Download 3 Environmental Design and Bioclimatic architecture

GN4-1 NA3T3
Best Practice Document
Eco-Friendly Office Design
Last updated: 14-02-2016
Project: GN4-1
Activity: NA3T3 / The Greening of Services
Dissemination Level: Final Draft
Authors: Nicoletta Tsioroli, Petros Ioannou
© DANTE on behalf of the GÉANT project.
The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community’s
Seventh Framework Programme (FP7 2007–2013) under Grant Agreement No. 238875
(GÉANT).
Contents
1
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................... 2
2
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 2
3
Environmental Design and Bioclimatic architecture ........................................................ 3
4
3.1
Basic Concepts and Techniques of Bioclimatic architecture.................................... 5
3.2
Objectives of Bioclimatic architecture ...................................................................... 5
3.3
Principles of Bioclimatic architecture ....................................................................... 6
3.4
Elements of Bioclimatic architecture ....................................................................... 7
Green Buildings ........................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Functional organization of interior and exterior spaces .............................................. 13
4.1.1
Sitting and Structure Design Efficiency .......................................................... 13
4.1.2
Install Efficient Windows and Shades ............................................................ 13
4.1.3
Rain Water Harvesting ................................................................................... 13
4.1.4
Insulation ....................................................................................................... 14
4.1.5
Redesign the Workspace and Functional organization of interior spaces ....... 14
4.2
Benefits to Build Green ......................................................................................... 16
4.2.1
Environmental Benefits .................................................................................. 16
4.2.2
Economic Benefits ......................................................................................... 17
4.2.3
Social Benefits ............................................................................................... 17
5
Green Buildings around the World ............................................................................... 18
6
Green Buildings in National Level ................................................................................ 19
6.1
Adoption of a methodology .................................................................................. 20
6.2
The Computation Process.................................................................................... 21
6.3
Primary energy Procedure Calculation ................................................................ 22
6.4
Certificate production process Energy Efficiency (SMO) ....................................... 22
7
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 22
8
Table of References..................................................................................................... 23
1
1
Executive Summary
Cyprus Research and Academic Network has committed to investigate the deployment of
Green Offices Infrastructures under the scope of GN4 Phase 1 – NA3T3 Activity – The
Greening of Services. This task refers to the creation of a report showing ways to transform
offices or buildings to “Green Infrastructures” or otherwise "Eco-Friendly Infrastructures".
The report will also stating on how newly developed buildings or offices can become EcoFriendly infrastructures based Environmental design and Bioclimatic Architecture in view of
sustainability. For example , open plan offices, shared working desks, reduced water
demand-build a rain harvesting system, smart cooling, noise reduction, improvements in
indoor air quality, energy-saving computers, efficient windows and shades, smart lighting,
use of renewable energy, smart room division, eco furnishing, etc are some of those ideas
that will be mentioned in below sections.
Green Construction or sustainable building design involves finding the balance between
homebuilding and the sustainable environment. Also brings together a vast array of
practices, techniques, and skills to reduce and ultimately eliminate the impacts of buildings
on the environment and human health. A similar concept also, is natural building, which is
usually on a smaller scale and tends to focus on the use of natural materials that are
available locally including sustainable design and green architecture.
Although new technologies are constantly being developed to complement current practices
in creating greener structures, the common objective of green buildings is to reduce the
overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by
efficiently using energy, water, and other resource, by protecting occupant health and
improving employee productivity and by reducing waste, pollution and environmental
degradation.
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Introduction
Buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption in the European Union. The sector
is expanding, which certainly will increase its energy consumption. Thus reducing energy
consumption and the use of renewable sources in the buildings sector constitute important
measures needed to reduce greenhouse emissions and enhancing energy security.
However, seems that today, clothes hold much more meaning to us than the need for
thermal protection but now many original functionality features are lost to the concept of
fashion. Housing, too, means more than the need for a comfortable place to live. Like
fashion it now often represents a status symbol which it must adapt to the established
standards of status like convenience and leisure, and sometimes ignoring basic
functionalities like the environment. Since the energy saving and taking advantage of the sun
may not fit into these stan-dards. From this perspective, having an expensive conditioning
system to overheat in winter and overcool in summer every single space in the house (even
if it is seldom used) may seems necessary.
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At the moment, may, many still think that consumption is necessary for economic growth.
Yes because on one hand the energy prices continue to rise while the minimum wage
continues to flatline or decreases. So, that is how that model of life is still working. If
consumption is necessary for promotion of economic growth, society, by default then
associates saving and conserving with discomfort and low status, and waste with easy living
and prestige. It gets the point across about people accustomed to a society of convenience,
that sav-ing energy is associated with poverty or somehow “needing” to conserve. What is
overlooked in the quest for status however, are modern day benefits and efficiencies that
could actually elevate status and be sustainable. If science is disregarded, global warming is
seen to have no real world consequence, energy continues to be wasted, and people pay
and pay without realizing, there are ways to regulate the cost and waste associated with
their lifestyles. As of now, the economical system needs people to consume as much as
possible so as to keep the wheel going, but can we still attain societal success through
techniques for refinement as opposed to expansion,
Nethertheless, the green building movement in general originated from the need and desire
for more energy efficient and environmentally friendly construction practices. Although, in
nowadays, it's an often-repeated question: What is the definition of a green building?
Sustainable, or "green building," design and construction provide an opportunity to use
resources more efficiently, while creating healthier and more energy efficient homes and
commercial buildings. Successful green buildings leave a lighter footprint on the environment
through conservation of resources, while at the same time balancing energy efficient, costeffective, low-maintenance products for construction needs.
