How Green Are You? – The keys to sustainable construction
There are many definitions of "green", as there are shades of color. Wikipedia defines a green building, also known as a green building as "a structure designed, built, renovated, operated or reused in an ecological and efficient use of resources. "
Website Dade County, Florida, said: "Sustainable building practices go beyond energy and water conservation to incorporate environmentally sensitive site planning, building materials, effective and high quality indoor environment. "The Web site lists five benefits of sustainable construction, which seems to concisely capture" the spirit of the concept of green building.
Reduced water supply and utility costs –
– Using building materials effective environmental
– The health and productivity
– The long-term economic benefits
– Reduction of environmental impacts
The need to reduce costs associated with energy production and imports of construction materials, the importance of water conservation and natural resources and minimize the impact on the environment environment are challenges that are even more critical in our island communities. green initiatives offer excellent benefits, but carry a pricetag associated with the development work. We examined the benefits and challenges, but what are the solutions to affordability?
Eletric lower costs and services water
Thin film solar water production and atmosphere are two affordable Technolgies expectioannly respond well in the Caribbean Region. With plenty of sunshine we engage in cloudy days, still believes that solar radiation of 4-5 hours per day is typical of the region. Using ultra-thin solar light, with an estimated capacity 5 watts per square foot of a 1,200 m² typical house could easily support a roof laminted 3000 watts of solar system. A system of this size would be about 12 by 15kWh days. By reducing lighintg electiical, cooling, and loads the device within 4k of the solar system can also be recovered in size.
How we can reduce our electrical load calculations? Design and renovation of LED lighting, a typical house with high efficiency LED lighting can use a little less than 250 watts for the lighting system and provide all the light output equal to or greater than convenienal incandescent lighting or CFL. technologies provide heat pump water heating and it is estimated that 7,000 BTU a water temperature of 135 max while consuming less than 800 watts nominal. air conditioners technology Ductless Split Inverter DC-Zoning distance shown to provide cooling for the use of only 1200 watts for a system of 11,000 BTU. apparatus readily available energy efficient and help to reduce overall electrical loads
A very natural solution for water production drinking in the Caribbean around since the beginning of time. Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) systems use the natural moisture in the air to produce up to 6 gallons of pure water filtered drinking without any plumbing or infrastructure realated. Pure Water Distribution 99.9% of the AWG can be used directly or connected solar energy to a standard electrical outlet. With Integrated heating in water distribution units, hot or cold water on demand without the need to maintain an inventory bottled water. Production costs are estimated at between 0.06 $ -0.14 per gallon of water.
Use materials Environment efficient construction
What is needed is a system of construction that can withstand high winds, is Versatile, structural, provides a high level of isolation, minimim waste and is affordable. Structural concrete insulating panels (CHIP) provide an excellent alternative to conventional building blocks of concrete in Caribbean. Proven and accepted in the United States, pictures are pre-designed, pre-cut, professional design and isolated, and provide a framework strucural exterior and interior surfaces fire-resistant concrete finish. These lighweight concrete panels are produced by manufacturers that are members of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), as T. Delete Corp. of Hamilton, Ohio. Its construction system ProTec ® CSPI provides a less skilled labor reduces the time construction of the wall a few days or months and the matter is very competitive compared afforadble conventioanl block or construction techniques. The company literature states, the panels are of "framing, sheathing, insulation and interior wall surface all in one. This is equivalent to building more homes in less time with associated costs and waste.
Health and productivity
drinking water, fresh air, low VOC products and not off-gas chambers should be the benchmark for houses built under the concept of "green design." energy conservation and green homes do not happen by accident, it requires planning and guidelines design to ensure that the homes of comfort, style and also are accessible. Large selection of preservatives that are environmentally and help minimize time costs discreate need for special products of origin add time and money in the process of construction. Despite the misconception of "green homes" can be elegant, affordable and based on a reduced schedule.
Protec ® Building System is currently used by HDC Corporation for Development in the Bahamas to perform as described "net zero energy homes. receing Recently apporavel The Bahamas Ministry of Public Works, the Protec ® Building System is designed for meticuoslesy design loads up to 150 mph winds. According to information from the website of the company, these "net zero energy homes" energy gerernate more than they consume, have minimal impact on the environment, withstand high winds and very compatiable for developers seeking a better construction rates productivity.
Yields on long-term economic
Unfortunately, when green initiatives are first introduced in some regions, for the first time, usually there is a disputed amount of resistance to the traditional players, with integrated concepts and methods are obsolete by new technologies. However, for the sake of the Caribbean, traditional beauracratis "Red tape is to be drilled to a new generation can benefit progress on the proven technology and ensure our continued success in the areas of renewable energy sectors AMD sustainable development.
Openminded the acceptance of evidence "green technologies" to facilitate investment, trainig, jobs and prosperity in the Caribbean. The area is ideal for capturing full potential of clean solar and wind energy. In the long-term economic growth is the fruit that is harvested when the seeds planted today initiavtes green.
Reduce environmental impact
The waste reduction, resource conservation and clean water matinainting Stocks are important issues facing all regions, but still more here in the Caribbean islands. But as our population increased the need to pay more close attention to the question of waste management and recycling. Education and acceptance of recycling is the key. Conservation is a lifestyle adopted and the population must be seen as an advantage to kiss. incentives tangible reduction rates househgolds waste collection for that cycle, reduced utility rates for households with energy systems solar or wind power production and reduced rates of water urban households with atmospheric water generators would go a long way to help public generally to embrace and accept "the green.
Hopefully the Caribbean islands can use a prudent and rational use of our natural resources become in strategic global leader in the adoption of proven technologies and green implemntation. It is clear that we have much to gain and success will mean the most TOURISM investment, training, employment and prosperity of our region.
About the Author
Kanchoo – International Green Building Consultant, Desinger and Builder has combined 24+ years of construction, lighting, electronics and engineering experience into concise sensible solutions for designing and building Energy Efficient Panelized “Green” Homes from the foundation to the roof. Each article features practical and affordable solutions to design and build “Zet Zero Energy Homes”.
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