REDUCING CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL CLIMATE CHALLENGE THROUGH BUILDING DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Recently, the problem of the housing crisis has been increasing due to population growth, urbanization, financial constraints, costly title registration, technical skill and capacity constraints, and limited access to land. This crisis is further worsened by migration from one part of the world to another, causing strains on existing infrastructures and housing supplies.

The World Economic Forum reported that the world needs to build 96,000 new affordable homes every day to house the estimated 3 billion people. According to the research agency ABF as stated on the NL times publication of July 2024, the Netherlands currently has a housing shortage of around 401,000 homes, compared to 390,000 in 2023 as the number of households is growing faster than new homes are being built.

Also, in England, 8.5 million people cannot access the housing they need, including two million children living in overcrowded, unaffordable, or unsuitable homes. Some groups, such as Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic households and Disabled people, are more likely to experience homelessness or live in poor-quality, unsuitable, or overcrowded homes.

Similarly, a study by a study by financial research company Moody’s Analytics shows that United State is short of about 1.5 million homes.

Furthermore, the IFC reported that “The housing deficit in Africa is estimated at over 97 million units and this is expected to increase as the continent’s population grows and urbanization continues.” Just to mention but a few cases.

In addition, the United Nations reported that about 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing with a further suggestion that it could rise to 3 billion by 2030. The report stated that finances required for housing a social necessity is on the rise making it an investment tool thus exacerbating the affordability of housing.

The housing crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Governments worldwide are working on policies and frameworks to improve the situation, and the construction industry is a key player in driving these policies to solve the housing problem.

In 2022, the UN reported that “energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from building operations and construction are responsible for the release of about 10 gigatonnes, which is 37 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.” Traditional building methods often involve resource-intensive processes that lead to environmental degradation. As climate change and resource scarcity become pressing issues, the need for sustainable practices in design and construction processes, material sourcing and utilization, and building performance enhancement is more urgent than ever.

Sustainable building aims to minimize the environmental impact of structures by optimizing resource use, reducing waste, and enhancing energy efficiency. By adopting green building practices, the industry can significantly contribute to reducing carbon footprints and promoting a healthier environment.

The time to act is now. Embracing sustainable building practices is essential for addressing the housing crisis and ensuring a better future for both people and the planet.

Below are some principles employ in sustainable building designs:

Energy Efficiency: Designing buildings that consume less energy is a cornerstone of sustainability. This can be achieved through:

• Insulation: Proper insulation reduces the need for heating and cooling, thereby lowering energy consumption.
• Energy-efficient windows and doors: These helps maintain indoor temperatures, reducing the reliance on HVAC systems.
• Smart building technologies: Automated systems can optimize energy use by adjusting lighting, heating, and cooling based on occupancy and time of day.

Renewable Energy Integration

Incorporating renewable energy sources into building designs can further reduce emissions:

• Solar panels: Installing solar panels on rooftops can provide a significant portion of a building’s energy needs.
• Wind turbines: In suitable locations, small wind turbines can be an effective source of renewable energy.
• Geothermal systems: These systems use the earth’s natural heat to provide heating and cooling, reducing the need for fossil fuels.

For instance, buildings that incorporate solar panels and energy-efficient HVAC systems have shown to reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. Additionally, projects like the Bullitt Center in Seattle, which achieved a Living Building certification, demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of sustainable construction.

Another example is the Edge building located in the heart of Amsterdam that uses 70 percent less electricity than the typical office building.

Water Conservation:

Sustainable buildings designs prioritize water efficiency by integrating technologies like low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling. These measures help minimize water consumption and reduce the strain on local water resources.

For example, the Edge building located in the heart of Amsterdam has concrete tub in the back of the parking garage gathers the rainwater used to flush the building’s toilets and water the gardens. Another example is the One city central Park building located in the heart of Sydney Australia that features an advanced water recycling system that captures and treats rainwater for reuse, easing the city’s water demand.

Material Selection:

Considerations for and the use of sustainable materials is crucial for reducing environmental impact. This includes selecting materials with low embodied energy, such as recycled or rapidly renewable resources, and ensuring that materials are sourced responsibly.

Recycled materials: Using recycled steel, glass, and concrete can reduce the carbon footprint of construction.

Low-carbon materials: Materials like bamboo and sustainably sourced timber have lower embodied carbon compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete.

Local sourcing: Using locally sourced materials reduces transportation emissions and supports local economies

Indoor Environmental Quality:

Sustainable design also focuses on creating healthy indoor environments. This involves optimizing natural light, improving ventilation, and using low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials to enhance air quality and occupant comfort.