3 Environmental Design and Bioclimatic
architecture
Environmental design called as the process of addressing surrounding environmental
parameters when devising plans, programs, policies, buildings, or products. Classical
prudent design may have always considered environmental factors. Can also refer to the
applied arts and sciences dealing with creating the human-designed environment. These
fields include architecture, geography, urban planning, landscape architecture, and interior
design. In addition, in terms of a larger scope, environmental design has implications for the
industrial design of products: innovative automobiles, wind-electricity generators, solarelectric equipment, and other kinds of equipment could serve as examples. However, in this
report , the term has expanded to apply to ecological and sustainability issues.
On the other hand Bioclimatic architecture is the architecture that has a connection to Nature
and regards buildings and facilities design (interior and exterior - outdoor) based on the local
climate, commonly referred to as microclimate, with a view to providing thermal and visual
comfort, utilizing solar energy and other renewable sources, and natural climate phenomena.
The bioclimatic architecture is the sector that takes into account the requirements of ecology
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and sustainability. The term "bioclimatic design" mean the design which aims to protect the
environment and natural resources avoiding complete dependence on mechanical systems,
which are regarded as support.
The bioclimatic architecture is one of the major factors of ecological building, which deals
with the control of environmental considerations in building units level by studying the
following directions:
●
●
●
The study of the built environment and the problems it creates (temperature increase,
the concentration of air pollutants, difficulty in air circulation)
Designing buildings
The choice of building materials taking into account both the thermal and optical
properties, and their toxicological effects.
The challenge in bioclimatic design is the construction of buildings, eg industrial plants, office
buildings, residential buildings, designed so that on the one hand fully satisfy their energy
needs and also the annual balance is zero environmental pollution by emissions of harmful
gases for the environment. Also, the construction of buildings whose energy needs for
heating and cooling to be fully covered by systems of exploitation of geothermal energy
resources, where necessary for the heat pumps electricity produced for example by
photovoltaic modules. Finally, the construction of buildings within the usual cost of
construction, but with respect to the limited resources of the natural environment.
One area of society where the benefits can be seen as being both highly applicable and
highly relevant is at the community level and at this scale in particular, increased levels of
“energy autonomy”, in combination with bioclimatic architecture and sustainability, can
deliver a host of social, financial and environmental benefits which are emphasized in below
sections.
Bioclimatic architecture it is not something new. Many traditional architecture styles work
according to bioclimatic princi-ples. It was not long ago when air conditioning was rare and
expensive, and still is for many places today. Designing with Nature means accounting for
multi-seasonal considerations, for example, reducing heating needs with maximum sunlight
from Southern oriented windows. If these techniques have worked for generations in these
communities designed for their geographic region, then clearly modern design could benefit
from careful integration of these traditional principles. It is entirely possible to design modern
bioclimatic housing and architecture, using natural ventilation, passive solar design,
sustainable materials, and many other traditional site specific techniques.
The bioclimatic house, office even a building doesn’t need the purchase and installation of
complicated and expensive systems, because it uses the regular architectural elements to
increase the energetic performance and get a natural comfort. Cost savings begin with
designing to maximize the assets of the site. Bioclimatic design imposes a set of guidelines,
but there still remains a lot of freedom to design according to individual taste. Siting of the
building, consideration of solar access, collection of rain water, using thermal mass to your
advantage, correct fenestration and solar shading are all good examples of techniques that
can be taken into account when designing. The end product is much more energy efficient
and in tune with its surroundings and nature.
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3.1 Basic Concepts and Techniques of Bioclimatic
architecture
Bioclimatic architecture deals exclusively with building design and materials to achieve
energy efficiency.
* Passive solar architecture.
It refers to housing design for the efficient use of solar energy. As it doesn’t use mechanical
systems (thus the term pas-sive), it is closely related to bioclimatic architecture, though the
later also deals with other non solar climatic elements. That’s why the term bioclimatic is a
little bit more general, and inclusive, although both work in the same direction.
* Active solar architecture.
It refers to taking advantage of solar energy by the means of mechanic and/or electric
systems for heating (solar collectors) and electric conversion (photovoltaic panels). They
may complement a bioclimatic house and off­set energy loads of the building’s users.
* Renewable energy.
Sources of energy that cannot be exhausted. Bioclimatic architecture incorporates solar
radiation (renewable) for heating and cooling. Other kinds of renewable energies include as
wind or water (hydro), and methane generation from organic waste (biomass).
* Sustainable architecture.
This is a very general concept aiming to a minimum environmental impact of all the
processes implied in building, from materials (manufacturing processes that don’t produce
toxic waste and don’t consume much energy), building techniques (for a minimum
environmental damage), building location/siting and its environmental impact, energy
consumption and its impact, and the recycling of materials when the building has
accomplished its function and is demolished. Bioclimatic architecture is helps reduce the
energy consumption of the building is in use, and can be enhanced when coupled with
sustainability architecture techniques.
* Self-sufficient house
Refers to a house independent from centralized supply networks (electricity, gas, water, and
even food), accomplished by use of locally available resources. Examples include, water
from wells, streams or rain, energy from the sun or the wind, electricity from the sun, food
from orchards, producing enough energy to not need the grid, etc. Bioclimatic architecture
cooperates with self-sufficiency regarding energy saving for climatization.
3.2 Objectives of Bioclimatic architecture
In summary, the objectives of bioclimatic design are:
1. To ensure proper conditions stern climate in the correct thermal performance of the
building in winter and summer as shown below and thus reduce power consumption.
*Ensuring insulation in winter
*The protection from the winds of winter
*The minimization of heat loss in winter
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*Protection from the summer sun
*The exploitation of cool winds in summer
*Removal of excess heat in summer
In plain words, the reduction of energy consumption, the winter is limiting the heat losses of
a building and increasing thermal solar gains. In the summer by increasing the natural Giving
limiting heat gains and achieving thermal discharge through ventilation.
