18 Dec Sustainability projects in construction: their importance and future impacts
Sustainability in construction has become an urgent necessity in light of rapid climate change and increasing awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources. Sustainability projects in construction are not just a passing fad, but rather represent a strategic vision aimed at reducing the environmental impact, enhancing the efficiency of resource use, and achieving a balance between development requirements and the needs of future generations.
In this article, we review the importance of sustainability projects in construction and their future impacts on the economy, environment, and quality of life. We also shed light on innovative solutions and technologies that contribute to building sustainable and environmentally friendly cities.
The concept of sustainability in architecture
Sustainability in architecture, also known as green architecture or sustainable design, represents an approach in architecture that focuses on designing buildings in ways that preserve the environment and reduce the negative impact of construction on them. It also aims to conserve natural resources and enhance energy and water efficiency.
Sustainability goals in construction
Sustainability in architecture seeks to achieve a balance between the environmental, economic, and social needs of buildings, by designing environmentally responsible facilities that use resources efficiently throughout their life cycle, from the design and implementation stages to operation and maintenance.
The Importance of Sustainability in Construction
Sustainability in construction companies is an ideal option for individuals and companies wishing to reduce the costs of construction projects and contribute to protecting the environment, as:
Sustainability in architecture helps reduce energy costs in the long term by incorporating renewable natural resources into the design, such as using solar energy for heating and lighting, which reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Sustainability in architecture includes incorporating natural elements from the surrounding environment, and reducing the use of new resources by replacing them with environmentally friendly and recycled building materials.
How to achieve sustainability in buildings
How to achieve sustainability in buildings is a major goal for contracting companies in Kuwait, as it contributes to reducing the environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the quality of life. To achieve this goal, a set of strategies can be followed that aim to achieve sustainability in construction.
Use sustainable building materials
Choosing environmentally friendly materials, such as certified wood, recycled concrete, and paints with low volatile organic compounds.
Reducing waste by recycling waste and applying pre-construction techniques to reduce losses.
Designing buildings with high energy efficiency
Improving thermal insulation to reduce the need for heating and cooling.
Using energy-efficient lighting systems, such as LED lights and smart lighting control technologies.
Integrating renewable energy sources
Installing solar panels to generate electricity and reduce dependence on the public grid.
Using solar water heating systems to meet the building’s hot water needs.
Efficient water management
Collecting rainwater for use in irrigation or cleaning.
Installing water-saving systems, such as low-flow faucets and toilets.
Enhancing indoor air quality
Using non-toxic building materials: to reduce pollutants inside buildings.
Improving natural ventilation: to ensure fresh air flow inside the facility.
Adopting sustainable construction practices
Effective site planning: to preserve the surrounding environment and reduce negative impact.
Training workers: on sustainable construction methods and techniques.
Acquiring sustainability certifications
Strive to obtain certifications such as LEED or BREEAM to confirm the company’s commitment to global environmental standards.
By following these strategies, contracting companies can achieve sustainability in construction through sustainable buildings and projects that contribute to protecting the environment, reducing operating costs, and improving the quality of life for users.
Sustainable Building Project Analysis
Many methodologies have emerged that deal with the analysis of sustainable building projects, thanks to the efforts of a group of experts, specialists and experienced practitioners, through what is known as the Green Building Council, which was established at the national level in some countries.
In this context, we will review the most famous sustainable building project analysis systems, which will enable us to understand and deal with them in general, as these systems represent the basis and reference for many other systems that have emerged in various countries of the world, especially in Arab countries that have begun to advance in the field of evaluating green buildings, seeking to develop systems that are compatible with their own environment.
The most famous sustainable building project analysis systems
We will start by talking about the most famous sustainable building project analysis system in the world, which is the LEED system, which, although it is not the oldest, is the most widespread and developed on the global and Arab levels. After that, we will discuss the system that follows it in terms of prevalence and the oldest in terms of appearance, which is the BREEAM system.
We will also look at the Japanese CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for the Efficiency of the Built Environment), which has a different measurement methodology, as well as the Green Star system adopted in Australia, and the Green Globes system followed in Canada.
LEED Rating System
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and is an internationally recognized system for the design, construction and operation of buildings with high environmental performance, and is considered an indicator of effective green architecture.
This system evaluates and measures the impacts and performance of a facility through a set of criteria, including site sustainability, energy savings, water efficiency, materials and resources, indoor environmental improvement, as well as design and innovation. It is also periodically updated to keep pace with changing environmental needs.
There have been several versions of this system, ranging from new buildings to existing buildings and maintenance, and all the way to sustainable homes and neighborhoods. Although this system originated in the United States, it has been widely promoted around the world, becoming one of the most prominent systems that evaluate sustainability in construction according to standards aimed at reducing its impact on the environment, increasing its lifespan, and providing a healthy environment for its residents. LEED Rating System Domains
All LEED building systems are based on six main domains:
Sustainable Site
Water Efficiency
Energy and Atmosphere
Materials and Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality
BREEAM Rating System
The term BREEAM refers to a precise method for analyzing sustainability in construction. In the Arab region, specifically in the Gulf countries, a version of the system was developed under the name BREEAM GULF to suit the local climate.
