SPECIALIZATION 3

GREEN ARCHITECTURE: A CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

In recent years, sustainability concept has become the common

interest of numerous disciplines. The reason for this popularity

is to perform the sustainable development. The Concept of Green

Architecture, also known as "sustainable architecture" or "green

building," is the theory, science and style of buildings designed

and constructed in accordance with environmentally friendly

principles. Green architecture strives to minimize the number of

resources consumed in the building's construction, use and

operation, as well as curtailing the harm done to the environment

through the emission, pollution and waste of its components.

To design, construct, operate and maintain buildings energy,

water and new materials are utilized as well as amounts of waste

causing negative effects to health and environment is generated.

In order to limit these effects and design environmentally sound

and resource efficient buildings; "green building systems" must

be introduced, clarified, understood and practiced.

1. Introduction

Sustainability is comprehensive therefore a complex subject. It

is of vital importance to all because it deals with the survival

of human species and almost every living creature on the planet.

Sustainable and eco-friendly architecture is one of the main aims

that humans for creating a better life have made as the ultimate

model for all their activities. For this reason, moving towards a

greener architecture is well-thought-out the main goal of the

present architecture of our time (Mahdavinejad, 2014) At the rate

the development needs of this world is using the scarce and

limited resources found on the earth, it is becoming obvious that

unless there are major changes to Man's thinking and behavior,

the future of civilization as known today is dubious.

This complex subject has no straight forward solution, especially

considering that sustainability is a goal for all to reach as

they continually strive to reach towards it. Green architecture

produces environmental, social and economic benefits.

Environmentally, green architecture helps reduce pollution,

conserve natural resources and prevent environmental degradation.

Economically, it reduces the amount of money that the building's

operators have to spend on water and energy and improves the

productivity of those using the facility (Thomas, 2009) And,

socially, green buildings are meant to be beautiful and cause

only minimal strain on the local infrastructure.

The buildings in which we live, work, and play protect us from

nature's extremes, yet they also affect our health and

environment in countless ways. As the environmental impact of

buildings becomes more apparent, a new field called "green

building" is gaining momentum. Green, or sustainable, building is

the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource

efficient models of construction, renovation, operation,

maintenance and demolition (Roy,2008).

1.1. Green Architecture

Green architecture, or green design, is an approach to building

that minimizes harmful effects on human health and the

environment. The "green" architect or designer attempts to

safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building

materials and construction practices (Roy,2008).

1.2. Green Architecture and Green Design

Green architecture defines an understanding of environment-

friendly architecture under all classifications, and contains

some universal consent (Burcu, 2015), It may have many of these

characteristics:

􀁸 Ventilation systems designed for efficient heating and cooling

􀁸 Energy-efficient lighting and appliances

􀁸 Water-saving plumbing fixtures

􀁸 Landscapes planned to maximize passive solar energy

􀁸 Minimal harm to the natural habitat

􀁸 Alternate power sources such as solar power or wind power

􀁸 Non-synthetic, non-toxic materials

􀁸 Locally-obtained woods and stone

􀁸 Responsibly-harvested woods

􀁸 Adaptive reuse of older buildings

􀁸 Use of recycled architectural salvage

􀁸 Efficient use of space

While most green buildings do not have all of these features, the

highest goal of green architecture is to be fully sustainable.

CONSIDERATION FOR GREEN BUILDING

Green building involves consideration in four main areas: site

development, material selection and minimization, energy

efficiency, and

indoor air quality

• Consider site development to reduce the impact of development

on the natural environment. For example, orient the buildings to

take

advantage of solar access, shading and wind patterns that will

lessen heating and cooling loads.

• Carefully select materials that are durable, contain recycled

content, and are locally manufactured to reduce negative

environmental impacts.

A growing market exists of quality recycled products at

affordable prices.

• Incorporate energy-efficient design into buildings to create an

efficient and comfortable environment. Take advantage of the

natural elements

and technologies to conserve resources and increase occupant

comfort/productivity while lowering long-term operational costs

and pollutants

(CBFEE, 1999).

