In recent years, green buildings have continued to gain traction in the global development landscape. Resilient green buildings are a subcategory of green buildings that are dedicated to addressing the impact of climate change on construction and building materials. The primary purpose of these structures is to be more physically sustainable and energy efficient while also creating benefits such as improved air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Resilient green buildings also incorporate specific design features, including integrated systems and components, that enable greater levels of resistance to climate change effects such as natural disasters, floods, and extreme weather temperature. Such designs often feature construction materials that are more durable and able to handle inclement weather.
The key message of resilient green buildings is the need to reduce negative environmental impacts by making structures and materials more resistant to climate change. This requires a holistic approach to building design and construction that will ensure the building’s ability to sustain its performance over time in response to natural disasters. To do so, engineers and designers must assess various potential risks, consider which measures will be most effective for the building’s protection, and incorporate those measures into the architecture. This includes incorporating passive and active safety measures such as areas away from potential flooding, improving resistance to high winds, and incorporating water-resistant materials. Additionally, some green buildings also incorporate renewable energy sources, as well as energy monitoring and usage systems.
Key Takeaways
1. Green buildings reduce the risk of natural disasters and increase the resilience of communities in disaster prone areas.
2. Green building practices promote the use of renewable energy sources, water-saving measures and improvements, smart building technology, and improved energy efficiency in building design and operations.
3. Green buildings are designed to reduce the operating costs associated with traditional buildings over time, making them a more cost-effective approach to building construction.
4. Green building practices also promote health and wellbeing of occupants by improving air quality, introducing natural light, and providing access to nature.
5. Governments and institutions have adopted policies and certification standards to promote green building practices, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).
What Are Resilient Green Buildings?
Green buildings are designed and constructed with the environment in mind. These structures feature a variety of tactics necessary to meet sustainability requirements, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and protection of the atmosphere and the environment. On a broader scale, resilient green buildings also mitigate climate change.
How Can Resilient Green Buildings Reduce Carbon Emissions?
The design of resilient green buildings complements their resilience to extreme weather events and climate change. By incorporating materials such as energy efficient windows and improved insulation, eco-friendly structures are much better equipped to cope with extreme temperatures and other weather conditions. The most energy-efficient buildings can even reduce carbon emissions up to 71%.
How Can Green Buildings Conserve Water and Eliminate Wastage?
Green buildings are designed with efficient water use in mind. By using technologies such as rainwater collection systems, architects can minimize water wastage and ensure the responsible use of this precious natural resource.
How Do Resilient Green Buildings Reduce Pollution?
Green buildings are constructed to minimize the use of products and processes that can release debris, dust, fumes, and other pollutants directly into the environment. To this end, designers may opt for materials that emit no or minimal pollutants, reduce the use of natural materials, and limit the use of strongly scented materials and non-biodegradable products.
What Are Some Examples of Resilient Green Buildings?
Some notable examples of green buildings include the M Park Prototype Building in Utah, the Tower of The Winds in Athens, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certified Space Needle in Seattle, and the 130-year-old “Millionaire’s Row” Library in Manhattan.
What Are Some Tips to Design and Build Resilient Green Buildings?
1. Adopt a holistic design approach with an overall strategy, taking climate change into account.
2. Facilitate energy efficiency by using appropriate materials and technologies.
3. Incorporate energy-efficient HVAC systems and rainwater collection systems.
4. Select appropriate materials that are non-toxic, durable, and renewable.
5. Construct structures with daylighting strategies to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
6. Ensure buildings are designed with efficient water usage in mind, with materials able to maintain or improve water quality.
7. Create indoor air quality strategies to permit natural ventilation and reduce harmful pollutants.
8. Employ adaptive landscaping techniques to reduce water and energy consumption.
What are the components of resilient green buildings?
