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Low Cost

Green Building
Materials
selection
Presented By
Chirag Sanghvi
CP-1911

25-08-2011
Contents
 Define Green Building Materials
 Advantages Of Green Materials
 Rating System Of Materials
 Economic Benefits
 Selection criteria For Green materials
 Classification Of Materials

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WHAT IS GREEN BUILDING
MATERIAL?
 A material can be considered “GREEN” if:-
 It is made up of renewable materials.
 It has minimum possible environmental cost.
 It has low energy utilization in its manufacturing as well
as its functioning.
 It is easily recyclable.
 It is efficient in the long run.
Why Green Materials?
 Current construction practices consume over 3 billion
tons of raw materials per year.
 Increased need to conserve non-renewable resources.
 Reduce environmental impact of building and
construction activities.
 National, State, and Local Funding Opportunities
Advantages of Green
Materials
 Improved Energy Conservation
 Improved indoor environment
 Air Quality
 Occupant Health
 Reduced operations cost
 Lower environmental Impact

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Selection Criteria
 Resource Efficiency
 Recycled content
 Renewable
 Efficient manufacturing process
 Local availability
 Easily recyclable
 Recyclable Packaging
 Product Durability
 Energy Conservation
 Water Conservation

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Selection Criteria- con’t
 Indoor Environmental Quality
 Moisture resistant
 Minimal Emissions (VOC)
 Installation has low (VOC)
 Healthy cleaning or maintenance
 Cost Efficient
 Installation
 Maintenance
 Within specifications of project budget

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How are materials rated?
 U.S. Green Building Council
 Non-profit organization committed to expanding sustainable
building practices
 LEED- Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
 Developed rating systems for construction projects in 2000
 Voluntary consensus based standards
 Design and Construction Practices meeting specified
standards reducing negative impacts on occupants and
environment
 Project Certification Process using appropriate comprehensive
rating system, projects earn credits by meeting technical
requirements
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Economic benefits
 The economic benefits of green buildings should be
understood from the point of view of operation of the
building and the resultant savings in its lifetime.
 At the construction stage, monetary savings can result
from choice of building materials The First CostsSavings
= costs and savings from incorporating green features into
a building
 Life-Cycle Costs/Savings = costs/savings over a building’s
or feature’s useful life
 The first cost of the green buildings vary significantly
depending on specific project goals. While there are many
significant benefits that are ‘no additional cost’ (like no
west facing openings) , some features will cost more in
both design and material cost.
 It is estimated that the design and building of a commercial
building constitutes just 2% of the overall cost in 30 years.
The rest of the 98% comprises of operations,
maintenance, finance and employee costs.
 A design approach of using appropriate
building systems may result in actual
lowering of first costs by as much as 20%.
In comparison estimates for additional first
cost of mainstream green buildings are as
low as 0-3%, for LEED Certified, to 10%
or more for higher LEED ratings

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SELECTION CRITERIA FOR
GREEN MATERIAL
 Local availability of materials.
 Embodied energy of materials.
 % of recycled/waste materials used.
 Rapidly renewable materials.
 Contribution in energy efficiency of building.
 Recyclability of materials.
 Durability
 Environmental Impact
Local availability of
materials
 As far as possible locally available materials are to be
preferred so as to minimize the energy spent in
transportation of the building materials. Energy
consumed in transportation should be considered as
total energy spent on transporting materials starting
from the place of manufacturing.
Rating Criteria for Availability of
materials, near the site( 2points)

