Sustainable Green Building Research Articles

REDUCING FLOOD RISK THROUGH DESIGN SCENARIOS FOR HEAVY RAIN, TIDES, AND UR-BANIZATION IN CAI RANG DISTRICT, CAN THO CITY: PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

Urbanization often comes with flooding problems. The objective and subjective reasons why this situation persists and becomes increasingly serious are climate change and the concretization process. Currently, many studies have proposed solutions to forecast and warn of rain and tide causing urban flooding or methods to reduce flooding with sustainable green buildings. However, these solutions are all built on the old urban foundation, so flooding continues and the effectiveness of flood reduction is not high. In this article, the authors research the new urban area of Nam Can Tho, Cai Rang district, Can Tho City. This area is in the process of planning for infrastructure construction, so initial solutions have been proposed. Preventing flood risks caused by uncontrolled and unsynchronized urbanization is extremely necessary.

BIM Integration with XAI Using LIME and MOO for Automated Green Building Energy Performance Analysis

Achieving sustainable green building design is essential to reducing our environmental impact and enhancing energy efficiency. Traditional methods often depend heavily on expert knowledge and subjective decisions, posing significant challenges. This research addresses these issues by introducing an innovative framework that integrates building information modeling (BIM), explainable artificial intelligence (AI), and multi-objective optimization. The framework includes three main components: data generation through DesignBuilder simulation, a BO-LGBM (Bayesian optimization–LightGBM) predictive model with LIME (Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations) for energy prediction and interpretation, and the multi-objective optimization technique AGE-MOEA to address uncertainties. A case study demonstrates the framework’s effectiveness, with the BO-LGBM model achieving high prediction accuracy (R-squared > 93.4%, MAPE < 2.13%) and LIME identifying significant HVAC system features. The AGE-MOEA optimization resulted in a 13.43% improvement in energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and thermal comfort, with an additional 4.0% optimization gain when incorporating uncertainties. This study enhances the transparency of machine learning predictions and efficiently identifies optimal passive and active design solutions, contributing significantly to sustainable construction practices. Future research should focus on validating its real-world applicability, assessing its generalizability across various building types, and integrating generative design capabilities for automated optimization.

Contributing Factors on the Effectiveness of Green Building Using the GBI Tool: A Case Study of Putrajaya Energy Commission Building

The concept of a green building refers to a planned, constructed, operated, maintained, or reused structure to protect occupant health, enhance occupant productivity, conserve natural resources, and minimise environmental impact. This study aims to investigate the contributing factors that contribute to the effectiveness of sustainable green buildings in Malaysia concerning the green building index (GBI) tool. This proposed model is based on the dependent variable, the effectiveness of green building and the independent variables namely, property management, government supervision, incremental costs, and environmental protection awareness. A quantitative survey was done on 320 staff of the Putrajaya Energy Commission Building. The results show that government supervision, incremental cost, and property management have a significant positive moderate relationship while environmental protection awareness has a very strong relationship with the effectiveness of green building. Therefore, these strategies can serve as a roadmap for construction industry stakeholders, enabling them to construct improved versions of green buildings that align with sustainable principles and practices.

Performance evaluation of geopolymer mortars containing waste ferrochrome slag and fly ash for sustainable green building

The aim of the present study, an attempt to shed light on the use of industrial-based wastes as alkali-activated binder (AAB) material is mainly. The present novel research work, the characterization of waste ferrochrome slag (FCS) and the performance of alkali-activated mortar consisting of fly ash (FA) were investigated. The characterization of used materials were carried out using advanced microstructural analysis techniques (XRF, XRD and SEM). A total of thirty two mortars are prepared using FCS (90–60%) and FA (10–40%) with 5 M, 10 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH), Na2SiO3/NaOH (SS/SH = 1 and 2) solution. All specimens were cured in an oven at 70 °C and 100 °C for 24 h. After oven curing, the geopolymer mortars were kept in the laboratory for 28 days and thermal and mechanical tests were applied to them. The A5 mixture (SS/SH = 1 with 10%FA, 90%FCS and 5 M NaOH) was found to be optimum in terms of thermal insulation properties, making it suitable for use in sustainable construction in terms of low energy cost through exterior insulation. The C8 mixture (SS/SH = 1 with 40%FA, 60% FCS and 10 M NaOH) was found to be optimum in terms of strength and durability, making it suitable for use in sustainable construction. As a result, in this study, an optimum mixture of waste FCS and FA was obtained and geopolymer building materials that provide thermal insulation and structural performance and are resistant to external influences were produced.

