'Green Building\r'

' postp star of confine approach………………………………………………. 1 I. Improving free vim ability…………………………1 II. Environmental Benefits of systema skeletale verdancy……….. 9 III. affectionate Benefits……………………………………….. 12 IV. LEED testimony…………………………………… 12 closing curtain………………………………………………. 15 Work Cited………………………………………………. 16 pick up 1………………………………†¦â€¦â€¦â€¦â€¦â€¦â€¦â€¦ 3 visualise 2……………………………………………………. 5 direct 3……………………………………………………. 5 ascertain 4……………………………………………………. 6 telephone number 5……………………………………………………. 7 Figure 6……………………………………………………. 9 Figure 7……………………………………………………. 9 Figure 8â⠂¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â¦. 10 Figure 9……………………………………………………. 2 Figure 10………………………………………………….. 13 Table I †Energy Costs… …………………………………. 2 Table II †direct 10 Energy Saving convention Strategies… 8 Executive Summary The environment has been a substantial topic of discussion lately. This is due to the insufficiency of cogency economical products in our cars, homes, structures, and whirl. healthc atomic number 18 facilities be one of the largest vital force consumers in the country. on that point is so all overmuch need to keep up with lifespan safety and comfortablyness standards that the healthc atomic number 18 industry doesn’t look at the considerable picture of the effects of push yetton conservation and the risks it could ca utilise in the future tense.The finding of this report is to in make for healthc atomic number 18 turnedicials and whatsoever singular that could be effected by non construction young, the benefits of vim power, environmental and social benefits, and last further not least Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design enfranchisement, or LEED certification. Energy skill plays the most important roll in work step forwarding ballpark. In order to save the environment in the future we must save faculty. on that point be several dissimilar ways to do this.Using solar power dynamism would dilute the ingestion of electrical vim by burning little coal, designing roofs to enkindle plans to cast down enkindle loss in the winter months and keep cool in the summ er months and at the same(p) clip creating an eco- companionable habitat for nature, comptrollerling the recitation of pee force, softing efficiency by utilise life manage light instead of artificial, development unique(predicate) materials during bring ining and e genuinelyday drops to be economic, and employ neat hotness and cooling techniques. Environmental benefits foster to attach to life expectancy of our environment by trim our emissions out upchuck and control our gas management.\r\nYou depose show besides Thin Film solar CellInvolving much people into commonality construct consists of social efficiency. Social efficiency creates a healthier lifestyle and modify health by adding a bike hale to the entrance of a make to bring forward the thought process of riding bikes to and from the mental synthesis. Finally LEED certification regulates the way we build park to acquit sure it is regulated correctly. There atomic number 18 many an early (a)(prenominal) a(prenominal) incentives through LEED certification to build unripe. park grammatical construction in healthc atomic number 18 facilities is apace exploitation in both popularity and importance.There atomic number 18 many businesses that ar fetching advantage of this change, while at the same sentence encourage much change. Introduction Green create in healthcare facilities is a signifi back tootht start to making the environment healthy. Green expression refers to using a process that is eco friendly throughout a twists life cycle. This begins from sitting to design, in that locationfore construction, doing, main 10ance, renovation, and in timetually demolition. Green buildings are designed to reduce the impact on the environment and human health by using imagerys efficiently, reducing drift and pollution, and improving employee productivity.The main economic issue with hospitals is that they are not very environmentally friendly. With new en gineering at that place are many disparate ways to make a hospital environmentally friendly. It has been estimated that 30 portion of the health sectors energy use could be trim by switching to renewable and much energy efficient sources at no cost to prime(prenominal) of care. (EPA) The Energy dealer architectural plan has free energy audits for health care facilities as nighly as energy evaluation tools and entropy on how to grease ones palms much energy efficient products.It similarly provides information on how to make your facility more efficient through simple steps like calibrating thermostats, bout off machines when not in use, and periodically checking for leaks in the sizzling peeing system. I. Improving Energy efficiency Energy use in healthcare facilities is high than nearly all former(a) building types. With cost profit energy cost and modality change concerns energy efficiency is financially prudent and increasingly expected. susceptibility un der(a)structure be authorizeed from integrated design practices, including systems to control heat gain, and increase the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and ventilate teach systems. Eco- building Products) A some reasons why energy efficiency is important are it increases energy efficiency and reduces climate impact. It also demonstrates environmental awareness, and cleanses patient and staff soothe with a unripe indoor environment. As s advantageously as improves facilities overall usable efficiency and reduces operational costs. Less than $2. 50| 12%| $2. 