Eco-Friendly Buildings: the central factor in transitioning to a Green Economy

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The building sector is the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. More than 33% of global energy use is consumed in offices, homes, and other buildings. This figure is expected to double to more than 60% by 2030. It is a vital requirement, therefore, that new construction projects and renovations to existing construction, are focused on eco-friendly building designs. Such consideration is a low-cost means to battling climate change, reducing energy bills, and diminishing our reliance on fossil fuels. However, a failure to act immediately will compound and multiply the costs associated with climate change. This paper will present building designs and techniques, the goal of which will be to achieve energy neutrality. That is to say that the building’s energy demand will be offset by power generated from renewable energy sources. For instance, in a country such as the UAE, there are high numbers of sunshine hours and a considerable amount of wind potential. It would therefore be best to incorporate solar panels into new building designs. Micro wind turbines, distributed in an aesthetically pleasing way, could supplement the solar panels. Many factors need to be considered when creating an energy efficient building in such a sunny climate. These include: making the best technical use of local resources to avoid the costly (financially and ecologically) long-distance transportation of construction materials; determining the most optimum balance between harnessing the natural sunlight and insulating the inside of the structure from its accompanying heat; and creating natural ventilation and air filtering through design rather than focusing on energy draining air conditioning systems. Of these three, the last may be the most important, as the highest percentage of household energy consumption is associated with cooling/heating living spaces and with heating water. These are two aspects that greatly affect quality of life and that people will not forsake. Their ecological adaptation is therefore necessary in order for populations to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. The focus of this paper will then be about balance: balancing the planet’s and our communities’ future needs with sustainment of home comforts and quality of life. Balance of future urban development with the ecological integrity of our land and water. Balance of ecological building design with natural resource capitalisation. A balance between people and nature. This paper will explore how these goals can be realised through concepts such as incorporation of renewable energies into design; green rooftops; holistic and life cycle approaches to consumption, waste, and recycling; reduced traffic through intelligent pedestrian community design; means of renewable energy transportation; and the reduction of urban heat island effect.