1. M.E. Rinker School of Construction Management
Principle of Sustainable Development
& construction
Dr. Charles Kibert
FALL 2015
Blog book 2015
By
Aayush Shah

2. Table of Contents
S.No Title
1. Introduction to Sustainable Construction and Green Building
2. Building Envelope
3. Ecological economics
4. Ecosystem Service and ecological economics
5 Eco-label
6. Biophilic, biomimetic and ecological design
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

3. Introductionto Sustainable Constructionand Green Building
Within a last few decades there has been a great change in climatic condition. Due to this
change, the designs of building are changing. There is great demand for buildings which are
using minimum energy and water, whose materials are environmental friendly, and are also
resource efficient. Buildings which are designed according to this approach are known as high
performance green building or simply green building and this approach is known as
sustainable construction
According to conseil international du bâtiment (CIB) sustainable construction may be defined
as “creating and operating a healthy built environment based on resource efficiency and
ecological design”. In 1989 in United Kingdom the first building assessment systemBREEAM
(Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) was established.
BREEAM was successful, over 200,000 building were certified as green building. In United
States the USGBC developed an American green building rating system known as LEED

4. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED is a rating system for design,
construction, operation, and maintenance of green building in United State. The sustainable
construction movement is now international with 60 national green building councils. Some
of the major councils are CASBEE in Japan (2004) and Green Star in Australia (2006).
In 2000 a typical office building in United States consumes energy of about 300 kilowatt-
hours-per square meter annually (kWh/m2/yr) todays energy consumption for green building
are approaching to 100 (kWh/m2/yr).There are basically three reasons for the increase in
demand of high performance green building in US.
1. Green buildings though they are costly on a capital or first cost basis, but they always
make economic sense on a life cycle costing (LCC).
2. Sustainable constructions are best and always provide ethical response to issues of
environmental impact and resource consumption.
3. Sustainable designs focuses on the effect of building and its operation on the health
of its human occupant.
The need for this sustainableconstruction is due to the climaticchange and the primary cause
of climatic change is unexpected increase in level of carbon dioxide co2 in the atmosphere.
About 40% of the emission of carbon in the atmosphere is due to the building construction
and its operation. New concepts such as low carbon, carbon neutral, and zero carbon
buildings are emerging to reduce the emission of carbon which is associated with building
construction and its operation.

5. Net zero energy (NZE)buildings are grid connected buildings that export excess energy during
the day and import energy during the evening, such that the net flow of energy throughout
the year is zero. The net zero energy buildings have a zero annual energy bill. The best
example of NZE is Research Support Facility (RSF) in Colorado.

6. There are certain obstacle also for the construction of green building, some obstacle are
1. Inertia of building profession and the construction industry.
2. Difficulty due to changing building code.
Despite this obstacle the US green building movement continues to gain momentum. There
are so many construction and professional industry in US who made it the mainstay of their
practice. Numerous innovations are made each year in the design ideas of sustainable
construction. Soon their will be one day when all the projects are build according to the
concept of sustainable construction.
Reference
1. http://www.breeam.org/
2. http://www.usgbc.org/leed
3. https://www.wbdg.org/resources/netzeroenergybuildings.php

7. BUILDING ENVELOPE
INTRODUCTION
Building envelope is an interface between the inside of building and the outside environment. It
protects the building and provide resistance from air, water, noise and heat transfer. Building
envelope isalsosome time knownasbuildingenclosure butbuildingenclosure isavery wide termit
also includes appearance and structure of building. Building envelopes basically deals with water
barrier, air barrier and most important thermal barrier.
Building envelope is the basis for the energysaving buildings. It includes insulated wall, floor, roofs,
fenestration, doors and foundation. Thermal envelope plays an important role in regulating inside
temperature.Incoldclimatebuildingenvelopehelpsinreducingthe amountof energyusedinheating
the space and duringhotclimate the buildingenvelopereducethe amountof energyrequiredtocool
up the space.Envelope maybe of anytype dependinguponthe climatesuchasaidclimate envelope,
cold climate envelope, and hot climate envelope
Building envelope is a composition of layers with varying thermal and permeability properties. The
envelopes are made of sheets, blocks and preassembled material. Building envelope can be of two
typesopenframe andclosedshell.Whenthe conditionare harshthe designerchose closedshelland
when the condition are normal the designer chose of open frame.
It can affect energy use in no of ways
1. Design of building envelope
The overall design of the building greatly affects the amount to light and heat that are
entering.Thereare certaininnovationinthe fieldof designingandarchitecture of thebuilding.