2. The bioclimatic design has resulted in the reduction of energy consumption with all
consequent benefits-economically, environmentally by reducing CO2 emissions and
improving quality of life.
3. The bioclimatic design is achieved with design operations and manufacturing techniques
thereby reducing the dependence of the building of mechanical equipment for heating,
cooling and building lighting.
3.3 Principles of Bioclimatic architecture
The general principle of bioclimatic design is that the South side of the building has to be
used for passive solar heating, while the North for protection from the wind and stopping the
heat. In particular, the basic principles of bioclimatic design related to the architectural
structure and orientation of the building and its surroundings.
●
Architecture building structure
○ The form of the building in terms of energy has proven a compelling reason to
its thermal behavior. Most appropriate shape for the housing is elongated in
the east-west axis, it provides more surface area to the south for the
collection of solar heat during the winter months. Similarly, the largest side of
the house and the largest exposures must be oriented to the south, and
respectively on the north side of the building there should be solid walls and
the smallest possible openings. If the shape of the land or other obstacles
prevent the formation of elongated building an east-west direction, then in
such a building is formed so as to incorporate "folding tray" volumes to ensure
insulation in winter and the back of the building spaces.
○ The walls of the building have to be bulky and made of solid materials for
better protection against temperature changes. Accordingly, the glass
surfaces of the openings (doors-windows) of the house are the simplest solar
collector.
○ Proposed large windows to the south, moderate in eastern and western side
and smaller openings to the north.
○ The housing openings should offer cross ventilation (mainly in the north-south
direction) and for this reason it is essential to have northern exposures at
home. The through-ventilation provides natural cooling in the summer
months.
○ Proper exploitation of thermal inertia of the soil where it is possible (eg on
steep lands).
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○
○
○
Depending on the use of the building and the needs of the resident to be
adjusted and the siting of the interiors. Thus, as the north side of the building
is cooler and less luminous, these spaces for rooms with intra-day use (for
example bedrooms, toilet). In this way the gain is double as both the main use
areas (eg living room) are located in the southern (and therefore warmer)
sides of the building, the other secondary spaces function as buffer zone from
cold winds and containment of heat loss of the main areas of use.
Open or closed form (offensive or defensive) i.e open building with large
openings or closed building with small openings be decided taking into
account the orientation of the facades, the climatic conditions, the use of the
building, the view, the cost, noise etc
Each synthetic solution for the form of the building, presents different thermal
behavior
●
Orientation
○ The largest side of the building must be oriented to the south with deviation of
30 degrees (east or west).More specifically if the plot is south and there is no
problem of shading from neighboring buildings will then be developed by the
axis East - West (deviation up to +-25o is acceptable) so as to maximize the
benefits of solar southern side. Also based on the location of the building, its
installation in the rear north side of the site increases the distance from the
buildings opposite and can be avoided as possible from shading.
●
Surrounding area
○ Must be paid attention to the microclimate around the house/building. The
vegetation can be used for sun protection, shading and protection from the
wind. This involves planting large deciduous trees on the south and west
sides, and respectively on the north side of the existence of evergreen trees
helps halt the winter winds, while providing the air cooling during the summer
months.
○ If there is an obstacle on the south side of the site (eg a neighboring
residence) which might block the insulation of the house during the winter
months, choose distance between the obstacle and the house at least a half
times the height of the obstacle (rule of thumb).
3.4 Elements of Bioclimatic architecture
Basic elements of bioclimatic building design are passive systems, which are components of
a building. Passive systems operate without mechanical parts or additional power supply
and naturally heat, and cool buildings. They are divided into following categories:
●
Passive and active solar heating systems
○ Passive
■ Instant Win devices with glass openings. For immediate profit
provisions required the existence of large southern glazed surface.
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■
■
■
The roof, floor and walls collect and store solar heat. They need to be
properly insulated to prevent heat losses are.
Trombe wall. The wall is a Trombe wall oriented towards the sun
which is separated from the outside with glass and the space. The
wall absorbs the solar day and releases slowly inwardly of the house
at night. There are openings at the top and bottom of the wall mass
which allow air circulation. Thus, the cold air as it enters the room from
the lower part of the wall is heated, rises upwards and returns to the
warm living space.
Solar space - greenhouse. The solar park is an enclosed space with
glass on the south side of the building so that it functions as a
"greenhouse". Among the solar space and housing is a heat
accumulating wall so that the temperature is kept constant in the solar
field and the rest of the building.
■
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The bioclimatic design of a building involves the coexistence and combined operation of all
these systems to combine thermal and visual benefits throughout the year.
Apart from passive systems, a very important energy saving method in a bioclimatic building
form and active systems, using mechanical means for heating or cooling buildings, utilizing
solar energy or natural cooling tanks. In this category belong solar heating panels or
providing hot water, photovoltaic etc.
The installation of all these systems slightly increases the overall building construction cost,
but which is amortized by the limited use of conventional heating units and air conditioning
units.
●
●
Active
○ Solar panels: The solar collector is a device that accumulates the
solar radiation and converts it into heat.
○ RES and geothermal pumps: Recent years have seen the successful
development and deployment of a range of small scale renewable
energy systems. Driven in part by improving technical capability and
by ambitious carbon emissions reduction targets, there has been the
beginning of a shift towards a more distributed energy generation
model, capable of delivering a range of potential benefits, but also
presenting a number of social and technical challenges. However, an
integration and management of multiple energy systems and in
accordance with the principles of energy autonomy, buildings can
support multiple energy sources (such as biomass energy, solar
power, wind power, hydropower and geothermal power, etc.).