 Supplier between 0-5 km: 2 points


 Supplier between 5-10 km: 1.8 points
 Supplier between 10-20 km: 1.5 points
 Supplier between 20-30 km: 1.3 points
 Supplier between 30-50 km: 1 point
 Supplier between 50-75 km: 0.8 points
 Supplier between 75-100 km: 0.6 points
 Supplier between 100-250 km: 0.4 points
 Supplier between 250-1000 km: 0.2 points
 Supplier at a distance greater than 1000 km: 0 points
Embodied energy of
materials
 Embodied energy is an assessment of the energy
required to manufacture any building material. This
include energy required to extract raw materials from
nature, energy used to transport raw materials to
manufacturing unit and the energy used in
manufacturing activities to provide a finished product.
Rating Criteria for the Embodied
energy of Materials ( 2 points)
 Benchmark Value: 5MJ/Kg
 Available Points on Benchmark: 1
 Embodied Energy between Benchmark to -10%: 1.2 Points
 Embodied Energy between -10% to -25% of Benchmark: 1.3 Points
 Embodied Energy between -25% to -50% of Benchmark: 1.4 Points
 Embodied Energy between -50% to -75% of Benchmark: 1.6 Points
 Embodied Energy between -75% to -100% of Benchmark: 2.0 Points
 Embodied Energy between Benchmark to 25% of Benchmark: 0.9 Points
 Embodied Energy between 25% to 50% of Benchmark: 0.8 Points
 Embodied Energy between 50% to 75% of Benchmark: 0.7 Points
 Embodied Energy between 75% to 100% of Benchmark: 0.5 Points
 Embodied Energy between 100% to 200% of Benchmark: 0.4 Points
 Embodied Energy between 200% to 300% of Benchmark: 0.3 Points
 Embodied Energy between 300% to 400% of Benchmark: 0.1 Points
 Embodied Energy Above 400% of Benchmark: 0 Points
Percentage of recycled/waste
materials used

 Building materials can be manufactured using recycled


materials or using waste materials. Use of recycled
materials helps the environment and the economy in
several ways. A significant effect is that of lessening
the need for manufacture with virgin, non-renewable
resources, which saves precious resources, energy
and cost.
Percentage of Recycled materials (1
point):

 If a material rather than using new materials uses up recycled


materials then it qualifies as a potential green material. For e.g.- If
A and B are two wastes or two recycled materials and if material C
is made up of material A and B in some proportion than material C
qualifies to obtain points under this criteria.
 The percentage of recycled material can be worked out as follows:
Calculate the amount of such materials in 1m3 of new material and
find out its proportion in m3. Then divide the two and you can
establish how much percentage of recycled materials is contained
in a new material.
 The no of points awarded are found by the following formula:
 No of Points= (% of Recyclable materials)/100
Use of renewable
materials
 Materials manufactured or materials with resources
that are renewable (i.e. wood or solar power) rather
than non-renewable (i.e. fossil fuels) shall be preferred.
Rapidly Renewable Materials ( 1
point):
 If the material has the capability of being renewed in a
short period of time then the material is termed as a
Rapidly Renewable material and is liable to get extra
points as a green material.
 If the material is renewed in a cycle of 10 years or
shorter then it can be termed as a good rapidly
renewable material and it gets 1 point in the scale.
 If the material has a higher period of renew ability then it
gets points relative to its period, i.e. If it is 11 years then
points obtained are 0.9 and if 12 years then 0.8 and so
on up to 19 years.
 For a period of 20 or more years no points are awarded
and the material is termed as a normal renewable
material.
Contribution in Energy
Efficiency of buildings
 Construction and operation of buildings utilizing major
portion of total energy produced. With little careful efforts,
designers and builders can reduce energy loads on
structures, reducing energy requirements and the strain
on natural resources. With proper orientation of building
with reference to solar radiation to receive maximum day
lighting, operable windows for natural cross-ventilation,
use of passive cooling techniques, (eliminating or
lessening the need for air conditioning), walling unit with
lower U values, roof insulation, water-saving devices and
more efficient appliances can all work to lessen energy
needs. Consideration of alternate energy source use,
such as wind, solar and tidal power, can help alleviate
reliance on traditional fossil fuel sources.
Energy Efficiency (1
point):
 Energy Efficiency can be judged on the basis of U-
value of the material. After studying U-values of
various materials and studying their effects we found
that for the value of 2.31 W/m-K no effect on interior
temperature is caused due to exterior temperature. So
a Benchmark U-value is adopted as 2.31 W/m-K.