Integration of internet of things (IoT) technology in the design model of sustainable green building spaces

Integration of internet of things (IoT) technology in the design model of sustainable green building spaces

Research on sustainable green building space design model integrating IoT technology.

"How can the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology enhance the sustainability and efficiency of green building (G.B.) design?" is the central research question that this study attempts to answer. This investigation is important because it examines how green building and IoT technology can work together. It also provides important information about how to use contemporary technologies for environmental sustainability in the building sector. The paper examines a range of IoT applications in green buildings, focusing on this intersection. These applications include energy monitoring, occupant engagement, smart building automation, predictive maintenance, renewable energy integration, and data analytics for energy efficiency enhancements. The objective is to create a thorough and sustainable model for designing green building spaces that successfully incorporates IoT, offering industry professionals cutting-edge solutions and practical advice. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative data analysis with qualitative case studies and literature reviews. It evaluates how IoT can improve energy management, indoor environmental quality, and resource optimization in diverse geographic contexts. The findings show that there has been a noticeable improvement in waste reduction, energy and water efficiency, and the upkeep of high-quality indoor environments after IoT integration. This study fills a major gap in the literature by offering a comprehensive model for IoT integration in green building design, which indicates its impact. This model positions IoT as a critical element in advancing sustainable urban development and offers a ground-breaking framework for the practical application of IoT in sustainable building practices. It also emphasizes the need for customized IoT solutions in green buildings. The paper identifies future research directions, including the investigation of advanced IoT applications in renewable energy and the evaluation of IoT's impact on occupant behavior and well-being, along with addressing cybersecurity concerns. It acknowledges the challenges associated with IoT implementation, such as the initial costs and specialized skills needed.

Design of Energy Efficient & Sustainable Buildings for ISRO Data Centers Using E-Quest

Saving energy is the same as producing new energy. Sustainable development has elevated the importance of energy performance and energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is a crucial part of sustainability, which includes all sectors of the economy from agriculture to manufacturing to services to infrastructure, including buildings used for business and research activities. Developing countries face unique difficulties in achieving sustainability because they must balance two phenomena that are diametrically opposed to one another: rapid economic growth and long-term prosperity. Commercial, information technology (IT), real estate development and construction are important economic drivers. Energy is, of course, a crucial consideration in these fields. In this research, we propose a design strategy for improving energy efficiency in an ISRO Data center by using sustainable green building technology [1]. This paper discusses the initiatives of ISRO in this direction. As maximum operation & maintenance cost of the buildings is due to electrical energy, this study shows how to design the most energy efficient institutional buildings for IMGEOS (Integrated Multi mission Ground Segment for Earth Observation satellites) of ISRO, Hyderabad. The research work discuses about the strategies / techniques to be considered since the planning & designing stage of the building infrastructure itself. This research gives the complete details of the materials with their detailed technical specifications and the methodology to be adopted, for achieving the required energy efficiency level in the data centers / similar IT infrastructure buildings. The research work also explains the process of finding & selecting the most energy efficient model by using different combination of green building materials, with respect to the base line model of ASHRAE using the e-Quest building simulation software and the results obtained thereof. Thus, this detailed research study investigates the process of designing the energy efficient data center buildings for ISRO in the context of emerging countries.

Emerging Trends in Sustainable Materials for Green Building Constructions

The national decision on the neutrality of global carbon emission as well as decarbonization focus drives the need for the transformation of the building and construction sector of the economy. Thus, green building materials and its production is a better means of achieving depletion in carbon emission. More so, to achieve excellent green development in the construction industry as well as the goal of decarbonization, there is a need to investigate the emerging trends in the sustainable materials for green buildings. Hence, this study focused on the review of some of the existing green materials and its effect on the building construction. Findings from literature studies revealed six different green building materials which include bamboo, cork, straw bale, reclaimed wood, sheep’s wool and hempcrete. It was reported that each of the green material have excellent thermal insulation property, low emission of CO2 and has the ability to be recycled, thus, bringing sustainability in the circular economy as well as eco-friendliness of the material. These findings expand the scope of green materials application and can inform the government to formulate policies that will encourage sustainable green buildings. Keyword: Sustainability, Development, Green Buildings, Green Materials, Emissions