Passive and natural cooling techniques
The ventilation of the building is very important because on the one hand helps to
remove excess heat and therefore keeps the building cool summer and because the
renewal of the internal air with fresh air is necessary in the environment that is rich in
oxygen. In addition, the applied strategies to reduce energy consumption and
enhance the air quality of indoor environment are eliminated when there are
increased heat losses due to extended aeration or air infiltration (joints exposures).
So, must be created an airtight shell with control of ventilation (air changes per hour
depending on the use of space). Also, it's important to be mentioned that misplaced
or uncontrolled ventilation adversely affects the heat balance of the building.
However, there are three types of ventilation: the tower (chimney) ventilation, solar
chimney, and through ventilation. Also, the shades are necessary for prevention of
the house from the sunlight during the summer months.
○ Chimneys ventilation
■ The ventilation chimneys are suitable opening in the direction of the
wind to collect cold drafts and direct them into the living space of the
house.
○ Solar chimney
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■
○
○
The solar chimney bases its operation on the phenomenon of natural
draft. Instead of a wall, it has a small solar wall (glazed) to the south or
southwest side, so with the help of the sun, the inner surface is
heated. The hot air is directed to the environment and have renewed
with fresh cool air the house.
■
Through ventilation
■ The through ventilation is the most common, everyday practice for
cooling a space. Requires suitably designed openings on the north
and south sides of the building, or if not possible, exposures in the
east-west axis. The air passing through the cooling openings tenants.
Important role in cross ventilation possesses the vegetation outside
the house as it cools and filters the air currents while simultaneously
providing shade.
Shades
■ External blinds with movable blinds are the most effective way of
shading. Specifically, they recommended horizontal external blinds on
the south side to prevent overheating in the summer and vertical
external sunshades on the east and west sides of the house to avoid
overheating in summer.
● Shaded southern exposure with deciduous climbing plants
●
Vertical shading east and west exposures with deciduous
climbing plants
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●
4
Systems and day lighting techniques
○ House/Building openings
■ covers the needs of the building for natural lighting and ventilation
■ Openings in the south up to 60% for space heating naturally from
sunlight
Green Buildings
Green building, or sustainable design, or high performance building, is the practice of
creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource
efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation,
maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. This approach will reduce building impacts on
human health and the environment over the entire lifecycle of the building.
Green buildings are more than a fashion statement. Many architects, builders and clients
agree that smart, sustainable buildings are becoming a necessity.
That concept extend beyond the walls of buildings and can include site planning, community
and land use planning issues as well. The ideal green building would be a building project
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that would allow you to preserve most of the natural environment around the project site,
while still being able to produce a building that is going to serve a purpose. The construction
and operation will promote a healthy environment for all involved, and it will not disrupt the
land, water, resources and energy in and around the building.
But why we need them? To answer that question we should know the impact of non
sustainable buildings to the environment during their construction, operation and demolition:
● Construction
○ Disturbance of animal habitats
○ Destruction of natural vistas
○ Urban sprawl and associated vehicle-related environmental impacts
○ Soil erosion
○ Destruction of trees
○ Construction materials packaging waste
○ Pollution from materials manufacture
○ Water quality degradation from using pesticides and other chemicals
● Operation
○ Greenhouse gas emissions
○ Water pollution / consumption
○ Air pollution
○ Nuclear waste from power plants that produce the electricity used in buildings
○ Groundwater depletion
○ Changes in microclimate around buildings and urban heat island effects
○ Light pollution
○ Production of solid waste
● Demolition
○ Demolition wastes (steel, metals, concrete, glass, wood)
○ Dust emissions
○ Disturbance of neighboring properties
○ Fuel use and air pollutant emissions for the demolition
On the other hand, “green buildings”, starting the very first day of their construction can offer
lots of positives:
● Green building cost is lower.
● Higher market value, the building value to prospective buyers comes from knowing
their utility and maintenance costs will be lower in green buildings that outperform
non-green buildings.
● Lower utility demands, on electric, gas and water means that these infrastructures
can do more with less.
● Improved productivity because building occupants who are healthy and comfortable
are more productive.
● Healthy occupants, green buildings avoid the sick building syndrome with healthy
ventilation systems and use of non-toxic building materials.
● Improved quality of life, with green buildings we can enjoy a less-stressful life.
To sum up, sustainable buildings requires that architects, engineers and contractors all cocreate with the environment focusing on renewable energy, sustainable materials, water
conservation, site development and indoor environmental quality. Green design and
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construction not only helps cut down on emissions released into the ozone, but also helps
significantly reduce energy, water, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning costs. As we
move into an era of smarter technology and more expensive natural resources, we can't
afford not to build green.
4.1 Functional organization of interior and exterior spaces
Designing an office for energy efficiency should both reduce its environmental impact and
improve the business over the time. Eco-friendly design includes a combination of location,
equipment, building features and usage. New or old building, green construction methods
can be integrated into any buildings at any stage, from design and construction, to
renovation and deconstruction.
4.1.1 Sitting and Structure Design Efficiency
The foundation of any construction project is rooted in the concept and design stages. The
concept stage, in fact, is one of the major steps in a project life cycle, as it has the largest
impact on cost and performance. In designing environmentally optimal buildings, the
objective is to minimize the total environmental impact associated with all life-cycle stages of
the building project. However, building as a process is not as streamlined as an industrial
process, and varies from one building to the other, never repeating itself identically. In
addition, buildings are much more complex products, composed of a multitude of materials
and components each constituting various design variables to be decided at the design
stage. A variation of every design variable may affect the environment during all the
building's relevant life-cycle stages.
4.1.2 Install Efficient Windows and Shades
Design your office with installing windows to enable you to use more daylight as lighting.