• Design for high indoor air quality to promote occupant health

and productivity.

• Minimize the waste in construction and demolition processes by

recovering materials and reusing or recycling those (CGB, 2009).

4. THE PRINCIPLES OF GREEN BUILDING DESIGN

The green building design process begins with an intimate

understanding of the site in all its beauties and complexities.

An ecological approach to design aims to integrate the systems

being introduced with the existing on-site ecological functions

performed by Mother Nature.

These ecological functions provide habitat, respond to the

movements of the sun, purify the air as well as catch, filter and

store water. Designers can create features in their buildings

that mimic the functions of particular eco-systems. Species that

thrive in natural ecosystems may also utilize habitats created in

man-made structures. Creating new habitat on structures in

urbanized areas is especially important to support bio-diversity

and a healthy ecosystem (Thomas, 2009).

The following points summarize key principles, strategies and

technologies which are associated with the five major elements of

green building design which are: Sustainable Site Design; Water

Conservation and Quality; Energy and Environment; Indoor

Environmental Quality; and Conservation of Materials and

Resources. This information supports of the use of the USGBC LEED

Green Building Rating System, but focuses on principles and

strategies rather than specific solutions or technologies, which

are often site specific and will vary from project to project

(USGBC).
4.1. Water Systems

Water - often called the source of life - can be captured,

stored, filtered, and reused. It provides a valuable resource to

be celebrated in the process of green building design. According

to Art Ludwig in Create an Oasis out of Greywater, only about 6%

of the water we use is for drinking. There is no need to use

potable water for irrigation or sewage. The Green Building Design

course introduces methods of rainwater harvesting, grey water

systems, and living pools (BCKL, 2009).

The protection and conservation of water throughout the life of a

building may be accomplished by designing for dual plumbing that

recycles water in toilet flushing or by using water for washing

of the cars. Waste-water may be minimized by utilizing water

conserving fixtures such as ultra-low flush toilets and low-flow

shower heads. Bidets help eliminate the use of toilet paper,

reducing sewer traffic and increasing possibilities of re-using

water on-site. Point of use water treatment (fig5) and heating

improves both water quality and energy efficiency while reducing

the amount of water in circulation. The use of non-sewage and

greywater for on-site use such as site-irrigation will minimize

demands on the local aquifer (Stephen & Harrell, 2008).

4.2. Natural Building A natural building involves a range of

building systems and materials that place major emphasis on

sustainability. Ways of achieving sustainability through natural

building focus on durability and the use of minimally processed,

plentiful or renewable resources, as well as those that, while

recycled or salvaged, produce healthy living environments and

maintain indoor air quality. Natural building tends to rely on

human labor, more than technology. As Michael G. Smith observes,

it depends on "local ecology, geology and climate; on the

character of the particular building site, and on the needs and

personalities of the builders and users (Smith, 2002). The basis

of natural building is the need to lessen the environmental

impact of buildings and other supporting systems, without

sacrificing comfort or health. To be more sustainable, natural

building uses primarily abundantly available, renewable, reused

or recycled materials. The use of rapidly renewable materials is

increasingly a focus.

In addition to relying on natural building materials, the

emphasis on the architectural design is heightened. The

orientation of a building, the utilization of local climate and

site conditions, the emphasis on natural ventilation through

design, fundamentally lessen operational costs and positively

impact the environmental. Building compactly and minimizing the

ecological footprint is common, as are on-site handling of energy

acquisition, on-site water capture, alternate sewage treatment

and water reuse (Smith, 2002).

4.3. Passive Solar Design

Passive solar design refers to the use of the sun’s energy for

the heating and cooling of living spaces. The building itself or

some element of it takes advantage of natural energy

characteristics in its materials to absorb and radiate the heat

created by exposure to the sun. Passive systems are simple, have

few moving parts and no mechanical systems, require minimal

maintenance and can decrease, or even eliminate, heating and

cooling costs (BCKL, 2009).

Passive solar design uses that to capture the sun’s energy:

􀁸 Solar passive features

􀁸 Shape and form of buildings.

