Environmental Sustainable Design Building - Coursework Example

Environmental sustainable design building Name Date Course Environmental Sustainable Design Building Introduction The issues of environmental sustainability are increasingly becoming important due to its significance. The environmental problems are contributing to other adverse effects such as climate change and green house gasses. The emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has negative effects on the environment and hence the importance of sustainability. This also extends top the use of power or electricity. In the building sector, the issues of environmental sustainability are being embraced. This has led to the development of the green buildings. The green buildings usually utilize the concepts of Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD). In the case of green buildings, the concepts of environmental sustainability are usually considered throughout its lifecycle. This includes design, construction, operations, maintenance, renovations, and demolition. In Australia, different frameworks are usually utilized when dealing with the green buildings. BREAM rating system is one of the frameworks that are usually used for the purposes of assessing and certifying the sustainability of buildings. This framework has been widely used since the 1990 after it was established by Building Research Establishment. It has also been used for the purpose of certifying more than 250,000 buildings (Edwards & Naboni, 2013). The green buildings usually comply with different requirements when it comes to the principles of social, economic and ecological sustainability. The concepts of green building are being embraced by most of the major buildings. This includes the high rise buildings. Through the concepts of sustainability, the negative effects on the environment are reduced and hence impacting positively ob the environmental protection. In Australia, most of the buildings are being constructed with the aims of enhancing the environmental sustainability. Other old buildings are being renovated for the purposes of ensuring that they are environmentally friendly. 171 Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000 is one of the buildings in Australia that has achieved the goal of environmental sustainability. The building is currently considered as a green building after meeting all the requirements. The green buildings have a lot of advantages in promoting sustainability. Such buildings also win the support of the major companies that are interested in reducing the carbon emissions and protecting the environment. It is for this reason that most of the tenants in 171 Collins Street building are major companies. The Environmental sustainable design concepts are also becoming popular among most of the architects. This is considering that the concept has brought a lot of changes in the field. All the aspects of the building have to promote sustainability including the building materials (Deuble & de Dear, 2012). The features of a sustainable building are different from the features of the other buildings. This is considering that the concepts of sustainability are aimed at improving the ability of the building to reduce the carbon dioxide emission. The issues of safety of the building are usually considered during the process of ensuring that it is environmentally sustainable. The concepts of sustainable building are therefore important to the environment and are recognized internationally. The paper discusses the concepts of environmental sustainable building in relation to 171 Collins Street. Discussion 171 Collins Street The building is a 6 green star office building that was completed in 2013. The building was able to win the award due to its ability to meet all the standards that are required for an Environmentally Sustainable Building. It is located at a prestigious point known as the Paris-end at Collins Street. It has 17 storeys which are occupied by different organizations. The building is owned jointly between Charter Hall Office Trust and Cbus property. It has received several awards due to its environmental sustainable nature. In 2014, the building won an award for sustainable development from the urban Taskforce Award. It has also won other awards due to its sustainable nature. The building is recognized by the United Nations in terms of its sustainability and it has been used as an example in many seminars dealing with the sustainable development in the construction industry (Zuo, et al. 2014). The materials that were used to constructs the building includes concrete, glass and the curtain walls have also been used. This has played an essential role in terms of ensuring that the building is sustainable. Sustainability was prioritized during different stages of the building which impacted positively on its development. The building is prestigious and it has attracted high profile tenants. During the renovations at the building, all the concepts of sustainability are usually considered. This has played an essential role in ensuring that the building is dully sustainable. 171 Collins Street building Several factors were considered during the construction of the building and this was for the purposes of ensuring that it is sustainable. The economic and social factors were considered. This was mainly for the purposes of ensuring that the building is sustainable while at the same time it provides jobs to the people. During the construction of the building, $ 78,500 was raised for local charities as well as financing the youth projects in order to provide life changing employment opportunities. All the sustainable measures were fully introduced at the earliest stages of the construction of the building (Burton, et al, 2013). This is important for the purposes of ensuring that all the sustainable measures are fully implemented. A collaborative approach was used during the construction of the building for the purposes of ensuring that all the requirements are met. The collaborative approach was between different professionals who were involved in the project. Strict monitoring of the carbon impact was carried out during the construction process for the purposes of ensuring that it meets the requirements for a green building. Consultants were also involved in the construction process for the purposes of ensuring that the all the goals and objectives are achieved. It is also important to note that the site interaction during the construction process is important in ensuring that confusions are avoided when dealing with the specifications. The building was completed in 2013 and was considered a role model in terms of the sustainability in Melbourne Australia. Analysis Waste management According to the BREAM rating system, all the stages of the construction or renovation of the building has to be sustainable. On the other hand, it is also important to ensure that the waste prevention strategies plays an important role in ensuring that the wastes that are generated