Sustainability standards in construction include a wide range of categories, from energy to the environment, and include important aspects such as energy and water consumption, indoor environment (health and well-being), pollution, transportation, materials, waste management, environment, and operations management.
BREEAM Rating System Domains
The BREEAM Sustainable Building Project Analysis System includes a set of basic domains that are used to evaluate different types and classifications of buildings, as these domains are considered standards for building design Green, which are as follows:
Management focuses on controlling the performance of individuals during the operation of the building.
Energy use relates to the rates of energy consumption and carbon emissions resulting from the building.
Health and Well-being
Materials deals with the impact of material consumption on the environment and its relationship to the life cycle of the building.
Water includes the use of water and ways to conserve it inside and outside the building.
Transport relates to the relationship of public transportation to the building and how to deal with it.
Waste (Ecology) includes waste resulting from the construction of the building.
Land use and ecology relates to urban coordination and maintaining the ecological value of the site.
Pollution includes pollution and noise resulting from construction activities.
CASBEE Rating System
CASBEE, which is known as the Comprehensive Assessment System for the Efficiency of the Built Environment, is a mechanism for evaluating and classifying the environmental performance of buildings and built environments. It was developed by the Japan Green Building Council (JAGBC) in 2001 and has been continuously updated and developed since then.
CASBEE Rating System Areas
The CASBEE rating system covers a range of areas that support the sustainability assessment objectives of construction, including:
Energy efficiency.
Resource efficiency.
Site environment.
Indoor environment.
Service quality.
Site outdoor environment.
Green Star Rating System
The Green Star Rating System is a green architecture analysis system that, in 2006, contributed to the establishment of the Green Architecture Council in New Zealand, and then in South Africa, where both countries adopted the Green Star system as the basis for their own rating systems with some modifications to suit their local environment.
The Green Star system aims to raise public awareness of the benefits of green architecture, and is a tool for classifying and evaluating the environmental performance of public buildings. The system began by evaluating office buildings, and was then developed to include other types of buildings, to include all classifications such as administrative, educational, therapeutic, commercial, court buildings, museums, exhibitions, theaters, halls, places of worship, in addition to residential buildings. For example, a special system has been developed for administrative buildings known as Green Star- Office Design, which includes a variety of specializations, including a special version for internal administrative spaces and existing administrative buildings.
This system is a flexible and adaptable sustainable building project analysis tool designed to meet diverse needs in different geographies. This system combines the LEED and BREEAM rating systems to achieve better performance.
Green Star Rating System Domains
The Green Star rating system is based on a set of domains used to evaluate buildings, which include aspects of building design, implementation, and operations, in addition to taking into account the indoor environment. This is evident in the integration of the LEED and BREEAM rating systems domains, which are:
Management
Indoor Environmental Quality
Energy
Transportation
Water
Materials
Land Use & Ecology
Emissions
Green Globes System
Green Globes System is a green architecture rating system developed in Canada by CSA (Canadian Standards Association), based on the Canadian version of BREEAM.
The Green Globes system aims to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings, promote design improvement and operational management, increase awareness of environmental issues among building owners, designers and contractors, and improve design performance throughout the project phases.
Green Globes Rating System Areas
The Green Globes Rating System is based on a set of areas that include:
Site
Energy
Water
Resources
Emission & Effluents
Indoor Environment
Project Management
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Conclusion
At the end of this article, it is clear that sustainable construction projects form the basis for achieving sustainable development that ensures the preservation of natural resources and reduces the environmental impact of human activities. Through technological innovations and the cooperation of governments and companies, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for future generations.
Investing in sustainability in construction is not an option but an urgent necessity to ensure that our planet remains livable and meet the aspirations of sustainable development worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sustainability in buildings?
Sustainable architecture, or green architecture, is an umbrella term that refers to design techniques that take into account the environment in the field of architecture. The process of sustainability in construction involves designing buildings in a way that respects the environment, with a focus on reducing energy consumption, resources and materials, and reducing the impacts of construction and use on the environment, in addition to enhancing harmony with nature.
What are some examples of sustainability?
Sustainability appears in multiple areas, such as energy generation, where the focus is on discovering new sources that exceed the consumption of current reserves. For example, some electricity companies have started setting general goals to generate energy from sustainable sources such as wind, hydro, and solar energy.
Why is sustainability important in construction?
By focusing on the use of environmentally friendly building materials and practices, sustainability in construction contributes to protecting ecosystems, conserving natural resources, and reducing energy consumption.
How can I make my home sustainable?
This can be achieved by using recycled building materials and choosing low-emission materials, and relying on the natural ventilation system during the construction process.
It is also important to hire a specialized team that has experience in using building materials with a low environmental impact, in order to reduce risks and waste of resources.
Therefore, do not hesitate to contact Al-Awda Contracting Company, one of the best contracting companies in Kuwait, and review its previous work, and know the size of the projects it has successfully implemented, as this will help you make an informed decision.