Smartly installed windows features can also help controlling the temperature. Consider triple
glazed window solutions to ensure high levels of insulation. Modern, efficient windows work
to block outdoor heat from entering buildings in the summer, while retaining heat inside
buildings during the winter. Shades can also used to adjust light and heat entry throughout
the workday.
4.1.3 Rain Water Harvesting
Build a rain harvesting system, so your office won't wastewater for toilet flushing, cleaning
the yard etc. Storing and reusing rainfall is great for the environment while also having the
added benefit of reducing cost and mains water consumption. It is quick, easy to install, and
automatically collects rainwater that can be used for various systems such as toilet flushing
and power washing and more. This can be done for example with Solar water heating
systems, or 'solar thermal' system and operates as follows:
● Sun hits collectors on the roof, heating non-toxic antifreeze mix and triggering pump
to activate.
● Pump moves solar-heated mix from roof down into heat exchanger located in storage
tank in basement, indirectly heating water supply. This circuit continues as long as
there is heat to be harvested on the rooftop.
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●
●
Hot water from storage tank pumps out to sinks, showers, dishwashers, etc.
Backup automatically integrated to provide hot water during extended periods of
cloudy weather
What you will gain?
● Hot water throughout the year. The system works all year round, though you'll need
to heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during the winter months.
● Reduced energy bills. Sunlight is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation
your hot water costs will be reduced.
● Lower carbon footprint. Solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system and
can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.
4.1.4 Insulation
Although insulation may seem like a minor component of a building, it is actually critical to a
building’s energy efficiency. Without sufficient insulation, large portions of the energy used to
heat or cool a building will be lost to the outdoors. Well-insulated buildings not only save
energy, thus lowering operating costs, but also keep people more comfortable. Historically,
mud, asbestos, and cork were used as insulation materials for buildings and pipes. The
insulation products available today are much more effective, especially in conjunction with
air sealing and ventilation.
4.1.5 Redesign the Workspace and Functional organization of interior
spaces
The functional organization becomes when designing the floor plan
●
●
●
Organization and grouping of the interiors so that they have large usage time and
high preferred temperatures sited on the south side (eg living room, dining room
office)
Areas with the least usage time and lower temperature spaced in intermediate heat
zone (eg. In a house the bedrooms and bathrooms)
Other rooms are placed on the north side so that they function as a thermal buffer
zone between the heated space and the external environment (eg. Warehouses,
garages)
Design the rooms efficiently and smartly, pooling more staffs in a room will save the energy
of lighting, and air-conditioning. Start with good furniture, good lighting, and good air.
Furniture can be manufactured from recycled materials as well as recyclable. Incandescent
bulbs can be replaced with compact fluorescents or with high-end LED desk lamps that use
miniscule amounts of energy. Not only is natural daylight a free source of lighting for the
office, it has been proven to improve worker productivity and satisfaction. Workspace air
quality is also crucial. Good ventilation and low-VOC paints and materials, such as furniture
and carpet, will keep employees healthy.
Some quick ideas concerning home, office and building design ideas with an eco-friendly
flair:
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●
Paint
The fastest way to spruce up your home or office is with a coat of paint. Choosing interior
paints with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to reduce ozone and fog formation, as
well as health issues like respiratory illnesses and memory impairment.
When choosing the best color for the home/office, must keep into consideration what is
wanted to achieve when working.
Creative inspiration: Green.
Calm and collected: Light pink/rose.
Focus and tranquility: Pale yellow/almond.
Soothing and thoughtful: Light blue.
●
Furniture
Furniture is the centerpiece of your office, but can also be the biggest bane to our
environment with deforestation and chemically treated particle board. One way to stock the
office with great furnitures that don’t harm our planet ate the recycled furniture. It is fantastic
way to load the office with unique pieces is to recycle old furniture from garage sales,
antique stores and thrift shops. With a fresh coat of paint and new hardware, you’ve saved
perfectly good wood from the landfill and given your office a fantastic conversation piece.
Something new also is beautiful and is a great way to be eco-friendly and stylish.
Buy green, sometimes there’s no other option than buying new, so when you do, buy green
as often as you can. Choose furniture made of eco-friendly woods, like cork and bamboo,
and sustainable, organic and/or recycled materials.
●
Plants
Indoor air within homes, offices and buildings can be “seriously more polluted” than outdoor
air. Have indoor plants, are very good to purify the indoor air in your office. Plant tree if your
office have yard. Consider designing roof garden or vertical garden. Plants and trees help
absorbing carbon and other hazardous pollution. Also, the plants can be used for shading.
Hence, winter must have plants fall leaves to leave the sunlight to enter the space and in the
summer must be have leaves to prevent the sun to enter. Just for references, the plant
called as “Sygkonio”, it is a plant with two very important advantages: ease of deployment
and resistance to insect attack. Also loves moisture and like frequent spraying with water.
For these reasons it is appropriate for business sites.
In addition, according to the EPA, indoor air within homes and buildings can be “seriously
more polluted” than outdoor air in even the largest American city. To improve the air and
design of the home/ office, below are five plants that will brighten, purify and detoxify the
room.
Areca palm: 8.5 out of 10 on the NASA purifying scale
Lady palm: 8.5
Rubber plant: 8.0
English ivy: 7.8
Peace lily: 7.5
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Light bulbs
Lighting keeps the home/office/building bright and engaging. Energy-efficient light bulbs can
also make the planet green. With up to 60% less electricity and 9-10 times the lifespan of
incandescent bulbs, fluorescent (CFLs), light-emitting diode (LEDs) or halogen bulbs save
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on energy costs to both, wallet and the environment. For eye and planet health, opt for CFLs
that have the same color-rendering index (CRI) of sunlight.