􀁸 Orientation of the facades.

􀁸 Design of Building plan and section.

􀁸 Thermal insulation and thermal storage of roof.

􀁸 Thermal Insulation and thermal storage of the exterior walls.

Homes in any climate can take advantage of solar energy by

incorporating passive solar design features and decreasing carbon

dioxide emissions. Even in cold winters, passive solar design can

help cut heating costs and increase comfort (BCKL, 2009).

Solar buildings are designed to keep environment comfortable in

all seasons without much expenditure on electricity 30 to 40%

savings with additional 5 to 10% cost towards passive features.

Major Components: Orientation, double glazed windows, window

overhangs, thermal storage walls roof, roof painting,

Ventilation, evaporation, day lighting, construction material

etc. Designs depend on direction & intensity of Sun & wind,

ambient temp., humidity etc. Different designs for different

climatic zones.

4.4. Green Building Materials

Green building materials are generally composed of renewable

rather than non-renewable resources and are

environmentally responsible because their impacts are considered

over the life of the product. In addition, green building

materials generally result in reduced maintenance and replacement

costs over the life of the building, conserve energy, and

improve occupant health and productivity. Green building

materials can be selected by evaluating characteristics such as

reused

and recycled content, zero or low off-gassing of harmful air

emissions, zero or low toxicity, sustainably and rapidly

renewable
harvested materials, high recyclability, durability, longevity,

and local production (Cullen, 2010).

The materials common to many types of natural building are clay

and sand. When mixed with water and, usually, straw

or another fiber, the mixture may form cob or adobe (clay

blocks). Other materials commonly used in natural building are:

earth

(as rammed earth or earth bag), wood (cordwood or timber

frame/post-and-beam), straw, rice-hulls, bamboo and stone. A wide

variety of reused or recycled non-toxic materials are common in

natural building, including urbanite (salvaged chunks of used

concrete), vehicle windscreens and other recycled glass (Woolley

, 2006).

One-half of the world’s population lives or works in buildings

constructed of earth. Straw bale construction is now gaining in

popularity and Many jurisdictions in California have adopted the

Straw bale Building Code. Green Building Design favors natural

building for its local availability, ease of use, lack of toxic

ingredients, increased energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal

(NAOHB, 1998).

Several other materials are increasingly avoided by many

practitioners of this building approach, due to their major

negative environmental or health impacts. These include

unsustainably harvested wood, toxic wood-preservatives, Portland

cement-based mixes, paints and other coatings that off-gas

volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some plastics,

particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC or "vinyl") and those

containing harmful plasticizers or hormone-mimicking formulations

(Woolley , 2006).

4.5. Living Architecture

The environment like our bodies can metabolize nutrients and

waste. Living Architecture focuses on these processes,

integrating ecological functions into the buildings to catch,

store, and filter water, purify air, and process other nutrients.

Living Architecture also addresses biophilia, the documented

health benefits associated with being in touch with living

systems in the built environment (Susan, 2008).

Throughout history greening of outside walls and roofs of

buildings has taken place. Reasons for doing so were the increase

of insulation (keep cool in summer and keep cold out in winter),

improved aesthetics, improved indoor and outdoor climate, reduce

the greenhouse gases such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon

Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) as well as increasing

ecological values by creating habitats for birds and insects

(Sheweka & Magdy, 2011).

4.5.1. Green roofs

Serve several purposes for a building, such as absorbing

rainwater, providing insulation, creating a habitat for wildlife,

increasing benevolence and decreasing stress of the people around

the roof by providing a more aesthetically pleasing landscape,

and helping to lower urban air temperatures and mitigate the heat

island effect (Vandermeulen, 2011)

There are two types of green roof:

1. Intensive roofs, which are thicker, with a minimum depth of

12.8 cm, and can support a wider variety of plants but are

heavier and require more maintenance.

2. Extensive roofs, which are shallow, ranging in depth from 2 cm

to 12.7 cm, lighter than intensive green roofs, and require

minimal maintenance (Volder, 2014).

