CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Construction Technology



Construction Technology

Assignment 1

Task 1

More sustainable buildings are crucial to meet targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, both regionally and nationally

The building sector has a major impact not only on the economic and social aspects of human activities, but also on the natural and built environment. Along with the transportation sector, the residential, commercial and service sectors have registered a considerable increase in CO2 emissions in the 1980s and 1990s, while the proportional contribution of CO2 emissions from the industrial sector actually decreased. At present, the operation of residential and commercial buildings is responsible for about 30% of primary energy use in OECD countries.

In addition to the impacts associated with the construction of buildings, there are also social and environmental impacts from building use. Health problems resulting from indoor air pollution have become one of the most acute environmental problems related to building activities. Studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that the levels of many pollutants may be 2.5 times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher indoors than outdoors. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors. (Bowman, 2009: pp. 8-13)

Under such circumstances, the impact of the building sector on the environment could be reduced significantly by improving the design of environmental policies for the sector. The aim of this report is to establish an analytical framework to discuss policy design for the construction sector by identifying the scope for improvement in the sector's environmental performance and barriers to such improvements.

Sustainable building design and construction will also create comfortable, attractive and healthy places for people to live and work in. Increased energy, water and running costs for buildings and more demanding regulations mean that it makes good commercial sense to anticipate requirements and aim for best practice and quality design. (Brown, 2010: pp. 39-51)

Sustainable building integrates building materials and methods that promote environmental quality, economic vitality, and social benefit through the design, construction and operation of the built environment. Sustainable building merges sound, environmentally responsible practices into one discipline that looks at the environmental, economic and social effects of a building or built project as a whole. Sustainable design encompasses the following broad topics: efficient management of energy and water resources, management of material resources and waste, protection of environmental quality, protection of health and indoor environmental quality, reinforcement of natural systems, and integrating the design approach.

Purpose

The purpose of a proposed building wide policy on sustainable building is to demonstrate the proposed building's commitment to environmental, economic, and social stewardship, to yield cost savings through reduced operating costs, to provide healthy environments for the individuals.

Policy

It is the policy of proposed building is to finance, plan, and design, construct, manage, renovate, and maintain its facilities in a sustainable fashion. This applies to new construction and major remodels (in excess of 50% of state replacement value) in which the total project building square footage meets the criteria ...