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Green Building Guidelines have been formulated and are in place in several municipalities. Whilst they are still voluntary, they will eventually become government policy, and compliance will govern the approval process. The principles outlined below will inform the way the built environment is designed and the choice of materials. However the concept of incorporating more ecoconscious techniques into conventional structures is a philosophy that is becoming more widespread, and ultimately will be mandatory. It is costly to retrofit, so anyone considering any type of construction should bear these principles in mind, and use them as the basis for all future enterprises.
The philosophy embraces the idea that the built environment need not be detrimental to the natural or human environment. It aims to minimise the impact that building and development have on the biophysical environment, while providing living and work spaces that are comfortable, efficient, attractive and appropriate to local conditions. It is known as eco-design, environmentally friendly or sustainable building. We all have the responsibility to reduce our negative impact on the environment and work towards long-term sustainability. One key area of concern is the large share of energy use, with associated greenhouse gas emissions, that the built environment accounts for (up to 40% of total energy use in some countries). Economic implications of longterm building management should be addressed during the design phase of a building to reduce the operational costs (see article on previous page). Resource management solutions such as reducing energy, water, waste, as well as increasing human wellbeing and comfort need to be addressed. Alternative design and building methods which are less harmful to the environment than current practices should be explored. It is essential that capital, operating and maintenance costs be considered when designing a new building. This analysis should not only include financial aspects, but also the cost to the environment and to society. The cumulative negative impact of construction on the Earth’s ecosystems must be considered not only locally but globally, since every action contributes to climate change, global warming and the destruction of our planet through the production of greenhouse gasses and the exploitation of non renewable resources. The concept of ‘Green Building’ incorporates principles of sustainable living into the design, construction, renovation and operating cycles of a new or renovated building. This offers designers and developers a unique opportunity to minimise the environmental impact of a development at little or no cost. Green buildings are designed to meet certain objectives such as protecting occupant health; improving employee productivity; using energy, water and other resources more efficiently; and reducing overall impact on the environment. Most people do not reflect on the fact that buildings are highly resource intensive and often have major environmental consequences for the local region. In addition, buildings that have been designed on ecologically sound principles can have significant cost savings in the long run due to increased energy and water efficiency. Appropriate design and materials can have a significant affect on the overall costs in the short-term and in the long run.. Purchasing good quality locally manufactured products also reduces expense for both your pocket and the planet, as transportation costs are reduced, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It is essential that Green Building principles are implemented for the entire project and are not seen as an “add-ons.” They are an integral part of the design process, with the ultimate goal being the achievement of a sustainable lifestyle. Although the initial cost implications may be greater, savings are realised through lower operating costs over the life of the building. Some of the benefits, such as improving occupant health, comfort, productivity, reducing pollution and landfill waste are not easily quantified. Eco-friendly structures also have relatively even temperatures throughout the building in all weather conditions, with fewer drafts and better humidity control.
 Benefits Include: * Pollution reduction
* Waste to landfill site reduction
* Reduces heat island effect
* Reduces the need for natural resources
* Promotes biodiversity and sound ecological functioning Few nations have the opportunity to create a sustainable energy economy without a slow and painful transition. If we incorporate sustainable energy into the South African Green Building process it could assist us to leapfrog inefficient and harmful practices. If renewable energy is used then greenhouse emissions will be reduced and their effects on climate change will reduce. Landscaping, especially with indigenous plants, improves soil stabilisation and reduces erosion. It could mitigate the effects of drought and assists with noise reduction and local climate control. Growing vegetables could improve food security and nutrition. Because integration with the surrounding environment is vitally important, a building should not be seen in isolation. Factors such as a building’s impact with respect to energy and resource efficiency, as well as health considerations for labourers and future generations should be considered Although SA does not yet have specific legislation pertaining to green buildings, it is implied through a variety of international agreements, and at a more local level it is also supported by our constitution and national policies. The implementation of legislation does however have to go hand in hand with accreditation systems to enable that compliance can be measured and acknowledged. A quantifiable rating system or building code with baseline standards is required for a regulatory framework. Material and technology specifications are also required, with criteria for evaluation to ensure credibility. This will assist in identifying products that are genuinely “environmentally friendly” and comply with national standards. Story:
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Photos: Arlene Cameron
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