8. 2. Building envelope material and product selection
 Insulation and air sealing
Insulation provide resistance to heat flow. Heat flows from warmer to cooler
space. If the building is properly sealed it reduces the amount of energy needed to
keep the building warm in winter and cool during summer.
 Roofs
Roofsdesignand material increasesthe amountof solarheat that is reflectedrather
than absorbedthus reducingthe amount of air conditioningrequiredinhotclimate.
For example roofsthatqualifyENERGYSTARare estimatedtoreduce peakcoolingby
10 to 15 percent.
 Walls
Thermal mass buildingabsorbenergyslowlyandretaineditfor longerdurationthus
the energy required for heating and cooling of building is reduced. Thermal mass
material includes traditional material such as stone and Adobe, and cutting edge
products.
 Windows, doors and skylights
Alongwiththe designsof windowsanddoortheirplacementandinstallationmethod
also affect the amount of light and heat to transfer. There are certain innovation in
the designsof windowsuchasmultiple glazing,the use of twoormore plane of glass
or other films for insulation.
Environmental benefits
Due to several improvementsinbuildingenvelope ithaspotential toreduce GreenHouse Gas (GHG)
emissionsfromnewandexistingbuildings.The buildingenvelopecansignificantlyreducethe amount
of light and HVAC, the two major components of energy requirements of building

9. In addition to climatic benefitsthere are several other benefits also which includeslow energy bills,
improved thermal comfort, moisture control, and noise control
Obstacles to future development
There are several obstacles for the future development of building envelope, major barrier include
cost concern, market barrier, public policy, planning barrier and customer barriers.
References
1. http://www.c2es.org/technology/factsheet/BuildingEnvelope
2. http://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/buildings/building-envelope
3. http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/green-basics/green-enclosures-do-four-things
4. http://continuingeducation.construction.com/article.php?L=38&C=235

10. ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
The ecological economics deals with the environmental sustainability. It has been
developedfromthe historical developments.Ourbehaviorandourattitude towardsthe nature must
be guidedbycode of ethics,whichmust be derivedfrom basic principlesandpractical consideration
of issuesatstake. Economic systemfosterthe rulesbywhichrare resourcescanbe allocatedamong
the populations.The relationshipbetweenmanandnature hasalwaysremainambiguous,nature can
playanyrole itcanactasproviderorcanactasproviderenemy.Somepeoplethinkthattheydominate
the nature,while otherthinkthattheyare integral partof nature. There are three independentgoals
of ecological economics
1 sustainable scale
2 fair distribution
3 efficient allocation
Sustainable scale refers to the what amount of low entropy raw material is to be taken from the
environment and what amount of high entropy can be given back to the environment. It is directly
relatedtothe capacity of ecosystem as to how much it can regenerate and how much it can absorb
Distributionreferstothe divisionof resource flow,inthe formof final goodsamongdifferentpeoples.
It tells how much it goes to me, to you, to other, to future generation.
Allocation refers to division of resources among various product users.

11. Neoclassical economics focuses on the determination of prices, outputs, and income distribution in
market through supply and demand. The term neoclassic was given by Thorstein Veblenin his 1990
article ‘Preconceptionsof EconomicScience.Neoclassicaleconomicsdealsextensivelywithallocation,
secondlywithdistribution,andnotat all withscale.While on otherhand ecological economicsdeals
with all of this. The biggest difference between ecological economics and neoclassical economics is
the inclusion of scale.
THE PERCEIVED AIM OF ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
Firstlyitismostimportanttoclearlydefinewhatwemeantby“Ecological Economics”differentauthor
withdifferentbackgroundhave differentphases,butaccordingtome the bestdefinitionof ecological
economics is
“Ecological economics studies how ecosystems and economic activities interrelate”

12. From this definition it is clear that how the use of fossil fuel and carbon dioxide concentration are
interrelated, how the deforestation and species loss are interrelated, the consequences of genetic
engineering, all this problems are global level problems and are a call for ecological economic
approach.
The aim of ecological economics has been divided into two groups
1. Scientific aim and problem
2. Political and ethical issue
There are two typesof sustainabilityone isweaksustainabilityandthe otheris strong sustainability.
Weaksustainabilityisthe ideawithinenvironmentaleconomics,whichstatesthat‘humancapital’can
be substitutedby‘natural capital’.Itisbased uponthe workof Nobel LaureateRobertSolonandJohn
Hatwick. And the strong sustainability assumes that ‘human capital’ and ‘natural capital’ are
complementary but not interchangeable.
Humancapital includesresourcessuchasinfrastructure,labor,and knowledge.Natural capitalcovers
assetssuchasfossil fuel,biodiversityandotherecosystemservices. Unlike weaksustainability,strong
sustainabilityputemphasisonecological scaleovereconomicgains.Thisimpliesthatnature hasright
to exist and it has been borrowed and should be passed from one generation to another.