Evaluating the impact of sustainable behavior towards sustainable green buildings in the workplace. (Case Studies)

Evaluating the impact of sustainable behavior towards sustainable green buildings in the workplace. (Case Studies)

Construction Industry: Green Building

As a result of the advantages for the environment, economy, and society, recent developments in green building technologies (GBTs) have increased significantly. For projects to develop green buildings, technology is vital. A number of green building technologies, such as those that reduce temperature, have wastewater systems, are energy-efficient, and have cooling systems powered by solar energy, GBT has the ability to advance in the direction of sustainable development, with a focus on climate change. The basic goal of the GBT is to make use of water, electricity, and other resources efficiently and in an appropriate way. The environment will be improved as a result, such as by reducing pollution and the use of energy, improving productivity and wellness, and reducing maintenance and operating costs. There is a lack of critical analysis of either previous or current studies performed in the green building technology (GBT) industry to determine the future pathway for sustainable green building technologies. With the use of the appropriate research methods, a critical review was found. A building information model (BIM) and ontology are used in green buildings to handle multidisciplinary operations. The combination of SWRL and OWL models built on the Jess rule engine increases the building efficiency. Sustainable materials made from industrial scrap help to mitigate the environmental impact of carbon emissions. The use of various activators increases the flexibility, strength, and volume of these materials. Sensors, the environment, and other external forces all play a role in how smart materials function. This study summarizes the green building and their assessment tools, aspects, how much the green buildings are benefits to the environment, humans, and economy, the technologies used in green buildings in construction industries, and the factors that affect the green building technology.

Sustainable Green Building Awareness: A Case Study of Kano Integrated with a Representative Comparison of Saudi Arabian Green Construction

The aim of this research is to assess sustainable green building awareness in Kano State, in a case study of the Gwale local government area. This research makes use of both primary and secondary data to address these offered solutions. Descriptive and quantitative analysis using the BREAM and LEAD evaluation standards was used to analyze the case study and 251 questionnaires were distributed. To ensure a fair trial of each of the 251 building samples, they were chosen at random from various parts of the Gwale Yan-Alawa ward. A case study of a selected green building was chosen and analyzed. The logical comparison with Saudi Arabia was made. It is concluded that the Nigerian government at the national level should put more effort into encouraging green building construction through public awareness programs and incentives and subsidizing the green system.

Sustainable energy transition and decision-making for enhancing the performance of building equipment in diverse climatic conditions

The utilization of renewable resources for energy generation holds paramount significance in ensuring substantial and enduring growth for every nation. Both developing and developed countries heavily rely on conventional energy sources like coal, petroleum, and natural gas in thermal power plants, resulting in significant environmental impact due to their emissions. This research culminates in the successful evaluation of alternative approaches to implement sustainable green structures using an innovative scientific technique. This research has effectively identified ten key challenges impeding operational efficiency in the construction industry. The application of the groundbreaking Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technology facilitated the simultaneous ranking of the most optimal solutions. The precise assessment of numerous Energy Management equipment options for sustainable green buildings was achieved, highlighting the tool’s impartiality and neutrality in addressing Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) challenges. The ‘Roof-mounted Solar Photovoltaic (SPV)’ configuration consistently ranked first across all MCDM solution techniques examined in this study. This robust consensus underscores the significance of solar panels followed by biodiesel nanoparticles energy generation as the preferred choice. In conclusion, the impartiality of the tools used to address multi-criteria challenges in “greening building” projects empowers decision-makers within institutions to make informed investment choices. By considering the rankings generated by these tools, funding can be directed towards the most appropriate projects. Following prioritization, the alternatives are ranked as follows: Solar thermal setup > Installing sunshade devices > Light switches > Free cooling > Controlling the cooling & heating of spaces > Utilizing the chiller’s waste heat > Energy-efficient light bulbs > Electrical appliance energy efficiency ratings > Effective active space cooling solutions.

