MODULE 7: SUSTAINABLE FUTURE SYSTEMS:
ENGINEERING GREEN BUILDINGS
The Construction Footprint
• Conventional construction dominates world
consumption.
• Green engineering offers a measurable,
systematic reduction.
Green Paradigm
• A “green” building reduces or eliminates
negative impacts, and can create positive
impacts, on our climate and natural
environment. Green buildings preserve
precious natural resources and improve our
quality of life (World GBC)
• Efficient resource use, renewable energy,
pollution reduction, healthy indoor
environments.
The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Loop
Critical zones for civil engineering intervention:
• Create (manufacturing and extraction)
• Transport (logistics)
• Install/use (construction and operational
lifespan)
• Demolish (teardown)
• Recover (recycling)
Capital Cost vs. Operational Efficiency
Friction
• High initial capital cost
• Limited local availability of special green
materials
• Unknown material performance lifespans
Payoff
• Drastic reduction in carbon and energy loads
• Maximized water efficiency
• Long-term operational cost savings
The Developer’s Catalyst: Construction Incentives
• Structural Incentives:
o Expedited permitting and review
processes
o Density and height bonuses (allowing
larger footprints)
• Technical Assistance:
o Guidance and technical support from
green building councils
• Financial Incentives:
o Tax credits and grants
o Fee reductions and waivers
o Revolving loan funds
• Technical Assistance:
o Guidance and technical support from
green building councils
• Marketing Assistance:
o Premium tenant acquisition
o Higher property valuation and
marketability
Next-Generation Sustainable Materials
Greencrete/Aicrete
• Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC)
• Highly thermally insulating and exceptionally
lightweight
AshCrete
• Utilizes fly ash (a coal combustion byproduct)
to replace traditional cement, drastically
lowering the carbon footprint.
Ferrock
• Created from recycled steel dust. Absorbs
more CO2 than it creates during the curing
process (carbon negative).