from the building does not have negative impacts on the environment. Everything that is brought into the building is usually recycled for the purposes of ensuring its reuse. This has played an essential role in ensuring that the waste produced at the building does not pollute the environment which impacts negatively on the environmental sustainability. This is also an important aspect that is usually considered by the BREAM rating system. The reliance on the natural material at the building is high for the purposes of promoting the environmental sustainability. It is also important to note that the concepts of sustainability require that the solid wastes generated from the building should be recycled with the biodegradable materials being aerobically digested (GhaffarianHoseini, et al, 2013). The building has put these measures into practice and hence its ability to handle the solid wastes. The tenants in the building have also been provided with the information about the issues of sustainability. This is also considering that the tenants usually have visitors in the building who may not be fully aware of the issues of environmental sustainability. Meeting the requirements in terms of waste management has seen the introduction of an effective waste management strategy. The goal of preventing the environmental harm has been achieved at the building through the waste management strategies. Sustainable design principles Materials The design principles of the building play an essential role in ensuring that the building is sustainable. The design has to be in accordance with the BREAM rating system. Low impact materials have mainly been used in the exterior and interior of the building. The exterior of the building is made up of create and glass which are of low impact. This is compared to the other buildings which have high impact materials. The use of low impact material is useful to the environment as it does not require a high amount of energy for the purposes of processing it. The use of high amount of energy during processing has a negative influence on the environmental sustainability. All the materials that were used for the purposes of constructing the building are non-toxic. The toxic materials have the potential of polluting the environment and hence impacting negatively on the sustainability. Some of the toxic materials that are usually used during the process of building construction and it usually emit carbon dioxide which contributes to the green house gases. According to the BREAM rating system, the interior of the building should also meet the environmental requirements (Chegut, et al. 2013). 171 Collins Street has been constructed through the use of low volatile organic compounds in its interior. This has played an essential role in ensuring that the interior of the build supports sustainability. The materials that were used during the construction of the building were also recyclable. The use of recyclable materials plays an important role in terms of ensuring that the construction process is sustainable. The self-healing concrete was use during the construction of the building. This material has been approved for the construction of the green building. It is also in accordance with the BREAM framework for rating the buildings (Bond, 2011). The use of self healing concrete is different from the ordinary concrete which is not considered sustainable. This plays an essential role in terms of differentiating the green building and the other buildings. Recyclable industrial goods were also used during the construction of the building. Such materials are sustainable and are recognized under the BREAM framework. It may include foundry sand and demolition debris. Natural paints have also been used in the building for the purposes of creating a healthy indoor environment. This is one of the important concepts of ESD building. All the materials that were used for the purposes of the construction were also sourced locally. Sourcing the materials locally is important in terms of ESD. This is considering that transporting the materials for abroad or a location that is far from the site will require a lot of fuel during the transportation process. The high amount of fuel usually leads to pollution due to the emission of gases. This has negative impacts on the process of sustainability. The concepts of sustainability during the construction process also played an important role in terms of ensuring that the construction costs are reduced. Energy The energy usage at the building is quite efficient which plays an important role in meeting the requirement of BREAM rating system. The concepts of renewable energy have been utilized in the building for the purposes of promoting sustainability. The lighting system has been well designed for the purposes of ensuring that low amount of energy are consumed at the building. The lighting system has drastically lowered the use of energy at the building and this impacted positively on sustainability. The solar energy is one of the most effective renewable energy. Some solar panels have been fitted at the building for the purpose of supplying energy. The use of solar energy makes it possible for the building to be self reliant in terms of energy. Technological concepts have also been utilized at the building for the purposes of minimizing the uses of energy. The technology that has been used for the purposes of managing the wastes also minimizes on the use of energy. The efficiency in terms of using energy is important in ensuring that the building is sustainable. The minimal use of energy at the building is in line with the requirement of the BREAM rating system (Zuo, et al, 2014). On the other hand, it is also important to note that the efficient use of energy is also beneficial to the building in terms of lowering the costs. The efficient use of energy through technology and other means have impacted positively on the sustainability of the building. The features within the building play an important role in terms of reducing the energy consumption. The air leakage of the building has been reduced for the purposes of reducing the operating energy. This process is useful at the building and it is also in accordance with the concept of BREAM rating system. The barriers between the conditioned and the unconditioned spaces within the building have been enhanced for the purposes of making the building air tight. High performance windows have also been used throughout the building. This is useful in terms of ensuring that the building is air tight (Newell, et al, 2014). Other measures that have been put in place at the building to ensure that it is well insulated include extra insulations on the walls, ceiling and the floors. These features together with the generation of renewable energy in the building have played an essential role in terms of reducing the energy consumption in the building and hence making it a green building. The environmental impacts on the building have been reduced greatly through the