lighting. Photo Voltaic
cells are to be installed on the roof top of building to generate the electric energy. Rainwater
harvesting and waste water treatment plants are also to be installed within the building to
conserve the water. There are lot of options available to build green homes, a few of those are