Benefits of Green Building Practices and LEED Certification

Posted on Sep 9, 2024 in Geography

Student Name

Innovative Applications for Green Construction Merit

Introduction

The benefits of green construction have been recognized for years. As early as the late 1970s, political leaders began to acknowledge the global impact of environmental crises (Keeler, Marian, & Burke, 2009, pp. 27, 34, 35). This paper will explore the history of green building, its advantages, and the reasons why it is crucial for companies to adopt sustainable practices. Buildings contribute significantly to environmental issues, making it imperative to find eco-friendly alternatives to traditional construction methods (Keeler et al., 2009, pp. 35, 36). This research aims to highlight these alternatives and demonstrate how they can benefit both clients and LEED certification (Keeler et al., 2009, p. 37).

Body

I. Rewards and Benefits of Green Construction

Embracing green construction offers numerous rewards and benefits to a wide range of stakeholders.

A. Benefits for Various Groups:

  1. Developers: Enhanced business efficiency, reduced long-term costs, market advantage, and improved company image (Edwards, 1998, pp. 2, 22).
  2. Government: Lower health risks, achievement of international environmental obligations, and a positive national and regional image (Edwards, 1998, pp. 2, 22).
  3. Design Team: Higher profile, better customer focus, improved standards, enhanced collaboration, and building flexibility (Edwards, 1998, pp. 2, 22).
  4. Occupants: Improved health and workspace, increased productivity, and greater attention to stress and comfort (Edwards, 1998, pp. 2, 22).

B. Green Design Focus:

Green design emphasizes reduction, consumption, and emission control.

  1. Energy Consumption: A typical office consumes 200kWh per year. Best practices aim to reduce this to 100kWh (Edwards, 1998, p. 4).
  2. CO2 Emission: CO2 emissions are associated with both the construction and operation of buildings (Edwards, 1998, p. 7).
  3. CFC Reduction: CFCs are responsible for approximately half of ozone depletion (Edwards, 1998, p. 7).

C. The Importance of LEED:

  1. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): LEED promotes collaborative efforts to create efficient, sustainable, and productive buildings (Edwards, 1998, p. 23).
  2. Attainability: LEED certification is becoming increasingly accessible (Keeler et al., 2009, p. 43).
  3. Demand for Certified Professionals: Consultants are actively seeking individuals with LEED certification (Keeler et al., 2009, p. 43).
  4. Enhanced Company Image: A holistic approach to sustainability can positively impact a company’s image (Edwards, 1998, p. 6).
II. Harnessing Solar Energy with Photovoltaics

Green construction allows us to utilize solar energy for power generation.

A. Photovoltaics and LEED:

  1. Photovoltaics Overview: Photovoltaic design aims to maximize the use of solar radiation economically. The generated electricity can be used directly or converted to AC (Thomas, Randal, & Fordham, 1996, pp. 246, 247).
  2. Residential Applications: Smaller homes with photovoltaic systems can generate excess power that can be fed back into the grid (The Guardian, 2013).
  3. Low Emissions: Photovoltaic systems produce minimal emissions (Pilkington North America, 2014).
  4. High Output: A solar panel can generate over 15 times the energy used in its production (Pilkington North America, 2014).

B. Photovoltaics in Design:

  1. Roof Integration: Photovoltaic panels can be integrated into roof structures (Miller, 2005, p. 45).
  2. Façade Integration: Photovoltaic panels can be incorporated into building façades (Miller, 2005, p. 45).
  3. Dual-Purpose Applications: Photovoltaic systems can serve as both power generators and light screens (Miller, 2005, p. 45).

C. Photovoltaic Windows:

  1. Transparent Windows: New technology allows for completely see-through photovoltaic windows (The Guardian, 2013; Pilkington North America, 2014).
  2. Spray-on Technology: This technology generates electricity on see-through glass using natural and artificial light (Pilkington North America, 2014).
  3. Versatile Applications: Photovoltaic glass can be used for structural glazing, curtain walls, decorative partitions, and residential windows (Pilkington North America, 2014).
  4. Cost-Effective Solution: Spray-on technology offers a faster and more affordable alternative to conventional solar films (Pilkington North America, 2014).
  5. Minimal Price Increase: The solar cell treatment adds only about 10% to the cost of the façade (The Guardian, 2013).
III. Reducing Energy Consumption and Extending Building Lifecycles with LED Lighting

Green construction enables us to minimize energy usage and prolong the lifespan of buildings.

A. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs):

  1. High Efficiency: LEDs are 75% more efficient than traditional lighting technologies (Department of Energy, 2013).
  2. Long Lifespan: LEDs last 25 times longer than conventional bulbs (Department of Energy, 2013).
  3. Low Power Usage: LEDs consume significantly less power (Department of Energy, 2013).

B. LEDs vs. Fluorescent Lights:

  1. Chemicals in Fluorescent Lights: Fluorescent lights use potentially hazardous chemicals to produce light (Department of Energy, 2013).
  2. Solid-State LEDs: LEDs are solid semiconductors, making them safer and more durable (Department of Energy, 2013).
  3. Lifespan Comparison: Fluorescent lights last around 10,000 hours, while LEDs can last up to 60,000 hours (Department of Energy, 2013).
  4. Advantages of LEDs: LEDs offer instant-on capability, silent operation, better light quality, and no heat generation, unlike fluorescent lights, which can be noisy, have a limited color profile, and contain mercury (Department of Energy, 2013).