 So if a material is having a U-value lower than this then


it can get a maximum of 1 point and if it is higher than
the benchmark then it does not get any points in this
criteria.
Recyclability of materials
 The recyclability of the materials can be judged from
quantity of materials recovered for re-use after the
useful life of materials/products or after demolition of
the building.
Criteria for the Recyclability of
Materials (3 points)

◦ If the material is recyclable >90% then 3 points


◦ If the material is recyclable >80% and <90% then 2.5 points
◦ If the material is recyclable  >60% and <80% then 2 points
◦ If the material is recyclable  >40% and <60% then 1.5 points
◦ If the material is recyclable  >20% and <40% then 1 points
◦ If the material is recyclable  >0% and <20% then 0 points

0 marks are given to materials from 0 to 20%. It may happen that


most of the times that the cost of recycling is less than the cost
of the new materials but if it is vice versa than the recycling of the
material has no meaning.
Durability
 Materials which are long lasting and needing little
maintenance are preferred. Material replacement puts
a strain on the earth, its resources and inhabitants. In
making materials more durable and easy to maintain,
manufacturers can help in eliminating a costly,
damaging and time-consuming process of
replacement.
Durability Criteria(1 point):

 Material life is greater than 80 years: 1 point


 Material life between 60-80 years: 0.8 points
 Material life between 40-60 years: 0.6 points
 Material life between 20-40 years: 0.4 points
 Material life between 5-20 years: 0.3 points
 Material life between 1-5 years: 0.2 points
 Material life less than 1 year: 0.1 points
Environmental Impact
 All materials used for construction of buildings must not
harm the environment, pollute air or water, or cause
damage to the earth, its inhabitants and its ecosystems
during manufacturing process, and also during use or
disposal after end of life. Material should be non-toxic
and contribute to good indoor air quality.
Environmental Impact( +0.5 to -2
points):
Disposal conditions of a material can be classified into four and points
are allocated on that basis. The conditions are as follows:
◦ If the material is degraded by itself and may or may not be useful
for alternate usage but in now way produces any harmful
materials then it gets 0.5 points.
◦ If the material only occupies land but in no way produces any
harmful or hazardous waste then it gets 0 points. (Non-
Biodegradable)
◦ If the material pollutes the land and degrades the soil quality then
the material gets -1 point.
◦ If the material produces Hazardous or toxic materials after
disposal or a toxic leachate (such that it pollutes the Ground
Water Table) then the material will get -2 points.
 If during incineration it produces carcinogens like Dioxin or Furans
then the material is outright rejected as green material.
Classification of materials
 Structural/Partition Material
 Ventilation/Thermal Insulation
 Finishing Materials/Paints
 Materials for furniture
Structural/Partition
materials
 Mud Brick
The production of simple earth blocks only requires
around one thousand of the energy needed to fire
bricks, and even in cases where earth is stabilized with
cement it is no more than a sixth per kg of material.
 Fly ash brick
In India alone, approximately 100 million tones are
generated per year. The construction technique and
process is improved as the material allows for lighter
structures, shallower foundations, less expensive
transport costs with environmental benefits as fewer
emissions are produced and the speed of setting is
quicker for comparative standard bricks, and less usage
of cement and steel reinforcement.
 Claytech
Claytech bricks are comprised of clay, sand and straw.
As they are hand pressed and unfired, they are
unsuitable for load bearing walls. Benefits do include
good acoustic properties, thermal qualities that help
regulate temperature and humidity, the clay absorbs and
diffuses water vapor, absorbs odors and have a low
embodied energy.
Ventilation/Thermal
insulation materials
 Flax Insulation
Flax is a plant native to the region extending from the eastern
Mediterranean to India and China. Natural insulation can be
made from 100% flax fibers by matting them together into a
non-woven process and then utilizing their properties for
insulation in lofts or wall cavities. The material has very low
embodied energy and the thermal conductivity of flax
insulation is 0.037 W/mK, making it ideal for breathable
constructions.
 Straw and Resin Panels
Using agricultural waste, such as straw, a binder is
applied that is made up of local resins to form insulating
panels that can be easily installed under and between
existing corrugated metal sheeting – and lightweight
