Green Building : Bricks, Clicks, and Sustainable Tricks
Green Building Consulting & Engineering
When saving the planet makes business sense.
Dear Sustainability Enthusiasts,
Greetings in the flourishing spirit of Spring, and welcome to our Green Building edition for April 2024. This month’s journey takes us through the innovative paths of sustainable construction. We explore the synergy of renewable energy with green building, unravel the impactful role of Green Building Certifications, and illuminate the link between the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and eco-friendly architecture. Moreover, we shed light on Passive Design and Bioclimatic Architecture, practices that harness nature's ingenuity.
In each section, our newsletter offers you not just insights, but also actionable strategies to elevate our built environments with sustainability and efficiency at their core. For industry professionals and green advocates alike, these pages are more than a read; they are a source of inspiration, a catalyst for innovation, and a blueprint for the future.
Join us as we advance the dialogue on sustainable development, turning every brick we lay and every click we make into a stride towards a greener tomorrow.
IN NUMBERS
37%
37% is the part of global carbon emissions for which the construction industry is responsible. This highlights the significant impact that building and construction activities have on global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The adoption of green building practices is crucial in reducing this footprint, offering a sustainable path forward by minimizing environmental impact and promoting energy efficiency in the built environment.
EXPERT FOCUS : LEED, BREEAM & HQE
In the construction sector, where environmental sustainability is becoming an imperative, building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), and HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale) play pivotal roles. These certifications guide the industry towards environmentally responsible building practices that are not only sustainable but also economically viable.
Each of these certifications represents a commitment to the planet's future, guiding the construction industry in leaving a greener footprint.
In pictures
PROJECT FOCUS : Mission Etrangères de Paris (MEP) Silom
Last month, we introduced our collaboration with the "Missions Etrangères de Paris" (MEP) on their inspiring project to infuse sustainability into the heart of Bangkok with the development of a new church site in Silom. This April we had the chance to visit the site and Silom during one of our workshops. GBCE team is undertaking regular workshops to integrate sustainability into the new design with MEP and the architectural teams. Stay tuned to see how this project will evolve in the future !
领英推荐
KNOWLEDGE HUB
Green Building and Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is reshaping the building industry by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Buildings globally contribute about 40% to energy-related CO2 emissions, prompting a shift towards sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal energy. Solar energy's capacity, for instance, surged to 714 GW by 2021 from 40 GW in 2010, emphasizing a move toward cleaner energy. Wind and geothermal energies complement this trend by providing alternative solutions that integrate into urban and building designs. With renewable energy projected to rise to 18.2 EJ by 2030 from 7.8 EJ in 2022, the sector is on a promising path to not only reducing operational costs but also minimizing environmental impacts. This transformation is crucial for sustainable building practices, ultimately leading to a greener, more energy-efficient future.
Read more here.
The Link Between SBTi and Green Buildings
The construction industry is increasingly turning to green buildings strategies to mitigate environmental impact. A crucial element in this transformation is the adoption of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which provides a structured path for companies to align their emission reduction with climate science. SBTi, formed through collaboration among global organizations like CDP and WWF, requires companies to set and validate science-based emissions targets. This approach is vital for the sector's shift towards sustainability, focusing on reducing operational emissions and engaging the entire supply chain in climate action. The increasing participation in SBTi highlights a growing corporate commitment to addressing climate challenges, demonstrating how strategic, science-based planning can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable construction sector.
Read more here.
Passive Design and Bioclimatic Architecture
Passive design, underpinned by bioclimatic architecture, stands as a significant methodology in sustainable building practices. This method emphasizes utilizing natural climatic conditions to maintain comfortable indoor conditions without heavy reliance on mechanical systems. By integrating strategies such as passive solar design, natural ventilation, and effective use of thermal mass and insulation, buildings with passive design can achieve up to 75% less energy consumption compared to conventional constructions. These principles not only enhance energy efficiency but also improve occupant comfort and reduce environmental impacts. Through careful planning of building orientation, material selection, and the strategic use of landscaping, passive design optimizes natural energy resources and provides a sustainable solution to modern architectural challenges.
Read more here.
In pictures
IN OTHERS' WORDS
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
— Robert Swan, British historian and founder of 2041, a company dedicated to the protection of this continent.
REACH OUT TO US
Want to explore sustainable solutions for your next project ?