Green buildings reduce operational costs, provide healthier environments with reduced sick days, and create value for owners, investors and occupants. Furthermore, they foster resilient communities while meeting evolving environmental standards.
PNNL researchers are at the forefront of green building design, construction and operation research. This article highlights just some of our work.
Energy
Buildings consume a large percentage of global energy consumption and emit millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Green buildings reduce these energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by using energy-efficient windows, lighting, heating systems and renewable sources like solar or wind power; employing recycled materials in design, construction and demolition; or employing processes which minimize waste during design, construction or demolition.
Sustainable architecture preserves natural resources by limiting water consumption and encouraging the use of non-potable, sustainable sources. Rainwater harvesting, demand response management, grid islanding and renewable generation are among the many techniques utilized for conserving resources in sustainable architecture projects.
Research shows that green buildings provide many economic advantages to owners, tenants and communities alike. Resale values increase for green buildings; energy cost savings reduce absenteeism caused by allergies or asthma attacks or stress; sustainability practices help build community resilience; while USGBC also offers programs and incentives designed to assist businesses integrate environmental responsibility into their operations.
Water
Buildings account for a substantial share of greenhouse gas emissions and energy, water, and material consumption – making this sector one of the best opportunities to adopt greener designs and technologies for improvement.
Sustainable water management measures include using energy-saving appliances and fixtures; installing low-volume and dual flush toilets; collecting rainwater for irrigation and toilet flushing purposes; as well as collecting rainwater. Other initiatives involve recycling, reusing or repurposing waste water as a resource, while choosing landscape materials which require minimal watering needs.
ENERGY STAR and WaterSense programs help consumers identify, access, and utilize energy efficient and water saving products in the home environment. Other greening strategies for buildings may include using recycled and renewable materials; natural lighting; designing HVAC systems to reduce pollutants. One such example would be Seattle’s Bullitt Center building which features optimal natural light utilization as well as heavy timber to prevent any potential leaching into its interior environment.
Materials
Integrating green building materials can reduce a project’s environmental footprint. Utilizing innovative products like bamboo structural material and reclaimed reclaimed wood can cut waste streams while decreasing dependence on finite resources.
Living materials – such as bacteria that help strengthen concrete or fill in cracks – have become an exciting trend in green construction. These novel materials form part of an overall movement towards bio-based building that strives to reduce its carbon footprint by using renewable biological resources.
Sustainable materials also include insulating composites made of rapidly renewable wood sources and phase-change materials that absorb and release thermal energy to regulate indoor temperatures without increasing energy use. These eco-friendly materials are intended to last longer, thus cutting replacement costs and increasing resource efficiency. Furthermore, healthy building environments support worker health and productivity while improving resilience against climate events; in turn occupant satisfaction, retention rates increase and help owners meet ESG (environmental, social, governance) standards.
Indoor Air Quality
While green building movement encompasses multiple aspects, one non-negotiable aspect is indoor air quality. A healthy environment is key component of eco-friendly construction projects and requires ongoing upkeep rather than quick fixes.
Building materials, furnishings and activities like smoking, cleaning, redecorating and cooking all release pollutants on a continual basis. Furthermore, ventilation systems that do not allow sufficient outdoor air into buildings can create high concentrations of indoor pollution that pose health risks to occupants.
Many strategies designed to conserve energy, water and materials also help improve indoor air quality. For instance, ventilation techniques that increase fresh air intake while simultaneously decreasing condensation levels can significantly lower volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations in a building.
Internet of Things (IoT) air quality monitors track pollutants such as CO2, VOCs, particulate matter and humidity to alert building management systems and make necessary changes for healthy indoor environments. In commercial buildings this means higher productivity and greater employee health benefits.