Green building, carbon emission, and environmental sustainability of construction industry in Jordan: Awareness, actions and barriers

Despite the numerous benefits of sustainable construction to the climate, it also presents several problems to the professional practice of sustainable building, including awareness, actions, and barriers, particularly in the Jordan construction industry. Accordingly, a study was carried out to examine the level of implementation of sustainable building practices into professional practice, on the other hand, to identify the stage of actions and difficulties of applying sustainable building practices. Methodologically, qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to analyze the proposed objective of the study to ensure the most effective results. Based on survey analysis for the quantitative approach, the study set a descriptive analysis. The findings revealed that there appears to be a decent level of awareness and knowledge across stakeholders. Although, it does not adequately represent the used design and construction processes at present. The findings of this study might fill a critical gap in our knowledge base about the advantages of green building practice, which is lacking in practical research in emerging countries. Encouraging the Jordanian construction industry to incorporate green building specifications into the design and construction of buildings and projects, as well as increasing public awareness of the positive environmental effects of green building, are among several recommendations made in the study. As a result of these findings, it is determined that government must take action to ensure that sustainable green design and building practices are utilized in Jordan.

Current status of green building development in Malaysia

Terrible environmental conditions on Earth have warned us over the past decade. To avoid the current situation going further, many countries started to implement sustainable green building development. Sustainable green building development tends to preserve and conserve the environment by using sustainable green material, decrease of negative impact from construction industry and improve on the building life cost cycle. Although the number of green buildings increased compared to last century, but adoption of sustainable green building in the Malaysian construction industry is considered slow. Besides, sustainable green building development also concerns social and economic aspects. This study will analyze the current status of green building development in Malaysia. The study has reviewed articles pertinent to green building development from reputable science databases. The result obtained showed the current status of green building development is decreasing due to the impact of Pandemic COVID-19. Furthermore, the results also showed the number of green buildings in Malaysia is comparatively low. This study provided a benchmark for policy makers and construction key stakeholders about the current status of green building development in Malaysia which can be utilized as a guideline in promoting green building development.

The problem with net zero building policy: reflecting on the making, and future, of a global discourse

The Paris Agreement made net zero emissions a global target. In response, net zero carbon building standards have proliferated, making net zero a popular target for buildings. But to meaningfully contribute to global decarbonization efforts, net zero standards and the organizations who promote them, must be deemed legitimate. Given the building industry’s reputation for being highly fragmented and slow to change, how has this legitimacy been constructed? What are the implications of this legitimation process? This article seeks to answer these questions by exploring the narratives used by the World Green Building Council (WGBC) to legitimate Net Zero Carbon Buildings (NZCB) from 2015 to 2021. Our analysis is based on over 100 documents produced by the WGBC and 22 interviews with WGBC and Green Building Council representatives, policymakers, and industry actors. Results reveal six main storylines adopted by the WGBC to extend the legitimacy of sustainable green building movement actors to the new net zero governance space. This legitimation process allows the WGBC to develop and implement net zero standards quickly, but also creates tensions between efficiency and procedural integrity, potential and proven results, corporate and collective value. While NZCB are here to stay, these tensions highlight barriers to their wide-scale adoption and question their ability to deliver an economically viable, socially just, environmental, net zero transition.

THE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES AFFECTING SUSTAINABLE GREEN BUILDINGS (SGBS) IN JORDAN THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT'S LIFE CYCLE STAGES

The purpose of this study is to examine the major economic challenges concerning budgets and costs associated with sustainable green buildings (SGBs) in Jordan over their life cycle. This research is significant because it will add to the literature in this area and give interested parties a glimpse into the current state of economic issues facing SGBs in Jordan and affect the adoption of this building technology there. Based on a thorough review of the literature, data was gathered using a qualitative technique based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with 32 professionals of SGBs in Jordan. According to the findings of this study, the main economic challenge in the design stage is the "High initial cost,” the main economic challenge in the construction stage is “Budget and cost of materials, working techniques, and labor,” the most significant economic challenge in the operational stage is “Long-term cost recovery,” and the main economic challenge in the maintenance stage is “Budget and cost challenges.” Despite the importance of this research in terms of adding to the current body of knowledge by examining the economic challenge of SGBs in Jordan as a developing country during the life cycle stages, the findings are based on qualitative data collected from highly experienced specialists in this sector. Therefore, a quantitative data collection using various evaluation approaches is recommended for further research.

