What new green building technologies will be in demand over the next decade?

Over the next decade, several new green building technologies are poised to be in high demand. Advancements in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) will enable structures to generate solar energy seamlessly, reducing reliance on traditional power sources. Smart building systems, utilizing IoT sensors and automation, will optimize energy efficiency and resource usage. Green roofs and walls, incorporating vegetation into building envelopes, will enhance insulation, air quality, and urban biodiversity. Additionally, innovative materials like engineered timber and recycled composites will gain popularity for their low carbon footprint and sustainability.

More green spaces = better for climate? Not necessarily. This may surprise you but in certain conditions, urban vegetation may actually be a carbon SOURCE instead of carbon sink, due to soil respiration. Not to mention emissions arising from pruning and other greenery management activities (especially in heavily manicured cities like Singapore). There are also many other factors which urban planners, building developers and owners should consider (species, soil/surface conditions, etc.). A study by Velasco et al (2016) found that the biogenic component (vegetation and soil) was found to be an emission source of 0.8 Mg day?1 km?2 of CO2 in tropical Singapore. Biophilic design must always be grounded in science.

With increasing awareness of the benefits of biophilic design on occupant health, well-being, and productivity, as well as its positive impact on the environment, there is growing interest in incorporating biophilic principles into building projects. Moreover, as cities become more densely populated and urbanization continues to rise, there is a greater need to create spaces that reconnect people with nature and mitigate the negative effects of urban living. Biophilic design offers a solution by enhancing indoor air quality, reducing stress, and fostering a connection to the natural world, making it a key component of sustainable building practices for the future.

Over the next decade, demand is likely to surge for green building technologies focused on energy efficiency, such as smart windows, advanced insulation materials, and integrated solar systems. Sustainable construction materials like engineered wood and recycled steel will gain popularity. Innovations in water management, such as greywater recycling systems, and advancements in green roofing for improved insulation and rainwater absorption are expected. Additionally, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for energy monitoring and management will play a pivotal role in enhancing overall sustainability in building design and operations.

According to the survey and my take on sustainability I would say Smart Building Systems,Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems,Green Roofing and Walls,Water-Efficient Technologies,Electrochromic Windows etc.

Smart building systems help building or property managers identify when occupants are in various zones of a building. It drives energy efficiency by enabling tailored energy consumption, through adjusting lighting, heating, or ventilation systems based on occupancy. With the data captured by IoT and smart building systems, building or property managers, architects and engineers can then gain insights into occupancy patterns. This data can be harnessed to enable better utilization of space and improved resource allocation.

Smart buildings that are connected and optimized to leverage e.g. weather conditions with consumption need and that can be easily configured according to the demand of the residents will be of high demand. Example: Solar energy might be use according to a sequence (1 - for actual demand like a running washing machine, 2 - left over stored in the battery until full, 3 - left over stored in the EV). Important is the ease of use of these systems and their reliable connectivity and interaction together.

Uma abordagem eficiente para a constru??o circular e a redu??o do desperdício na constru??o civil é a ado??o de steel frame e da madeira laminada cruzada (CLT), que combina a?o e madeira produzidos previamente dimensionados com o auxílio da metodologia BIM, garantindo dessa forma que 100% dos materiais estruturais ser?o aproveitados.

In construction projects, the integration of circular economy practices is paramount. This involves incorporating elements such as designs focused on longevity, deconstruction feasibility, adaptable usage, reuse of salvaged materials, and circular sourcing of materials. The evolution of construction methods is intricately linked to advancements in building material technologies. To usher in circularity on a broader scale, a transformation in materials, business models and design approaches is required. This transformation should prioritise preserving economic value in products through enduring design, regular maintenance, efficient repair processes, extensive reuse, refurbishing strategies, and effective recycling mechanisms.

The consideration of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is essential for circular construction as it enables informed decisions on material selection, design optimization, and waste management strategies. It could help identify opportunities to maximize resource efficiency, minimize waste generation, and reduce environmental footprint. Through LCA, circular construction practices can be effectively implemented, ensuring that buildings are designed, constructed, and operated in a sustainable manner, contributing to a more circular economy and decreasing negative environmental impact.