The term green roof may also be used to indicate roofs that use

some form of green technology, such as a cool roof, a roof with

solar thermal collectors or photovoltaic panels. Green roofs are

also referred to as eco-roofs, vegetated roofs, living roofs,

green roofs and VCPH (Wilmers,1990). (Horizontal Vegetated

Complex Partitions).

4.5.2. Green Walls

Also known as vertical greenery is actually introducing plants

onto the building façade. Comparing to green roof, green walls

can cover more exposed hard surfaces in the built environment

where skyscrapers are the predominant building style

(Jonathan, 2003).

According to Ken (Ken,2008), if a skyscraper has a plant ratio of

one to seven, and then the façade area is equivalent to almost

three times the area. So, if the building is covered two thirds

of the façade, this have contributed to doubling the extend of

vegetation on site. So a skyscraper can become green, thus

increasing the organic mass on the site (Wilmers, 1990).

There are three types of Green Walls:

The green walls can be divided into three fundamental types

according to the species of the plants; types of growing media

and construction method.

1. Wall-climbing Green wall is the very common and traditional

green walls method. Although it is a time consuming process,

climbing plants can cover the walls of building naturally.

Sometimes they are grown upwards with the help of a trellis or

other supporting systems (Wilmers, 1990).

2. Hanging-down Green Wall is also another popular approach for

green walls. It can easily form a complete vertical green belt on

a multi-story building through planting at every story compare to

the wall-climbing type (Wilmers, 1990).

3. Module Green Wall is the latest concept compared to the

previous two types. It requires more complicated design and

planning considerations before a vertical system can come to

place. It is also probably the most expensive green walls method

(Jonathan, 2003)

5. GREEN BUILDING BENEFITS

Green building is not a simple development trend; it is an

approach to building suited to the demands of its time, whose

relevance and importance will only continue to increase (USGBC)

• Comfort. Because a well-designed passive solar home or building

is highly energy efficient, it is free of drafts. Extra sunlight

from the south windows makes it more cheerful and pleasant in the

winter than a conventional house (Kats, 2006)

• Economy. If addressed at the design stage, passive solar

construction doesn’t have to cost more than conventional

construction, and it can save money on fuel bills (Kats, 2003)

• Aesthetics. Passive solar buildings can have a conventional

appearance on the outside, and the passive solar features make

them bright and pleasant inside.

• Environmentally responsible. Passive solar homes can

significantly cut use of heating fuel and electricity used for

lighting. If passive cooling strategies are used in the design,

summer air conditioning costs can be reduced as well (Woolley ,

2006).

6. CASE study

The study area has a typical Mediterranean climate. It is

characterized by a long fairly warm season and a short slightly

rainy temperature winter, favorable for thermophilic biological

spectrum. Precipitation falls mainly during the colder season

from autumn to spring. The prototype is therefore designed for

the warm humid climate of Northern Western Coast Hinterland in

Ale6.1. Localized Indigenous Knowledge (IK).

In addition to IK, Development professionals treasure this local

knowledge, finding it extremely useful in solving complex

problems of health, agriculture, education, and the environment,

both in developed and in developing countries, enhancing the ways

that knowledge has been adapted, applied, and disseminated.

Investigations from existing housing units within the study area

habitat demonstrated the combination of indigenous architectural

elements leading to much more efficient buildings in terms of

adaptability to IK.Major IK concepts applied:

1. Courtyard. Courtyard homes are more prevalent in the study

area, as an open central court can be an important aid to cooling

house in warm weather. Courtyard draws fresh air down through the

wind catch. The comforts offered by a courtyard-air, light,

privacy, security, and tranquility - provides the shadows are

properties nearly universally desired in human housing. Courtyard

used for many purposes including cooking, sleeping, working,

playing, gardening, and even places to keep animals.xandria

region (UNEP, 1995)

2. Thickness of stone walls. The walls are designed to provide

insulation, sunlight filters through increase wall thickness (40-

50 cm).