Sumatera Utara Botanical Conservatory (With Ecology Architecture Design Approach)

Climate change affects many things, especially plant diversity. Indonesia's number of endangered plant species continues to increase every year. Meanwhile, ex-situ conservation and research facilities are still unavailable in North Sumatra. The conservatory itself has the primary function as a conservation institution that seeks to maintain and breed various types of plants, especially endangered plants, used to protect and preserve nature, education facilities, development of science and technology, and recreation. The research was conducted using the descriptive-analytic method by drawing problems regarding the concept of conservatory design that pays attention to the environment while collecting data and theories related to the conservatory. The conservatory applies an ecological architectural approach that includes harmony between humans and nature; the balance of development between the natural environment and buildings that need to be considered will become a sustainable green building. This project is expected to create a medium for conservation and research beneficial to the community, as educational and interactive tourism facilities between humans and nature that are sustainable and have no negative impact on the environment.

Determination of exterior material in sustainable buildings by value engineering method according to LEED criteria

Factors such as the rapid depletion of natural resources and environmental pollution enable us to understand the importance of sustainability better today. With the introduction of the concept of sustainability into the construction sector, the design of buildings according to the environmentally friendly “Green Building” approach has come to the forefront, and various certification systems have been developed. Due to these certification systems, various building materials must be used in buildings. However, since many materials are on the market, it is a problem which materials should be preferred according to the green building criteria. Although there are various approaches in this regard, the value engineering method is ideal as it considers both the criteria the materials must meet and their costs. Value Engineering is the teamwork to analyze the building properties, systems, equipment, and material selections while considering the costs to perform the necessary performance, quality, reliability, and essential functions. In this article, a method on how to choose a value-based, sustainable material was proposed, and as a case study, a product that can be used as an exterior cladding material of a building using LEED criteria, which is used for providing certification for sustainable green buildings, was selected. Initially, a value engineering team was formed. This team determined the product’s qualities based on LEED criteria and the eight material alternatives that can meet these qualities. Subsequently, value analysis was conducted, and the highest-value exterior coating material was determined.

Aesthetically Appealing Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems for Net-Zero Energy Buildings. Current Status, Challenges, and Future Developments—A Review

With the sharp increase in global energy demand, industrial and residential buildings are responsible for around 40% of the energy consumed with most of this energy portion being generated by non-renewable sources, which significantly contribute to global warming and environmental hazards. The net-zero energy building (NZEB) concept attempts to solve the global warming issue, whereby a building will produce, on-site, its required energy demand throughout the year from renewable energy sources. This can be achieved by integrating photovoltaic (PV) building materials, called building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules, throughout the building skin, which simultaneously act as construction materials and energy generators. Currently, architects and builders are inclined to design a building using BIPV modules due to the limited colors available, namely, black or blue, which result in a monotonous building appearance. Therefore, there is an increasing demand/need to develop modern, aesthetically pleasing BIPV green energy products for the use of architects and the construction industry. This review article presents the current stage and future goal of advanced building integrated photovoltaic systems, focusing on the aesthetically appealing BIPV systems, and their applications towards overcoming global challenges and stepping forward to achieve a sustainable green energy building environment. Additionally, we present the summary and outlook for the future development of aesthetically appealing building integrated photovoltaic systems.

Sustainable cementitious material with ultra-high content partially calcined limestone-calcined clay

The application of calcined clay and limestone powder in cementitious materials to partially substitute ordinary Portland cement is regarded to be highly potential for developing sustainable green building materials. However, with the increase in substitution level, the major drawbacks include the slow development of the early strength and the decrease of the later strength. In this study, the limestone is partially calcined to form the core–shell structure with loose calcium oxide on the outside and dense calcium carbonate on the inside, and sustainable cementitious material with ultra-high content partially calcined limestone and calcined clay (substitution level is up to 80%) is developed. It is evident from this study that the core–shell structure of partially calcined limestone promotes the formation of a dense layer of hydration products. The incorporation of partially calcined limestone exhibits significant advantages in enhancing the reaction of calcined clay and improving the strength development of the cementitious materials that are 90% and 137% higher than that with the limestone-calcined clay at 7d and 28d, respectively.