Resilient green buildings incorporate multiple aspects of sustainability, energy efficiency, green materials, and smart building technology. This includes things like high-performance building envelopes that increase insulation, energy-efficient windows and insulation, improved lighting and air quality, and renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines. Therefore, the components of resilient green buildings are energy efficient insulation and windows, renewable energy sources, and improved air and lighting quality.
What are the benefits of resilient green buildings?
The main benefit of resilient green building construction is improved environmental sustainability. When utilized in construction, green materials like energy efficient insulation and windows, renewable energy sources, and improved air and lighting quality can reduce the carbon emissions of a building and contribute positively to a city’s overall carbon footprint. Additionally, resilient green buildings help reduce energy costs by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool buildings.
Are resilient green buildings cost effective?
Yes, resilient green buildings can be cost effective if implemented correctly. While the upfront costs associated with green building materials and construction techniques may be higher than conventional construction, the associated long-term energy savings and reduction in emissions can lead to eventual cost savings. Additionally, grants and financing available from state and federal government typically help to offset the upfront costs of green building.
Is there any government policy that encourages green building construction?
Yes, many governments have put in place policy that incentivizes and encourages green building. This can include government grants and financing, tax credits, and other regulatory incentives. There are also incentives like LEED certification which provides points or rewards for energy-efficient buildings and encourages green construction.
What are the most effective strategies for designing a resilient green building?
Some of the most effective strategies for designing resilient green buildings include using energy efficient materials, incorporating renewable energy sources, and utilizing advanced building techniques. Utilizing building design elements like green roofs, increased insulation, reduced thermal bridges, and low-flow fixtures and appliances can also help to create an energy efficient resilient green building.
What are some of the challenges associated with resilient green building?
The main challenge associated with resilient green buildings is the higher upfront costs associated with implementing green building techniques. Additionally, integrating green materials and renewable energy sources into existing building may be difficult depending on the structure and layout. Finally, getting the necessary approvals from local authorities and navigating regulations can also present a challenge.
Are there different types of resilient green building?
Yes, there are many types of resilient green buildings. This includes low-energy buildings which are designed to reduce energy use through improved insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and strategies like natural ventilation and daylighting. Net-zero energy buildings are designed to produce as much energy as they consume, utilizing renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Passive buildings are designed to maximize energy efficiency through improved natural lighting, ventilation, and insulation.
How does building resilience factor into green building design?
Building resilience is an important part of green building design, as it can reduce the risk of damage and disruption due to natural disasters or other extreme events. Increasing building resilience can incorporate strategies like securing gypsum board to studs to resist wind damage, using masonry walls to resist floods and earthquakes, and green roofs to reduce damage from wind and rain. Additionally, resilient green buildings tend to use high-performance building components to extend their lifespan and reduce the risk of disruption.
What is the impact of resilient green buildings on the environment?
Resilient green buildings have a positive impact on the environment, as they lead to reduced emissions and improved energy efficiency. This leads to a decrease in harmful greenhouse gases and an overall reduction in a building’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the use of green materials can extend the lifespan of a building, reducing the amount of waste and materials used in construction.
How do I keep a resilient green building running efficiently?
Keeping a resilient green building running efficiently requires regular maintenance, as well as the implementation of preventative measures. This includes things like regularly changing air filters and regular inspections of building components. Additionally, utilizing advanced building technology and regularly monitoring energy use can also help to ensure the building is running optimally.
Final Thoughts
Resilient green buildings are an important part of reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency. The incorporation of energy efficient materials, renewable energy sources, and building resilience strategies can have a positive effect on the environment. Although the upfront costs associated with green building construction may be higher, the long-term energy savings and improved environmental sustainability will eventually lead to cost savings. Therefore, resilient green buildings are an important part of sustainable building design moving forward.
Additionally, governments and local authorities must continue to provide incentives and resources that can help to reduce the costs of green building construction. Additionally, increasing public awareness of the benefits of green building construction can help to create a greater demand for resilient green buildings. Ultimately, resilient green buildings are an important part of creating an environmentally sustainable future.