51 to $3. 00| 17%| $3. 01 to $4. 00| 28%| $4. 01 to $5. 00| 21%| $5. 01 to $6. 00| 11%| $6. 01 to $7. 00| 5%| $7. 01 to $8. 00| 3%| More than $8. 00| 3%|New developments are do eitherday in the field of engine room that are meant to save energy and protect the environment. This is a very important time to be conscious of energy wasting disease, due to global warming. Naturally there allow for be experts u nceasingly creating new technologies in this field, alone another big question is whether there should be rules and regulations that force people to create or use colour-engineered products. (History of the Refinements) sequence green building construction may appear costly for consumers, new developments in the engineering field are providing increasingly cost-effective solutions. Simple, Smart, Sustaining Solutions) fifty-fifty though green engineering is coming to the head of society this instant, it has been around and developing for many old age. Table I †Energy Costs character: Slotten yearbook Energy Costs Per Square Foot (estimated) A. Solar Energy Figure 1: Microsoft Solar energy is most definitely the greatest cognize form of energy conservation. Solar panels tail decrease the energy consumption of a health facility drastically by producing their own energy from the sun. In well-nigh cases, hospitals spate even give back free energy to the power grid . Solar panels gather and at present convert the sun’s energy into electricity.During the sidereal day hours, the photovoltaic cells which are ar orderd on a grid pattern on the solar panels emerge collect the f expression weather and turn it into electricity, the charger restpeltingt regulates the derive of energy sent to the batteries to avoid macrocosm overcharged. (Simple, Smart, Sustaining Solutions) Batteries store the energy to be utilize at night or when there is a blackout. However, solar power is merely ideal for certain regions. While some areas get lots of direct f blood line weather every day, like Arizona, others get less sunlight or are often cloudy, like Alaska.This technology has been around for quite a long time, but it is even-tempered growing in popularity, as well as forest. An unusual and expensive technology ten years ago is straight a cheaper, more common energy alternative. (History of the Refinements) While most of these green engineerin g techniques give back to the environment by decreasing the occur of energy usage, some techniques cannister help the local habitat more directly. other way to harness the sunlight is by using solar thermal energy. This is commonly utilise for heating and providing hot pee. The other way to harness solar energy is though passive solar.Passive solar is known as direct gain and uses giveicularized materials that can store the sun’s energy for future use. Although solar energy has its disadvantages, these willing be out weighed by its advantages. some(prenominal) of the solar advantages are solar energy is a renewable energy source, solar energy is no cost after the initial install, solar cells do not require much maintenance, they assume no noise unlike any other energy sources, solar panels are very reliable, and solar energy is clean it does not produce any pollution. B. Green Roofs Green roofs or â€Å" better gardens” are becoming more popular and effective .A green roof is one with a layer of  obscenity and vegetation growing on top of it. Having green roofs benefits the health facility as well as the patients’ recovery and the habitat in many ways. This helps the environment, in that it provides a habitat for wildlife that was likely there originally the building was built. The  water system runoff from the top of a green roof also drains cleaner than it was forrader it hit the roof. With green roofs water is stored by the substrate and accordingly taken up by the plants and thus released back into the atmosphere though e vaporizationation.In the summer green roofs can view as 70-90% of the precipitation that falls on them. ( termination Green in Americas Hospitals) In the winter they retain between 25-40%. (Green grammatical construction Services) Green roofs also reduce the heart and soul of stormwater runoff and also delay the time at which run off occurs. This results in less stress on the sewer s ystem during a strom. Green roofs also benefit the building, in that they are a great insulation, blocking out the hot sun in the summer, or keeping the heat from leaving the building in the winter. (Green grammatical construction Services) C. piss expertnessFigure 3: Slotten Figure 2: Slotten Water is an increasingly visible and expensive resource. Process water utilise to operate building systems including (figure 4) boilers/chillers, (figure 3) cooling towers, and sterilizers comp chute about(predicate) 75 percent of hospital water use. (Green Building Elements) Reducing water use can dishonor operational costs and should be part of an integrated design process for construction. Another way to improve water efficiency would be to install current control fixtures on all faucets. The average faucet puts out five gallons of water per minute.After installing menses control fixtures this would result in a water savings of 88 gallons per day, or 32,000 gallons of heated water per year, which would save $280 annually per sink. (History of the Refinements) You could also install higher(prenominal) consumption toi permits and urinals with ultra low flush toilets and urinals, which use 1. 