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Paper
We know that the easiest way to be greener is to reduce paper consumption. While it’s not
possible to completely eliminate paper usage in an office, here are some ways to reduce the
waste:
Apps: Whenever possible, opt for digital versus paper. Take notes in Evernote, mark-up a
contract using Google Docs, manage meetings in Microsoft Office Outlook, go paperless for
bills and sign documents digitally.
Chalkboards: For brainstorming or just jotting down voicemail messages, chalkboards are a
fantastic way to add a fun and productivity enhancing decorating element in your office.
Whiteboards: Digital whiteboards are fun way to reduce paper waste and save your doodles,
notes and brainstorms digitally to enhance productivity.
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Electricity
One of the biggest contributors to home/office/ building's carbon footprint—almost half of the
total energy consumption—is heating/cooling and power consumption, even when we think
that everything is turned off. Choosing Smart Power Strips can reduce phantom power
drains with these power strips that cut off electricity to products in standby mode, like
printers, computers and TV. Using natural cooling and heating we can bring the outside in
with fans to cool homes and offices and sunlight to warm it up. Also, using Energy Star as a
yardstick when designing office heating and cooling systems, we can learn about tips on
how to save energy with programmable thermostats, energy efficient product
recommendations and more.
4.2 Benefits to Build Green
The benefits to green buildings are manifold, and may be categorized to environmental,
economic, and social.
4.2.1 Environmental Benefits
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Emissions reduction: Green building techniques like solar powering, day lighting, and
facilitation of public transport increase energy efficiency and reduce harmful
emissions. The reduction in use of fossil fuels at the building site result in lower air
pollution contributions at the site, while reduction in electricity use results in lower air
pollution associated with power plants.
Water conservation: By reducing water use, green buildings minimize the detrimental
effects of water use and its effects on local ecologies. A good way to do that is by
recycling rainwater and greywater for purposes like urinal flow and irrigation can
preserve potable water and yield significant water savings.
Enhance existing ecology: Green buildings often are constructed on previously
developed property, with measures taken to restore plant life to building sites by
decreasing the site area used for parking, or through the use of green roofs, which
provide a more ecologically friendly alternative to conventional roofing systems.
Furthermore, green buildings tend not to be constructed on environmentally sensitive
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lands. If they are constructed on or near green spaces, measures are taken to limit
the impact on the local ecology.
Waste reduction: Construction and demolition generates a huge portion of solid
waste. Building deconstruction as an alternative to full scale demolition results in
massive decreases of waste production. Furthermore, green buildings promote the
use of materials with lower embodied environmental and ecological burdens, while
utilize fewer materials, through efficient design and elimination of unnecessary finish
materials.
4.2.2 Economic Benefits
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Reduce operating cost: Lower energy, water, landscaping, insurance, and waste
costs. The resource efficiency provided by green design and technology leads to
drastic reductions in operating costs that quickly recoup any additional project costs
and continue to offer dramatic long-term savings. Savings in energy costs can be
between 20-50% through integrated planning, site orientation, energy-saving
technologies, on-site renewable energy-producing technologies, light-reflective
materials and other equipment.
Increased employee productivity and satisfaction: A variety of studies show a positive
relationship between green building elements and increased worker productivity.
Employees comfort, improved indoor air quality, natural light, and better acoustics
can increase the satisfaction and productivity. Furthermore, the increase of natural
lighting and control of ventilation and temperature-attributes can also improve
employee health and prevent absences.
Increased property values: With energy costs on the rise, the low operating costs and
easy maintenance of green buildings make for lower vacancy rates and higher
property values.
4.2.3 Social Benefits
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Improve environment and community: Green buildings offer value to communities by
reducing congestion and pollution from automobiles, by minimizing their carbon
footprint, and by fostering stronger neighborhoods through the creation of green
space and support for the local business economy.
Improved health: Green buildings emphasizes ventilation and non-toxic, low emitting
materials that create healthier and more comfortable living and working
environments.
Create an aesthetically pleasing environment: Through the design of a green building
emphasis is given not only to the nterior of the building, but also on the surrounding
environment.
Healthier lifestyles and recreation: Green buildings seek to facilitate alternatives to
driving, such as bicycling and public transport, which eases local traffic while
encouraging personal health and fitness. In addition, a key element of sustainable
design is the preservation of natural environments, which afford a variety of
recreation and exercise opportunities.
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5
Green Buildings around the World
Working green is more important now than ever, and just about every company out there is
taking steps to become more eco-friendly in some way, shape, or form. Among these steps
is a huge trend toward eco-friendly office space, whether they’re hugely efficient skyscrapers
or small offices with smart design. Some for living, some for working and all for taking care of
our planet, in one way or another. It's all about sustainability, LEED certification,
environmental honors, structures under construction and a little dreaming for the future.
Take the honor of the "Greenest Building of the World", by trying to LEED-certify your home
or office, following some simple steps:
● Design to minimize indoor and outdoor water usage.
● Built to be energy-efficient, ensuring that the structure can be comfortably heated and
cooled with minimal energy usage.
● Test it, to minimize envelope and ductwork leakage.
And based on the average Home Energy Rating System ratings for each level of LEED
certification, your building could potentially see energy reductions of:
● For LEED Certification - Up to 30%
● For LEED Silver Certification - Approximately 30%
● For LEED Gold Certification - Approximately 48%
● For LEED Platinum Certification - Between 50-60%
Searching for the “Greenest Building of the World” we came across some amazing ecofriendly features available in offices around the world, and we will present the Top 5 below:
1. Google, Worldwide: Google has long been the home of inspirational office spaces,
offering exciting perks that many non-Googlers can only dream of. Google has made
a commitment to build sustainably, using toxin-eliminating health materials, and
approaching buildings as living systems that use natural light and clean air. Even
getting to Google is green, with green commuting options including a car-sharing
program with electric vehicles, shuttles, and an encouraging program for walking or
biking to work. Google boasts the honor of having received the City of Mountain
View’s first ever LEED Platinum certification, plus 10 more LEED-certified projects.