13. Ecosystem Services and Ecological Economics
Ecosystem services
Ecosystem services are the benefits that are provided by the nature which makes the
human life better and possible. Example of ecosystemservices includes food, water, sunlight,
waste treatment, soil erosion, and environment. Some ecological services are directly
available to human being such as water, timber and food. Other services arises from the
functioning f ecosystem such as formation of soil, soil erosion and climate regulation. The
concept of ecosystem services was popularized by Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA)
in the early 2000s [1]. According to Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), ecosystem services
are "the benefits people obtain from ecosystems."

14. Some scientist follow a stricter definition of ecosystemservices as only those services
that are directly enjoyed, consumed by human wellbeing. The average value of entire
ecosystem economics services is estimated to be about US$ 33 trillion per year this is twice
the gross national product (GNP) which is about US$ 18 trillion [2]. According to millennium
ecosystem assessment (MA) ecosystem services can be further subdivided into four
categories
1 Provisionalservicesare the services that are obtained from ecosystemsuch as fresh water,
food, timber, and fibers
2 Regulating services are the services which are obtained from the regulation of ecosystem
such as climatic regulation, water purification and waste management.
3 Cultural services are the nonmaterial benefits which the people obtained from ecosystem
such as recreation and tourism, cultural heritage, and spiritual and religious enrichment
4 supporting services are the services which are provided by eco system for the production
of other services such as soil erosion, and water cycling.

15. Ecological Economics
Ecological economics may be defined as relationship between ecosystem and economic
system. This relationship is the solution of many of our problems such as sustainability, global
warming. Ecological economics is how people have interacted with the environment in the
past and how they will interact in future. It not only connect ecology and economy but also
connect psychology, history and anthropology. It mainly focuses on Natural capital. Capital
may be subdivided into five groups
1 Human capital
2 Manufactured capital
3 Social capital
4 Financial capital
5 Natural capital
Conventional economics ignores the financial and natural economics.
Economy can be viewed in two ways
1 Neoclassicalview in neoclassicalviewof economy nothing enters into the environment and
nothing exits from the environment
2 Ecological Economic view in this view the flow from and into the environment is very
important. The environment provides the raw material and act as a sink for waste products.

16. Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
Dow jones are the family of indices launched in 1999. This indices are used to evaluate
companies listed on Dow Jones Global Total Stock Market Index. DJSI analysis companies on
the basis of risk management, climate change mitigation, brand management, and supply
chain standards. DJSI can reject the companies ifit is not functioning in sustainableand ethical
manner. DJSI has many index based on geographical area such as Europe, Asia Pacific. TEPCO
was removed from DJSI in 2011.

17. Economic Value
Economic value = direct use value + ecological function value + option value
+ Existence value + bequest value
REFRENCES
1. http://www.millenniumassessment.org/en/About.html
2. http://www.griequity.com/resources/Environment/Valuing%20Ecosystem%20Servic
es.htm
3. http://www.djindexes.com/sustainability/

18. ECO-LABEL
Eco labels are the approval given to the products that are supposed to have less
impacton environment as compared to other similar products.Eco labels are attached to those
products which passes the eco-friendly criteria laid down by the government, association or
standard certification bodies. Ecolabelling are done to make it easier for the customer so that
they can make environmental concerns into account when shopping.
Eco labels are the approval given to the products that are supposed to have less
impacton environment as compared to other similar products.Eco labels are attached to those
products which passes the eco-friendly criteria laid down by the government, association or
standard certification bodies. Ecolabelling are done to make it easier for the customer so that
they can make environmental concerns into account when shopping.

19. Eco labels must not be confused with green symbols or claim statements that are
provided by the manufacturer or service providers. Eco labels are the most plausible labels
that are based on life cycleconsiderations and are given by an impartial third party. This labels
are generally awarded for 2-3 years, after that the label must need to be renewed.
Eco labels focuses on certain environment aspects of product such as energy
consumption, water usage, source of timber etc. Examples of eco-labels include the Japanese
Eco Mark, International Energy Star, USA Green Seal and UK BREEAM.
Eco labelling has number of benefits:
1 informing customers: eco labelling is an effective way of empowering people to discriminate
between products that are harmful to environment and that benign to environment.
2 promoting economic efficiency: Eco-labeling is generally cheaper than regulatory
controls. The need for regulation can be kept to minimum by promoting customers
and manufacturer to make environmental supportive decisions. This will be
beneficial for both government and customers
3 developing sustainable environment: when customers choses eco labelled product it has a
direct impact on supply and demand in the marketplace. By this signal the market can guided
towards a sustainable environment.
For more benefits: https://www.iisd.org/business/markets/eco_label_benefits.aspx