3. Roof. It is placed a mixture of sand and lime mortar above the

linoleum protect the bishop from the impact of the sun's heat and

reduces the permeability of water falling from the rain in the

winter.
4. Narrow openings. Narrow openings and high from the ground to

prevent the entry of heat during the day for the inside and

maintain them for the night.

6.2. Housing Prototype Suggestion This study produced prototype

referred to as Typical Housing Prototype (THP) which is built

with a central courtyard, single story two bedrooms. The plan of

the prototype is shown in Fig.25 below.

Features were considered to optimize the integration of passive

design strategies. Building orientation determines the amount of

solar radiation it receives. In addition to other elements such

as Evergreen trees were planted on north side to act as a wind

break in winter, while deciduous trees on south side to shade in

summer only.

􀁸 Courtyard design. The central courtyard allows spaces for

relaxation and interaction of occupants keeping their activities

away from neighbors in addition to passive cooling strategies. It

achieves enough daylight penetration, reduces solar heat and

promotes cooling breezes while keeping out hot and dusty wind.

􀁸 Sun angles and Shadings. The design doesn’t oversize the amount

of south-facing windows as oversizing can lead to overheating.

Horizontal exterior overhangs are used on the south side of the

building to block direct summer sun. Ideal proportions for an

overhang are calculated by latitude (Alexandria, 31.2000° N).The

overhang is large enough to block summer sun, but doesn’t block

sun in winter.
Thermal Mass. The walls of the house are thick and massive. The

high-mass walls are cooled from the cool night time temperatures.

In turn, the walls then cool the occupants during the day by

accepting the heat radiating from their bodies.

􀁸 Construction Materials.

􀁸 Walls: Solid 8" Masonry wall which could be double wall for

maximizing thermal mass.

􀁸 Roof Construction: Flat light weight concrete (20 cm) and

plaster (1 cm).

􀁸 Floor: Slab on Grade covered by carpet or casework.

􀁸 Rain water harvesting. The roof of the building consists of

gutters or pipes that deliver rainwater falling on the rooftop to

the storage tank. Harvested water can be used for toilet flushing

and garden irrigation.

􀁸 Aquifer Water. Well pumps are built to be used for extracting

water from an underground source.

􀁸 Energy Systems.

􀁸 Biogas Plant production. Biogas is one of many renewable energy

systems that provide greater independence at very low cost.

Produced gas from anaerobic digestion of organic material will

usually be piped from the top of the tank to a biogas cooking

stove and/or biogas lights.

􀁸 Photovoltaic (PV array). Photovoltaic panels are installed on

south-facing roof which is inclined with an angle to maximize the

amount of electricity produced.

􀁸 Solar domestic hot water. Solar hot water systems are used to

collect energy from the sun in panels or tubes to produce

domestic hot water used in the house.

Conclusion

􀁸 Principles of Green Architecture are: Water features and their

management; natural building design; passive solar design; green

building materials; living Architecture. These principles are

applied in a sustainable fashion to achieve an eco- friendly

building.

􀁸 Any architect has the ability to change an entire building

process by specifying materials with low carbon dioxide

emissions.

􀁸 Green building standards are available for almost every type of

building on a global basis and these standards are well

developed and are regularly being updated; they cover all phases

of a building’s life cycle from design through demolition.

􀁸 Buildings that have been designed according to sustainability

standards need to be operated and maintained according to these

same standards.

􀁸 Buildings that were built prior to enacting these

sustainability standards can also be upgraded to meet the

standards that have subsequently been put in place.

􀁸 Green buildings must have a number of common components: these

include a focus on energy efficiency and, in some cases,

renewable energy; the efficient use of water; the use of

environmentally desirable building materials and specifications;

a minimization of the waste and toxic chemicals generated in the

building's construction and operations; good indoor air quality;

and an eye on so-called "smart" growth and sustainable

development.

􀁸 Green architecture produces environmental, social and economic

benefits. Environmentally, green architecture helps reduce

pollution, conserve natural resources and prevent environmental

degradation. Economically, it reduces the amount of money that

the building's operators have to spend on water and energy and

improves the productivity of those using the facility. And,

socially, green buildings are meant to be beautiful and cause

only minimal strain on the local infrastructure.