2. Nike European Headquarters, Hilversum, Netherlands: Nike’s European
Headquarters in the Netherlands is an impressive testament to Nike’s commitment to
sustainability. The building’s roof collects rainwater, which is then used for lush
gardens and toilets, saving more than 4 million liters of water every year. There’s
also a revolutionary heating and cooling water reservoir that uses the sun to heat in
the winter, and the winter cold to cool the building all summer.
3. The Cactus, Qatar: The Cactus in Qatar is a beautiful example of desert architecture,
offering energy efficiency, excellent sun usage, and a bio-mimicry of the cactus in
form and design. Its most notable feature are the sun shades, which open or close to
keep out the heat when it’s too hot, similar to how a cactus’ flowers open up at night
instead of the daytime. Additionally, the Cactus has a botanic garden that adds to its
beauty and sustainability.
4. Wargaming.Net, Modern Tower in Nicosia Cyprus: War gaming headquarters (HQ)
and corporate administration center is located in Nicosia, Cyprus. The deployment of
the building that hosts this company was very impressive. The purpose of the project
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was to produce the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and to study the thermal
properties and needs of a modern tower in Nicosia. The building consists of 3
basements with parking and 11 floor levels with complex geometries and
construction shapes. The building model’s total area is 7391m 2 consisting of 169
energy zones.
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Green Buildings in National Level
The Mediterranean is a region between the many good that characterize it, is the climate. A
climate in which the principles of bioclimatic architecture can find appropriate ground for
application with very positive results in terms of energy efficiency of buildings.
The building sector is one of the largest consumers of energy in Cyprus. The poor quality of
the existing building stock is undoubtedly one of the decisive factors in shaping that energy
distribution. With the Regulation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Laws of 2006-2012
Cyprus has incorporated into its national law Directive 2010/31 / EC which aims to improve
the energy efficiency of buildings by taking various measures, while taking into account
outdoor climatic conditions, climatic requirements of the interiors and the cost-optimal level.
These measures are:
● Establishing a general framework for a methodology of calculation of the overall
energy performance of buildings,
● Setting minimum efficiency requirements for new buildings and building units; (c) the
setting of minimum energy performance requirements for existing buildings and
building units undergo major renovation,
● Setting minimum efficiency requirements elements of the building envelope when
they are retrofitted or replaced,
● Issuing energy performance certificates for all new buildings and building units and
for all buildings and building units that are rented or sold,
● The establishment of regular inspections of the boiler heating and air conditioning
systems,
● The establishment of requirements concerning the proper design, installation,
configuration and operation of technical systems installed in existing buildings or
replaced or upgraded,
● The promotion of buildings with almost zero energy consumption target all new
buildings constructed after December 31, 2020 are buildings with almost zero energy
consumption.
However, the article 3 of Directive 2010/31 / EC on the energy performance of buildings
invites Member States to adopt and implement a methodology for calculating the energy
performance of buildings on the basis of the general framework set out in Annex I to
Directive 2010/31 / EC. For this purpose, Cyprus has developed the as well its own
Calculation Methodology Energy Efficiency Building (CMEEB). The CMEEB determined on
the basis of the standards issued by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) for
calculating the energy performance of buildings and issuing certificates of energy
performance.
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To calculate the energy performance of the building and issuing Energy Performance
Certificate used software iSBEM-CY program. The iSBEM-CY is a tool developed as part of
the requirement of the EU to be used at national level in each Member State, a common
methodology for calculating the energy performance of buildings. The iSBEM-CY is the
official software program used in Cyprus and is available free from the Energy Agency.
The software SBEM-CY tool based on values from databases and imported user prices,
while the calculation produces and presents the result of the energy used by the building and
its users in primary energy. It also calculates the energy requirements for heating and
cooling, energy used for lighting and hot water. Finally base of primary energy exported fixed
carbon dioxide for the evaluated building.
6.1
Adoption of a methodology
The CMEEB determined taking into account at least the following factors:
a) The following actual thermal characteristics of the building (including internal
compartments thereof):
(I) heat capacity
(Ii) Insulation
(Iii) Passive heating
(Iv) Cooling elements
(V) Thermal bridges
b) Heating installation and hot water supply, including Characteristics of the Thermal
Insulation
c) Air-conditioning installations
d) Natural and mechanical ventilation which may include air-tightness
e) Built-in lighting installation (mainly in the non-residential sector)
f) The design, positioning and orientation of the building, including outdoor climatic
conditions;
g) Passive solar systems and solar protection
h) Indoor climatic conditions, including the designed indoor climate conditions
i) Internal heat loads.
The positive influence of the following factors be taken into account in the calculations,
where relevant:
a) Local solar exposure conditions, active solar systems and other systems heating and
electricity based on renewable energy sources
b) Electricity produced by cogeneration
c) Heating and cooling systems area or block
d) Natural lighting
The energy performance of a building shall be determined on the basis of the calculated or
include annual energy consumed to meet the different needs associated with its typical use
of the building and include energy heating and cooling needs of a building (energy needed to
avoid overheating) to maintain the envisaged temperature conditions of the building and
needs in hot water use.
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The CMEEB takes account of the CEN standards and is consistent with existing Union
legislation, including Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from
renewable sources and any amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77 / EC
and 2003/30 / EC.