energy features of the building. The tenants in the building have also been provided with adequate information with regards to the sustainability. As a result of this, the tenants are usually advised to engage in activities that reduce the consumption of energy as a social corporate responsibility. This has been useful in ensuring that the sustainability measures that have been put in place are effective. Orientation of the Building The building orientation has also played an essential role in terms of ensuring that the building meets the ESD elements. The integrated system has been used in the building for the purposes of promoting sustainability. This has enhanced the maximization fresh air within the building and access of sunshine and natural light. The entry of natural light also plays an essential role in ensuring that the natural light the use of energy is minimized during the day. Façade controls have also been used in the building and this has played an essential role in terms of enhancing on the process of sustainability and promoting the ESD elements. The indoor air quality is an important aspect of sustainability when it comes to the buildings. The BREAM rating system has also played an important role in terms of highlighting the importance of entry of natural light in the building as well as the circulation of fresh air. The entry of fresh air in the building plays an important role in terms of reducing the need for using the fans (Beatley & Newman, 2012). This is considering that the fans usually use a lot of electricity ort energy which has negative impacts on the sustainability process. The structural design of the building also plays an important role in terms of the heating and cooling of the building. This has played an important role in reducing the use of mechanical equipment for cooling and heating. The use of mechanical equipment usually consumes a high amount of energy which impacts negatively on sustainability. 171 Collin Street: The Walls of light Water Management Water is an important natural resource and it is required on a daily basis. A green building must have measures that ensure that water harvesting is carried out. This is also in accordance with the BREAM rating system. In Australia, intense heat is usually experienced in some of the seasons which increase the water demand. Through the structural design, the building has gutters which are able to harvest the rainwater. The harvesting of the rainwater contributes to the sustainability of the building. This means that the building can utilize the water that has been harvested during the rainy season. The building has developed measures that ensure that water is recycled and reused. The consumption of portable water has also been reduced in the building for the purposes of ensuring that the goals of sustainability are achieved. This has been carried out through the design of measures that reduce the water use at the source. The design of the building is also water sensitive which has played an essential role in ensuring that the goals of sustainability are attained. The design plays an important role in terms of ensuring that the water that is stored does not use much energy for the purposes of pumping (Beatley & Newman, 2012). This is considering that the harvested water usually flows through gravity for use within the building. This is useful in ensuring that the goal of sustainability is achieved. The sustainability of the building has therefore played an essential role in terms of ensuring that the building is able to meet the needs of the tenants. The building is equipped with the components that prevent the wastage of water. Water saving devices has been installed in the building and this includes the low flush which uses a small amount of water. It is also important to note that this is one of the important measures that reduce the consumption of the water at the source. Aerated taps have also been fitted in the building for the purposes of reducing the consumption of water at the source. This is considering that the ordinary taps are prone to wastage of water at the source (GhaffarianHoseini, et al, 2013). On the other hand, it is also important to note that the Aerated taps reduces the wastage of water as it cannot run continuously once it has been opened. This is unlike the ordinary taps which allows for the continuous flow of water once the tap has been opened. The use of chemical during the recycling of the water is not practiced in the building. This is considering that the use of chemicals also increases the pollution of the water. A sustainable urban drainage concept has also been used within the building for the purposes of ensuring that the flow of storm wastes water is enhanced during the rainy seasons. However, it is also important to note that most of the harvested rainwater is usually used within the building. The reduction of the water consumption as well as ensuring that its quality is enhanced is one of the main objectives of a sustainable building. Emotional durability The concepts of emotional durability are important in terms of meeting the goals of ESD and it is also in line with the BREAM rating system. The building is quite unique as compared to the other buildings due to the application of the emotional durability concepts. The members of the public as well as the tenants of the building are able to relate their uniqueness with the building. This is considering that the building has been able to attract high profile tenants. Most of the tenants in the building have indicated that they moved to the building because it meets their standards due to their uniqueness. The building is considered autonomous and hence meeting the standards set by ESD and BREAM rating system. The ability of the building to sustain itself in terms of different aspects including energy, water supply and waste management is an indication that the building is autonomous (Bond, 2011). The people can find attachment with the building due to its unique features. This is considering that most of the tenants have moved from the other buildings to the building. The unique and self sustaining nature of the building has played an important role in enabling the building to win several awards. The building has also been a role model in Australia due to its design principles that has successfully enabled to meet the ESD demands. This is therefore an indication that the building has met all the standards with regards to ESD. Architectural Design The design of 171 Collins Street considered all the aspects that are required for a sustainable building. The architecture of the building has considered different factors that are required for a green building. The collective environmental impacts during the construction and the lifecycle of the building play an important role in ensuring that the building is sustainable. The collective environmental impacts that were considered in the building include heating, use of electricity water management and waste management. The on-site