􀁸 Traditional building materials are to be adapted to meet code-

required standards for health and safety in contemporary

buildings. Not only are they cost effective and environmentally

friendly, but, when used correctly, these natural alternatives

match the strength and durability of many mainstream construction

materials.

􀁸 New building technologies, and in particular ICT automation and

new materials, are to constantly be introduced to enhance the

sustainable building process with the goal of reducing the impact

of the building on the surrounding environment by using

resources more efficiently (e.g. energy, water); enhancing and

protecting the health and well-being of the occupants; and

reducing any negative impacts.

Other green environmental protection products

Charcoals

Charcoals include activated carbons, Binchou-Tan and bamboo

charcoals. They not only can be used as fuel, but also can be
used to purify the air and vapor in the air, and adjust the

moisture (fig5.6.7).

Silicon

When there is ample air in the pores of the silicon, it keeps

warmth and prevents heat. When it is full of moisture, it adjusts

the humidity, absorbs odors and purifies the air.

Yu-Wen stone tile Yu-Wen stone tile

is the ultra alkaline stone. Because it has porous properties, it

can purify the air and activate cells.

Latex paint

Latex paint is proof against mold, stain, and water. It also has

the Green Building material marker (fig8).

EPnS aqueous wood’s coating

EPnS aqueous wood’s coating is highly durable, safe and

environmental friendly

Flexible brick of pedestrian trail

Flexible brick of pedestrian trail is of compressive strength and

tensile strength. It has high permeability and is safe to use

Wooden building material

Wooden building material is effectively antibacterial, mold-

preventive, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Only

biological resources like wood can produce the carbohydrate that

is needed for growth, through photosynthesis by absorbing carbon

dioxide and water in the atmosphere. The wooden material is

reproducible through the reasonable regeneration process.

Meanwhile, it can reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in

the atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide. Thus, wooden material

meets the green index standard of Green Buildings

An example of a Green Building in a high school in Taiwan

We take a local high school as a modeling example for the

application of Green Buildings on campus.

We did a detailed res Classroom: The natural day-lighting is

ample. Whole-wall windows are adopted so that all classrooms are

full of sunshine (Daily energy-saving index)earch on the new

building and found the following facts.

Corridor: The corridors are ventilated and bright with daylight

(Daily energy-saving index)

Toilet: Two-stage flush toilets are adopted (Water resources

index)

Staircase: The staircase is always bright at day time; there is

no need to turn on the lights (Daily energy-saving index)

Chain of water-permeable bricks: Water-permeable bricks conserve

water effectively (Base water index)

Pond: The central pond of the school provides steam in the air

(Biodiversity index)
Outdoor: The campus is green with grass (Green index)

The water-saving machines: They collect the rainwater and reuse

the rainwater efficiently (Water resources index)

According to the result of our study, we understood what Green

Buildings are and we reached some important findings as follows.

1. By applying the nine assessment indexes of Green Buildings, we

can improve the appearance and quality of urban environment while

increasing sense of comfort for people who stay indoors.

2. Green Buildings are not just about architectural design. The

Green Building material plays an important role in the Green

Buildings. Architectural design plus the architectural material

based on the concept of Green Buildings are capable of better

saving the earth. This trend is a great benefit to our

environment, and this situation is what we love to see.

3. Nowadays, the buildings on campus are gradually turned into

the state of Green Buildings. Instead of simply planting green

plants and applying simple water-saving equipment, people add

more equipment that can effectively reduce the negative impact on

the environment. Hence, the concept not only saves the earth but

also gives students more healthful environment to learn. As a

whole, from the information mentioned above, we’ve learned that

green buildings have many benefits for our environment. Not only

can they save energy, but also they reduce the damage to the

environment. After doing the research, we know that Green

Buildings are beneficial to the environment as well as human

beings. We believe that, with the continuing development of Green

Buildings, people may have a greater chance to live in a natural

and healthful environment in the near future