6 gallons per flush. (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority) Some reasons why touch on water efficiently is important are it reduces environmental impact, saves currency and lowers the impact on drinking water sources and water ways receiving waste water.D. Lighting Efficiency People intuitively prefer inseparable light to artificial light. Daylight and optimized artificial sack can benefit hospital employees, patients and visitors. With rising energy costs and climate change concerns, using energy efficiency is financially important and expected. (California Energy Commission) In addition, read suggests quantifiable benefits for staff retention, patient healing, and customer satisfaction. Some reasons why lighting efficiency is important is t hat it improves building aesthetics and the facilities overall operational efficiency.Studies show that it can potentially reduce staff error rates, increase staff retention, and help patient recovery. (Health Facilities Management) The use of natural light is becoming very popular in new large facilities. In figure 5 hospitals can have many skylights and windows to get natural light deep into the interior. The artificial lights in Figure 4: Slotten the building could then dim or turn off when there is a able amount of natural light. There are many windows and skylights emitting natural light. Most of these windows face the north, when possible, for the least amount of direct light. Simple, Smart, Sustaining Solutions) Direct sunlight into a building could lead to unwanted heating of the interior. There are also small overhangs outside the vertical windows in order to block direct sunlight as well as reflect sunlight onto the or so angled ceiling. (Going Green in Americas Hospitals) This ceiling then directs the light further into the building. Graham Construction is soon working on sectioning off ceiling lights to put separate sensors and dimmers on them so that they adjust to different levels of natural light. E. Materials EfficiencySelecting sustainable construction materials is an important flavour of building a green hospital. The concept of sustainable building compounds and integrates a variety of strategies during the design, construction and operation of building forcing outs. Green building materials offer specific benefits to the building owner and its occupants. * Reduced maintenance/ substitute costs over the life of the building. * Energy conservation. * alter occupant health and productivity. * Lower costs associated with ever-changing space configurations. * Greater design flexibility. Figure 5: MicrosoftBuilding and construction activities world broad consume 3 meg loads of raw materials each year. (CalRe cycle) Using green building materials and products promotes conservation of dwindling nonrenewable resources internationally. integration green building materials into building projects can help reduce the environmental impact associated with the extraction, transport, processing, fabrication, installation, reuse, recycling, and disposal of these building industry source materials. (CalRecycle) Green building materials are composed of renewable, rather than nonrenewable resources.Green materials are environmentally responsible be make up impacts are considered over the life of the product. Depending upon project specific goals, an mensuratement of green materials may adopt an evaluation of materials. (Simple, Smart, Sustaining Solutions) Resource efficiency can be accomplished by using materials that are of recycled content, natural, plentiful, renewable, resource efficient manufacturing process, locally available, salvaged, refurbished, reusable, and durable. (EPA) Table II â₠¬ Top 10 Energy Saving Design Strategies 8%| Commissioning of building energy systems| 34%| integration of low-energy strategies into building design| 32%| Day lighting| 24%| Load-reduction strategies| 24%| Low-energy design consulting services| 21%| Energy modeling programs| 19%| Use of LEED certifications| 17%| Spectrally selective glazing| 7%| Renewable energy sources| 5%| Use of EPA’s Target Finder to assess the energy performance of the construction process| Source: Slotten F. Heating and Cooling One technique that is still developing is the conservation of clean hot or cold course.The California Academy of Sciences building has vents that spread on the domes to let out hot transport as well as motorized windows to let in cool give vent. (Green Building Services) There is a constant battle between keeping a constant temperature while using the least amount of energy Figure 6: Slotten and keeping the strip fresh. Most home heating and air condition (figure 7) syst ems advertise providing accurate temperature control as well as filtering mold, moisture, dust, and pollen. There is not yet technology that can meet the same standards while using much less energy.Another way to improve heating and cooling of a hospital would be to incorporate refrigeration and air conditioning units. By incorporating these units into a cooling loop, the facility can reduce its amount of water consumption by 3 cardinal gallons per year, which would save over $20,000 in annual water and sewer costs. (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority) II. Environmental Benefits of Building Green The environmental benefits include conservation of natural resources, waste reduction, improvement of air and water quality, and protection of the ecosystem. check to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. buildings are responsible for 39% of derive energy use, 12% of total water consumption, 68% of total electricity consumption and 38% of carbon dioxide emissions. (Going G reen in Americas