power generation at the building is important for the purposes of ensuring that the building is able to reduce on the power consumption from the other forms of power. This is considering that the solar energy is renewable as compared to most of the forms of power used in Australia (Chegut, et al, 2013). The architecture of the building was successful in enabling it to meet the ESD requirements. During the design and construction process, the architects were working closely with the other professionals like the engineers. The close consultations between the different personnel were therefore important in enabling the development of unique features in the building that meets the requirements of a green building. The design of the building is quite effective and it has also won a lot of support. Similar designs are being considered for the purposes of ensuring that the goals of environmentally sustainable design are achieved. The building is also the only building within the neighborhood that is environmentally sustainable. Design impact measure The design impact measure is an important concept that is used for the purposes of measuring the carbon foot prints. This concept was used in the design of the building for the purposes of determining the amount of carbon dioxide that will be emitted from the building. This is considering that most of the buildings do not consider such emissions. The determination of the amount to be emitted played an important role in terms of ensuring that adequate measures are put in place to totally eliminate the emission of carbon dioxide. According to the BREAM concepts, focus should be on the elimination of the carbon dioxide during the design as opposed to the reduction of carbon dioxide (Beatley & Newman, 2012). The building was able to meet this requirement and hence its certification as a sustainable building. The v building has also put in place mechanisms for enabling it to measure the amount of carbon emissions as a result of its activities. This is usually carried out for the purposes of ensuring that the building is environmentally friendly. During any repairs and renovations at the building, concept of sustainability is usually considered. This has impacted positively on the maintenance of the building and it has ensured that the lifecycle of the building is sustainable. It is through the mechanisms and measures that have been put in place at the building that has enabled it to win the awards for sustainability. The ability of the building to meet the carbon reduction needs is therefore important feature for a sustainable building. Operations and Maintenance The operations and maintenance of the building is usually aimed at ensuring that the sustainability concepts are maintained. This has played an important role at the building ion ensuring that it continues to maintain its status as a green building. The ability of a green building to maintain its status is dependent on how the operations and maintenance are carried out. Poor maintenance may affect the ability of the building to be green despite the efficiency of the design process (Newell, et al, 2014). The personnel who are involved in the maintenance of the building have knowledge and skills of the sustainability. Most of the personnel who are usually involved in the maintenance of the building were also part of the planning and design process. This has impacted positively on the maintenance process and hence enabling the building to remain green. The operation and maintenance phase is crucial to the building and most of the aspects are usually incorporated. A dedicated staff that is responsible for the operations and management of the building have also ensured that the building remains sustainable. Any new concept is usually analyzed by the staff in order to ensure that it does not compromise the ability of the building to be green. The maintenance of the building usually considers all the sustainability issues and features. This is for the purposes of ensuring that none of the features is interfered with during the maintenance process. The processes have therefore ensured that the building is green at all times. Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that 171 Collins Street is one of the green buildings in Australia. The design and construction of the building was carried out in accordance with the requirements of a green building. It is evident that the building meets the requirements in the BREAM rating system. This is an indication that the building is green. The building has a waste management system that ensures that the wastes are fully managed and hence preventing the environmental pollution. The sustainable design principles have been used in the design and construction of the building. The building has put in place measures to ensure that the energy is used effectively. It is also evident that water management system has been put in place so as to promote an efficient use of water which promotes sustainability. The orientation of the building as well as its architect also promotes the sustainability and hence making the building green. All the materials that were used in the construction of the building are sustainable. It is evident that the emotional durability as well as design impact measures has been utilized in the building. It is evident that the operations and maintenance of the building is usually carried out by professionals who understand the concepts of sustainable buildings. It is also evident that most of the professionals were involved in the design of the building. It is also evident that the materials that were used during the construction of the building contributed to its sustainability. List of References Edwards, B, & Naboni, E, 2013, Green buildings pay: Design, productivity and ecology, Routledge. Deuble, M, P, & de Dear, R, J, 2012, Green occupants for green buildings: the missing link? Building and Environment, 56, 21-27. GhaffarianHoseini, A, et al, 2013, Sustainable energy performances of green buildings: A review of current theories, implementations and challenges, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 25, 1-17. Chegut, A, et al, 2013, Supply, demand and the value of green buildings, Urban Studies, 0042098013484526. Bond, S, 2011, Barriers and drivers to green buildings in Australia and New Zealand, Journal of Property Investment & Finance, 29(4/5), 494-509. Zuo, J, et al, 2014, Green buildings for greying people: a case study of a retirement village in Australia, Facilities, 32(7/8), 365-381. Newell, G, et al, 2014, Assessing energy rating premiums in the performance of green office buildings in Australia, Journal of Property Investment & Finance, 32(4), 352-370. Beatley, T, & Newman, P, 2012, Green urbanism down under: Learning from sustainable communities in Australia, Island Press. Burton, E, et al, 2013, Achieving sustainable urban form, Routledge. Beatley, T, & Newman, P, 2012, Green urbanism down under: Learning from sustainable communities in Australia, Island Press. Read More