corrugated iron used as roofing.
 Bamboo Screens
The use of bamboo as a building material like sunshades is
seen in many places.The big value of bamboo screens is
the fact that it is open to daylight and air. So the gap
between screen and window is very well ventilated. The
rays of sunlight entering through the screens look nice but
don’t result in overheating of the house.
Fenestration and glazing
systems
 Fenestration is provided for the purposes of heat gain, daylighting and
ventilation. Their pattern and configuration form an important aspect of
building design and its energy requirement. Appropriate design of
openings and shading devices helps to minimize the effects of sun and
wind or allow them into a building. Ventilation lets fresh air in and hot air
out, resulting in cooling.
 Glazing is generally transparent to solar radiation but opaque to long
wave radiation. This characteristic can be used to heat a buildings interior
by promoting heat gain. This is desirable in winter, but may cause
overheating in summer. This overheating through large aesthetic-driven
areas of exposed glass is commonly observed in commercial buildings in
India today and in turn results in excessive loads on air conditioning
systems. For reducing solar gain during summer, window size should be
kept minimum in the hot and dry regions.
 For example, in Ahmadabad, the number of uncomfortable hours in a
year can be reduced by as much as 35% if glazing is taken as 10% of the 35
floor area instead of, say, 20%.
 Fig 2.14 Transmission properties of reflecting glass (6mm
thick).
 The amount of light entering a building needs to be
effectively controlled to maintain a suitable level of
comfort. This can be achieved through proprietary
systems such as openable shutters and movable covers
like curtains or Venetian blinds. Tinted glazing with
surface coatings can also be used to control solar
transmission, absorption and reflection. Surface coatings
can reduce the transmission of solar radiation through a
piece of 6mm thick absorbing glass by about 45%.
Reflective glass is usually achieved by a layer of reflective
material or a low emittance layer. Glazing of these types
can reduce heat gain without obstructing views from the
building. They are usually used for windows which cannot
be shaded externally. 36
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Brick Jaali and Hollow
bricks
Finishing materials/paints
 Tire Veneer
In the retreading process, the old tread is removed by
grinding and the resulting dust is termed buffings. These
buffings are non-laminated polymerically bound black SBR
rubber. Areas of use extend to areas such as sports and
recreation, animal housing and high traffic areas outdoors –
and a variety of consumer products, vibration dampeners
and furniture surfaces internally.
 Eco Paint
Ecopaint is a new paint has been developed, to act as a
sponge for some of the most noxious gases (NOx)
released in vehicle exhaust that can lead to respiratory
problems and triggers smog. The paint’s base is
polysiloxane, a silicon-based polymer.Embedded are 30
nanometre wide spherical nanoparticles of titanium
dioxide and calcium carbonate – being so small makes it
possible for the paint to appear clear, with the possibility
to add pigment for desired effects.
 Durat
Durat is a solid polyester based material used for custom
made interior surfaces and molds. The content includes
recycled plastics and is itself 100% recyclable. The product
is very durable, resistant to wear, humidity, chemicals and
can be renewed by slight sanding. The material is
manufactured in sheets typically, but can create sink
models and custom made sanitary units.
Materials for furniture
 Coir – CNSL Board
 The Coir-CNSL Board is a wood alternative which
can be used for surfacing, door and window
shutters, partitioning, false ceiling, panelling,
furniture, cabinets, packaging, etc. Both the starting
materials i.e. coconut fibre and cashew nut shell
liquid are available substantially in coastal areas and
are renewable agro-wastes. Its 30% cheaper then
commercially available alternatives.
 Dakota Burl
Dakota Burl composite is a unique bio-based material,
which exhibits the same aesthetic qualities of traditional
burled woods. The material is created from an agricultural
fiber and sunflower hulls. The material is primarily for
interior use, such as tables and counters, cabinetry,
furniture and similar architectural applications.
 Palm Fiberboard
Palm trees are dense throughout most tropical and
subtropical regions. Stripped palm stalks, palm leaves and
the tree trunk are made waste in vast quantities after
harvesting oil takes place. Optimizing various stages of the
process for pulping the fibers they may be made into
Fiberboards. They are used in furniture industry.

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