C. LEDs vs. Incandescent Lights:

  1. Incandescent Technology: Incandescent bulbs use a heated metal filament to produce light (Department of Energy, 2013).
  2. Energy Loss as Heat: Incandescent bulbs lose 90% of their energy as heat (Department of Energy, 2013).
  3. Lifespan Comparison: Incandescent bulbs last only about 1,500 hours, compared to LEDs’ 60,000 hours (Department of Energy, 2013).
  4. Size: Incandescent bulbs are larger and bulkier than LEDs.

D. Benefits of LEDs:

  1. Low Wattage: LEDs use so little power that they can be battery-operated (Department of Energy, 2013).
  2. Energy Cost Savings: LEDs can save up to $30 billion in energy costs.
  3. Rapid Return on Investment: LEDs typically pay for themselves in less than a month (Illumitex, 2013).
  4. Reduced Environmental Impact: LEDs’ long lifespan reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing, packaging, and shipping (Illumitex, 2013).
  5. Versatility: LEDs are suitable for a wide range of applications, including countertop lighting, industrial uses, recessed lighting, holiday lighting, and accent lighting (Department of Energy, 2013).
IV. Utilizing the Site for Heating and Cooling

Green construction allows us to leverage the surrounding environment for heating and cooling purposes. Topography significantly influences site microclimate, which in turn affects interior comfort (Miller, 2005, p. 36).

A. LEED and Earth Integration:

  1. Earth Sheltering: Integrating structures into the earth, rather than excavating and transporting soil, offers benefits such as extended roof life expectancy (Good Earth Plants, 2013).
  2. Constant Temperature: The earth maintains a relatively constant temperature year-round, making it an excellent insulator (Miller, 2005, p. 36).
  3. Wind Protection: Buried buildings are shielded from prevailing winds (Miller, 2005, p. 37).
  4. Environmental Benefits: Earth integration provides more oxygen, improves water quality, controls stormwater runoff, reduces costs, extends roof life, creates usable rooftop space, enhances aesthetics, and filters air pollution (Good Earth Plants, 2013; Build Naturally, 2000).
  5. LEED Rating Benefits: Green roofs can contribute significantly to a building’s LEED rating (Good Earth Plants, 2013).
  6. Energy Savings: Green roofs can reduce heating and cooling losses by up to 25% (Good Earth Plants, 2013).

B. Earth as Roofing Material:

  1. Sod Roofs: Sod-roof houses have a low profile and maximize natural light penetration (Miller, 2005, p. 37).
  2. Wind Protection: Sloped earth roofs can act as windbreakers (Miller, 2005, p. 37). Earth-sheltered buildings may also have lower insurance costs due to their added protection (Good Earth Plants, 2013).
  3. Natural Cooling: Earth roofs can keep spaces cool without air conditioning (Thomas et al., 1996, p. 154). This is achieved by incorporating thermal mass into the building, resulting in low heat loss through the roof (Thomas et al., 1996, p. 156).
  4. Insulation and Time Lag: The high insulation value of earth roofs minimizes heat loss and creates a time lag of approximately 12 hours, delaying the impact of external heat (Thomas et al., 1996, p. 156).

Conclusion

Green construction is a current trend, and it is essential for construction companies to adopt these techniques to remain competitive. Ignoring these practices would be both unethical and impractical. LEED certification offers valuable incentives for implementing green building strategies. With numerous advantages, minimal drawbacks, and benefits for owners, architects, and clients, there is no reason to delay the adoption of green construction methods.

Bibliography

Build Naturally. (2000). Living Roof. Taking Green to the Extreme. Retrieved from http://www.buildnaturally.com/EDucate/Articles/LivingRoof.htm

Edwards, B. (1998). Green Buildings Pay. London: Spon Press.

Good Earth Plants. (2013). Green Roofs. Overview. Retrieved from http://www.goodearthplants.com/green-roofs/

Illumitex. (2013). Environmental Benefits of Using LED Lights. Retrieved from http://www.illumitex.com/environmental-benefits-using-led-lights/

Keeler, M., & Burke, B. (2009). Fundamentals of Integrated Design for Sustainable Building. Canada: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

LIFX. (2013). LED Light Advantages. Benefits of LED Lighting. Retrieved from http://lifx.co/lighting101/advantages/led-vs-fluorescent/

Miller, D. (2005). Toward a New Regionalism. Canada: University of Washington Press.

New Energy Technologies. (2014). Solar Window. Retrieved from http://www.newenergytechnologiesinc.com/technology/solarwindow

Pilkington North America. (2014). Photovoltaics and the Environment. Retrieved from http://www.pilkington.com/northamerica/USA/English/products/bp/bybenefit/home.htm

The Guardian. (2013, February). Printed Solar Glass Panels. Oxford Photovoltaics. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/feb/12/printed-solar-glass-panels-oxford-photovoltaics

Thomas, R., & Fordham, M. (1996). Environmental Design. London: Routledge.

U.S. Department of Energy. (2013). Efficient Earth-Sheltered Homes. Retrieved from http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/efficient-earth-sheltered-homes

U.S. Department of Energy. (2013). LED Lighting. Retrieved from http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/led-lighting