Sustainable Site Development:

Building placement and site management play a vital role in sustainability. Practices such as minimizing land disruption, preserving natural habitats, and incorporating green roofs or living walls contribute to the overall ecological balance.

Others are considerations for the use of solar panels or wind turbines for power generation, further reduces reliance on non-renewable energy at the design phase for buildings.

Promoting Inclusivity:

• Universal Design: Implementing universal design principles ensures that buildings are accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities. This includes features like ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.
• Affordable Housing: Designing and constructing affordable housing options ensures that people from various socioeconomic backgrounds have access to safe and comfortable living spaces.
• Community Engagement: Engaging with the community during the design process helps ensure that the needs and preferences of diverse groups are considered, leading to more inclusive and widely accepted outcomes.

Flexible Spaces: Designing adaptable and multi-functional spaces allows buildings to accommodate a variety of uses and changing needs over time, promoting inclusivity in usage.

Green Building Certifications

Adopting Green Building Standards: Various certification systems, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), provide frameworks for implementing sustainable practices. These standards offer guidelines and benchmarks for building performance is optimal and that sustainability goals are achieved.

Pursuing green building certifications can ensure that buildings meet high environmental standards:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): This certification covers various aspects of sustainable building, including energy efficiency, water use, and materials.
• BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): This is another widely recognized certification that assesses the sustainability of buildings.

Education and Training: Building industry professionals must stay informed about the latest sustainable practices and technologies. Continuous education and training ensure that design and construction teams are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective solutions.

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Circular Economy Principles

Adopting circular economy principles in construction can minimize waste and resource use:

• Design for disassembly: Buildings designed for easy disassembly can be deconstructed and materials reused at the end of their life cycle (Note that this practice may not be safe/secure to practice in some parts of the world)
• Modular construction: Prefabricated modules can be assembled on-site, reducing waste and construction time.
• Repurposing existing structures: Renovating and repurposing existing buildings can be more sustainable than new construction.

Policy and Regulation

Governments and regulatory bodies play a crucial role in promoting sustainable building practices:

• Building codes and standards: Implementing stringent energy efficiency standards and building codes can drive the adoption of sustainable practices.
• Incentives and subsidies: Providing financial incentives for green building projects can encourage developers to adopt sustainable practices.
• Public awareness campaigns: Educating the public about the benefits of sustainable buildings can drive demand for greener construction.

Benefits of Sustainable Building Practices

Environmental Impact: The most significant benefit of sustainable building is its positive impact on the environment. Reduced energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and minimized waste contribute to a healthier planet and help mitigate climate change.

Economic Savings: Although sustainable buildings may involve higher upfront costs, they offer substantial long-term savings. Energy-efficient designs lower utility bills, while durable materials and efficient systems reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

Enhanced Building Value: Properties built with sustainable practices often have higher market value and appeal. As environmental consciousness grows, buyers and tenants increasingly seek out green buildings for their reduced operational costs and improved quality of life.

Health and Well-being: Sustainable buildings provide healthier living and working environments. Improved air quality, natural lighting, and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals contribute to the well-being of occupants, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction.

Conclusion

Reducing the contribution of the building and construction sector to the global climate challenge requires a multifaceted approach. Integrating sustainability into building design and construction is both a practical and necessary approach for addressing environmental challenges.

By improving energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy, using sustainable materials, pursuing green certifications, adopting circular economy principles, and implementing supportive policies, we can make significant strides towards a more environmentally friendly, economically viable, and sustainable future.

The time to act is now, and the building sector has a pivotal role to play in this global effort. Embracing practical strategies helps pave the way toward a more sustainable future, where buildings contribute positively to both people and the planet. Let’s take action today to ensure a better tomorrow.

References

1. "4 practical solutions to world spiraling housing crisis", June 10, 2024. (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/06/global-housing-crisis-practical-solutions/)
2. "Why making buildings greener is crucial to countering climate change" (https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/why-making-buildings-greener-crucial-countering-climate-change)
3. "Achieving ESG goals with breeam certifications" (breeam.com)
4. "Appraisal of universal design strategies for enhancing social inclusion in the development of sporting facilities", May, 2024
5. "Let's fix the housing crisis: delivering a long term plan for housing" (housing.org.uk)
6. "Dutch housing shortage rises to as population growth outstrips construction" (NL#Times July12, 2024)