20. Case study and examples
1. Blue Angel
The first eco labelling program was introduced by Germany in 1977
known as Blue Angel. In this industrial participation is voluntary. The
products are assessed regularly to reflect technical and design
developments and only those products which that exceeds the
average are awarded the Blue Angel. In every few years approved
products are re- assessed. More than 4000 products in 71 categories
are covered by the eco label. . Blue Angel criteria include: efficient
use of fossil fuels, alternative products with less of an impact on the
climate, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and conservation of
resources.
Learn more: https://www.blauer-engel.de/
2. Nordic Eco label
Nordic eco label was established in 1989 by the Nordic Council of
ministers. It is voluntary, positive, eco labelling of products and
services. It is an ISO 14024 type 1
Eco labelling system and is a third party control origin. Today there
are 63 product groups. The aim of Nordic ecolabel is to contribute to
a sustainable consumption.
Learn more: http://www.nordic-ecolabel.org/about/
3. EU eco label
The EU eco label was launched in 1992 when the European
Union decided to develop a European voluntary environmental
scheme in which consumers could rely on. They had granted more
than 1300 licenses in late 2011 and today there are more than
17000 products labelled with EU eco label.
Learn more:
http://greenbusinessje20.tumblr.com/post/36680772751/conoces-
la-etiqueta-ecol%C3%B3gica

22. 4. Energy star
The ENERGY STAR program was initiated in 1993 by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this program is a
voluntary program that helps businesses and individual to save
money and protect our climate through superior energy
efficiency. By the initiation Energy star there has been a
significant reduction in Greenhouse gas emission- contributing
to health and environmental benefits. Energy Star benefits have
grown steadily over time nearly tripling in last decade.
Learn more: http://www.energystar.gov/about
5. Leadership in energy and environmental design
LEED, or leadership in energy and environmental design is a green building
certification program. To get LEED certification building project must satisfy
prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. LEED v4 is the
newest version of the world’s premier benchmark for high- performance green
buildings. LEED certification is recognized all over the world as a premier mark of
achievement in green building.
Learn more: http://www.usgbc.org/leed

23. There are four levels of certification Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Certified. The
number of points a project earns determines the level of LEED certification that the
project will receive. Typical certification thresholds are:

24. Biophilic, Biomimetic and Ecological Design
Biomimetic
Biomimicry is an innovation that are inspired by nature. Biomimetics or biomimicry are used
for solving complex human problems by imitation of the models, elements and systems of
nature. Humans have looked at nature for answers to many problems throughout our
existence.in biomimicry for example we look at how some leaf can absorb water and how
some repeal water and try to extend our knowledge to build sustainable designs. One of the
example of biomimicry was the study of bird to enable human flight. Biomimicry is an
approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solution to human problem

25. Biophilic
The term "biophilia" means "love of life or living systems". The biophilia suggests that there
is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems. Design that reconnect
us with the nature is known as biophilic design. Biophilic design provide people to live and
work in healthy environment and space with less tension, high creativity, and greater overall
health and well-being. The term biophilia was first coined in 1964 by social psychologist Eric
Fromm.
Biophilic design can be categorized into three category
1. Nature in the space
2. Natural analogues
3. Nature of the space

26. Nature in space
Nature in space means direct physical presence of nature in space or place this include plant
water, animals and other natural elements.
Nature in space consist of seven biophilic design
1. Visual connection with nature
2. Non visual connection with nature
3. Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
4. Thermal & Airflow Variability.
5. Presence of Water
6. Dynamic & Diffuse Light.
7. Connection with Natural Systems.
Natural analogues
Natural analogues consist of non-living things such as objects, material, colors, shapes, and
patterns found in nature.
Natural analogues consist of three biophilic designs
1. Biomorphic Forms & Patterns
2. Material Connection with Nature
3. Complexity & Order
Nature of space Nature of space consist of four biophilic designs
1. Prospect.
2. Refuge
3. Mystery
4. Risk/Peril

27. NATURE-HEALTH RELATIONSHIPS
Health is directly related to the nature. If the surrounding environment is good the person is
heathy. It improves mental agility and memory, and our ability to think, learn and output
either logicallyor creatively. It alsoimproves our adaptability,alertness,attention,concentration,
emotion and mood.
Ecological design
Ecological design may be defined as any form of design that environmentally destructive
impacts by integrating itself with living process. Ecological design seeks to conform to the
environmental and substantially reduce energy consumption. By carefully considering the
impact the natural environment has on a structure, it is possible to utilize the environment to
improve overall energy consumption and quality of life. Architects that focus on ecological
designing a building will plan to minimize land use and, conserve heat during the winter and
cool the home during the winter and cool the home during the summer, reduce pollutants,
and use landscaping to blend into the natural landscape.
Ecological design can includes
1. Proper land use
2. Incorporate solar into overall design
3. Use of sustainable building material
4. Waste reduction
5. Landscaping
For more visit: https://www.regenerative.com/ecological-design