El ejemplo más claro del impacto de la construcción modular y prefabricada es el concreto, cuya producción tiene un impacto significativo en la huella de carbono global. Por lo tanto, es importante poder reciclarlo, reutilizarlo y controlar la cantidad que se produce. En una obra tradicional, se llega a desperdiciar mucho concreto, sin mencionar otras actividades relacionadas (transporte, fabricación). La construcción modular y prefabricada puede ayudar a la reducción de la cantidad de concreto necesaria para un proyecto, lo que a su vez reduce las emisiones de CO2 asociadas.

Modulares und vorgefertigte Bauteile aus nachhaltigen oder wiederverwendeten Materialien wird einen gro?en Impakt haben. Das ist vielleicht auch der künftige Weg, um den st?ndig steigenden Baupreisen und der Arbeitskraft-Knappheit entgegen zu wirken. Für die Akzeptanz der K?ufer ist neben der Nachhaltigkeit trotzdem die Individualit?t wichtig, d.h. die Bauteile müssen konfigurierbar sein.

El dise?o pasivo es una habilidad básica que todos los arquitectos deben emplear en sus dise?os, pero no es suficiente. El dise?o pasivo debe contrastarse con una simulación energética y de confort, y quizás aún así no sea suficiente para poder generar espacios con calidad ambiental interna adecuada. Por ejemplo, sólo hablando de la ventilación natural, debemos tomar en cuenta la calidad del aire exterior y si existe un alto grado de contaminación. Por lo tanto, no es una solución universal aplicable a todas las edificaciones.

Heat pumps, heat pumps, and heat pumps. I moved 30 years ago from the Black Forest / Germany to the U.S. Mid Atlantic. To my surprise my apartment came with a heat pump that, "like magic", heats in the winter (even at say -5C) and cools in the summer. And that was 1990's technologies. Heat pump technology has come a long way. E.g., mini-split systems are getting more and more efficient and coolant inside is being reworked to not be environmentally harmful. They use electricity (and hence energy) much more efficiently than burning all kinds of fossil fuel. Combined with renewable electricity generation and a smart grid it's a killer app - imho. In 25 years' time I don't see any other technology in use for heating and cooling.

Além da ado??o das práticas mencionadas nos outros tópicos é importante implantar medidas para o reuso de água. A verticaliza??o das cidades torna mais palpável e barateia a elabora??o de sistemas de reuso em prédios e condomínios, criando um ciclo interno capaz de diminuir o consumo de água potável em pelo menos 50%.

Sustainable Building Materials: the development and use of materials with lower environmental footprints, such as bamboo, carbon-absorbing concrete or bricks, recycled steel, and low-VOC products, will be prioritised. There will also be an increase in the use of mass timber as a sustainable and strong alternative to concrete and steel. Water Conservation Technologies: Low-flow fixtures, greywater recycling systems, and smart irrigation systems will become more prevalent as water conservation becomes a key aspect of green building. Building-integrated photovoltaics will be more commonly used, allowing building surfaces to act as solar panels. Innovations in solar technology may include transparent solar cells that can be used as windows.

Es clave tener en cuenta la cadena de aprovisionamiento Sostenible y el desarrollo de proveedores locales con nuevos materiales circulares. Con la finalidad de desarrollar materiales de alta calidad, rendimiento y que cumplan con las especificaciones técnicas y que además sean producidos a partir de los recursos y materiales locales, usando el conocimiento local, generados a partir de residuos de diferentes industrias y de procesos de aprovechamiento y transformación, y con estrategias de regeneración. Nuestras culturas indígenas de Latinoamérica conocían perfectamente esto y lograban construcciones sostenibles que incluso hoy en día son icónicas, con la globalización hemos perdido estos conocimientos ancestrales que podemos rescatar.

Over the next decade, the demand for green building technologies is expected to surge, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and sustainable materials. Key technologies will include advanced insulation materials, smart building systems for energy management, and photovoltaic glass for onsite renewable energy generation. Additionally, green roofs and walls, which enhance building insulation and reduce urban heat islands, along with water recycling systems, will become increasingly popular. These technologies not only aim to reduce buildings' environmental footprints but also to improve indoor air quality and overall sustainability, aligning with global efforts.

Interessant ist die Betrachtung von Alt-Bauten, Landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben oder Industriebauten. Deren ungenutzen Fl?chen (z.B. Dach, Lagerhallen, etc) k?nnten genutzt werden, um Solarfl?chen anzubringen.