6.2
The Computation Process
The SBEMcy, as a software application tool CMEEB, performs calculations in the manner
described below. However, any software application tool that CMEEB enjoys acceptance
and approval of the competent authority should also be based on the same principles.
The SBEMcy gets input values from the user's software and various databases and
calculates the primary energy of the actual building. Some of the inputs are standardized to
allow uniform comparison for energy rating purposes in new and existing buildings.
The SBEMcy calculates the energy requirements of each space in the building according to
the activity carried out within it. Different activities can have different comfort temperatures,
different periods of operation, light levels, etc. The SBEMcy calculates the energy
requirements for heating and cooling, making the energy balance of the building on the basis
of monthly average climatic conditions. This is combined with information about the
performance of heating and cooling systems in order to determine the power consumed.
Also, energy is calculated as used for lighting and hot water (DHW).
Having been introduced all the data from the interaction interface then SBEMcy calculation
engine:
a) Calculates the energy required for lighting a standardized basis, taking into account the
size of glazing, shading, light source and lighting control systems
b) Defines standardized heat and moisture gains for each business area, derived from the
database.
c) Calculates the heat energy flows between each activity area and the external environment
when they are bordering each other, using standard algorithms CEN.
d) Implement appropriate yields in HVAC systems to calculate the final energy to maintain
thermal conditions.
e) Shall sum the final action based on the fuel, and converts it into primary energy.
f) Determines, on the same basis, the main energy source of the reference building, which
has the same geometry, use, heat gains, comfortable temperatures, light levels, ventilation
conditions and climatic conditions in the actual building and construction materials of
components building, HVAC systems and the type of lighting system are determined by the
Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus.
g) Calculates, based on primary energy emissions of carbon dioxide for the actual building
and the reference building.
Then the calculations are delivered in conformity control section so as to complete the
evaluation, as follows:
a) A comparison between the primary energy of the actual building and the reference
building for determining the energy class based on the performance of the actual building.
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b) It is monitoring compliance with certain parameters taken from the input data in the
interaction interface.
6.3
Primary energy Procedure Calculation
6.4 Certificate production process Energy Efficiency (SMO)
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Conclusion
The term ‘green’ offices, for some people, conjures up images of uncomfortable, costly
workplaces that make little difference to the environment. In addition a green office, more
people are thinking that looks like a garden.
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The reality is not quite so dramatic since creating a sustainable and green office is more
about minimizing our impact on the environment through reducing energy use and wastage,
enhancing by this way the working environment which delivers a comfortable, functional and
durable space within the office.
Although, with a green office it is more about what you can save in the future, there is no
need to start spending a lot of money on a turning your office into a green haven. Beginning
with simple things like switching off equipment when it’s not in use and cutting out
unnecessary printing will make a real difference and by installing energy saving lighting,
heating and ventilation in your office for example, could save you a lot of money on your
energy bills each year too. And CYNET will work hard to improve this innovation about green
infrastructure towards a greener environment.
Slowly, new pro-grams, smart com-pa-nies, eco cit-i-zens are becom-ing aware of the
energy waste prob-lem, and things are forward by promoting lot of researches on the topic
and gen-er-at-ing new leg-is-la-tion and stan-dards. In addition, hun-dreds of projects related
somehow to bio-cli-matic archi-tec-ture have been imple-mented around the world, and
slowly it takes hold.
Therefore and for just a short reference, based on CYNET’s investigation in previous project
GN3plus “The Greening of Services”, a greener planet can begins also from our home.
Based on the results of the research, teleworkers have taken the first step toward
environmental savings by cutting out the commute at least a few days per week. So why not
using the aforementioned office design ideas and rely at least some of them in home? Since,
even working from home can contribute to a bright, healthy and eco-friendly future.
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Table of References
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http://www.greenbuildingsolutions.org/Main-Menu/What-is-Green-Construction/Whatis-a-Green-Building
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/green-building.php
http://www.wncgbc.org/about/importance-of-green-building
http://archive.epa.gov/greenbuilding/web/html/
https://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/buscase_section4.pdf
http://1st-ecofriendlyplanet.com/02/eco-friendly-office-design/
http://blog.pgi.com/2013/04/6-home-office-design-ideas-eco-friendly-flair/
http://www.nrichmedia.com/articles/social/green-your-office.php
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/design-ecofriendly-office-78640.html
http://eco-officegals.com/how-to-design-an-office-that-is-eco-friendly/
http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/green-living/home-decor-8-ecofriendly-home-office-ideas/a/960
http://www.leovandesign.com/2015/11/eco-friendly-office-tips.html
http://www.sustainablebusinesstoolkit.com/going-green-tips-for-the-office/
http://officeprinciples.com/blog/green-office-interior-design/
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http://www.treehugger.com/htgg/how-to-go-green-at-work.html
http://www.homeportfolio.com/green-home/green-interior-design
https://bloomington.in.gov/green-building-benefits
http://greenliving.about.com/od/architecturedesign/tp/green_building_advantages.htm
http://www.usgbc.org/articles/benefits-green-homebuilding
http://rcgb.rutgers.edu/benefits-of-green-buildings/
https://thedesignbuildblog.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/the-benefits-of-sustainablebuilding/
http://www.freshbusinessthinking.com/9-top-myths-about-green-offices/
http://www.onlinemba.com/blog/the-25-most-eco-friendly-offices-in-the-world/
http://green.harvard.edu/topics/green-buildings
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BREEAM
http://www.freshbusinessthinking.com/9-top-myths-about-green-offices/
http://www.morganlovell.co.uk/knowledge/whitepapers/sustainable-office-designunlocking-performance-and-productivity
http://cirs.ubc.ca/building
http://www.onlinemba.com/blog/the-25-most-eco-friendly-offices-in-the-world/
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