With the recent announcement that the concentration of carbon dioxide released has now reached 400 parts per million, it is becoming increasingly important for construction experts to reduce their carbon footprint and design buildings that are not only economical but also sustainable.
Countries implement stringent measures to curb carbon emissions, such as the New York government's Local Law 97. In a violation of these laws, the government has enforced both a hefty fine and jail.
This blog will educate the developers to understand how they can reduce the building emission level.
Make use of state-of-the-art lighting and make the most of natural light. Solar thermal gain decreases carbon footprints; however, excessive summer solar growth causes overheating and increases cooling demand. In the winter, a lack of solar gain raises heating demand. By decreasing energy expenses, solar control window coatings can reduce carbon footprints by up to 30%.
The use of open-plan offices and light-coloured interior finishes helps to distribute daylight throughout the structure. High-performance curtainwall systems with built-in sunshades and light shelves can aid in increasing natural light.
Correctly implemented daylighting methods can minimise HVAC peak loads, resulting in lower mechanical equipment capacity and a lower carbon footprint.
The amount of force needed to supply, filter, and consume water in a building contributes significantly to its carbon footprint. Water-focused solutions cut energy use and greenhouse gas emissions considerably.
Water conservation, efficiency, and reuse are among the most comprehensive and cost-effective methods of reducing energy and carbon emissions. Install plumbing equipment that prevents leaks, also known as actual water losses, are the most challenging element of what water efficiency experts refer to as non-revenue water. Water consumption may be reduced by installing water-saving fixtures and appliances.
Choose plumbing equipment that prevents leaks, also known as "actual water losses," which are the most problematic aspect of "non-revenue water," as water efficiency specialists define.
Rainwater is an excellent source of water. Installing water-saving fixtures and appliances can assist in reducing water use. High-efficiency toilets with lower average flush volumes should be specified as compared to ordinary toilets.
Make outdoor areas that rely significantly on rainfall for irrigation, as well as rainwater collection buildings. Rainwater harvesting and xeriscaping can cut outdoor water consumption by up to 50%. Because rainwater does not travel vast distances, it has a negligible environmental impact. This way, the carbon footprint can be reduced.
The location of a building has a direct influence on its entire carbon footprint. Highly efficient buildings should be oriented east-west, emphasising north- and south-facing glass. The structure's location will influence the carbon footprint and potential for carbon accumulation in the landscape.
The carbon footprint can be decreased by getting operating energy from ecologically friendly sources or producing renewable energy on-site.
Solar air heating, solar electric photovoltaic (PV) systems, or solar water heating installed on a building's walls or roof can eliminate conventional energy requirements. They operate by providing a portion of a building's heating or electricity needs and work by fulfilling a certain percentage of its heating or electric load.
A solar air heating system will generate heat energy to provide space heating or to heat the ventilation/make-up air. A solar PV system will generate electricity that can offset the building's conventional electric source.
Solar water systems generate thermal energy to offset the heating of water. Metal roofs are a good host for solar PV because they are very durable and have lifetimes that meet or exceed the solar PV system's 25- to 30-year expected life.
Article by Morain khan: He is a professional online writer and graduate from the University of Rajasthan working with DMC.