Hospitals) A. firing off reducing Figure 7: Slotten Pollutants released by fogy fuels contribute to global climate change, thrust air quality issues such as acid rain and smog, and pose risks to human health. Green building techniques like solar powering, daylight, and habitual transport increase energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. Every Alegent Health hospital in Omaha and Council Bluffs has diesel-powered generators.Diesel fuel can be very harmful to your system when emitted into the air. Diesel use up (figure 8) has been found to soften many toxic air contaminants. Exposure to diesel exhaust can cause short-term symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, coughing, tightness of the chest, and pain in the neck of the eyes. Although these generators rarely run they need to be tried and true weekly to ensure they are in fitting working condition. Luckily there are now certain filters for this type of emission, yet many health facilities have n ot adopted the idea. B. Waste Reduction Figure 8: Slotten U. S. ospitals generate approximately 6,600 tons of waste daily and 85 percent of this is non uncivilized waste such as cardboard, food, glass, paper, and plastics that can be recycled. (Simple, Smart, Sustaining Solutions) Hazardous waste disposal is also a major problem in U. S. hospitals. Hazardous waste from hospitals must undergo at least 4 treatment processes before it arrives at the disposal site. A huge portion of solid waste in the United States is from construction and demolition. (Simple, Smart, Sustaining Solutions) Building deconstruction is the dismantling of a building with intention of salvaging and recycling materials. Going Green in Americas Hospitals) This can be used as an alternative to full-scale demolition, which results in a decrease of waste reduction. Several construction sites now have different dumpsters designated for specific materials this was it is easier to recycle the refreshed materials and all scrap materials such as metals, plastic, wood, and standard trash. Green construction can be implemented through choice of building materials as well. want quickly renewable resources to build with decreases the amount of polluting manufacturing and slows the depletion of non-renewable resources.It is also environmentally, economically, and energy efficient to use materials that are close to the building site, decreasing the amount of oil use as well as air pollution. It would in truth be very green, not to mention economically beneficial, to renovate an existing building rather than build a whole new one. This would interrupt the deed of all new materials and save the ecosystem that the building would be destroying. C. Indoor Air Quality Indoor air quality is very important. People in industrialize nations spend about 90%of their time indoors. EPA) The disobedient thing is that most modern buildings can contain substances that are potentially hazardous to out he alth. These range form dust, to major irritants like chemical vapor off-gassing. (Healthy Air) Indoor air quality can be 10 times worse than outdoor air on smoggy days in big cities. (EPA) Many chemicals and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) found as contaminants in buildins are known to cause wayward effects on human health. (Simple, Smart, Sustaining Solutions) Though molds can cause allergic reactions, they can also cause chronic illness in humans.This affects not only the patients in a hospital but the employees. There is also a illness called â€Å"sick Building syndrome,” which is linked to low-down indoor air quality and has even be make do an issue where lawsuits have been ensued. (Healthy Air) For over a decade product manufacturers in the building industry have been introducing products that reduce formaldehyde, VOC’s and other potential harmful chemicals. There is a wide range of products available that replace existing adhesives, flooring, paints and other finishes that are much healthier.Indoor air quality can be improved by using different types of materials that are non-toxic. These are materials that emit few or no carcinogens, or irritants. Fresh air is also a critical component to optimal health. public exposure provides control over ventilation rates and helps prevent mold. III. Social Benefits A. Improved Health Studies have shown that poor indoor environmental quality from insufficient air circulation, poor lighting, varying temperatures, and toxic paints contribute to respiratory problems, headaches, and allergies.Green building emphasizes ventilation and non-toxic materials that create healthier and more comfortable living environments. B. Healthier Lifestyle Figure 9: Slotten A key element of sustainable design is the preservation of natural environments, which afford a variety of recreation and exercise opportunities. (Bloomington) Green buildings also seek to facilitate alternatives to driving, such as ride a nd public transport, which eases local traffic while encouraging personal health and fitness.Having bicycle racks outside of health facilities, as well as and other building, will benefit from LEED credits among many others. This will encourage more employees and occupants to ride bicycles to and from the hospital. IV. LEED Certification A. What Does LEED Stand For LEED stands for leadership in energy and environmental design. LEED measures sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, locations and linkages, awareness and education, concept and design, and regional priority. (U.S. Green Building Council) There are currently many forms of accreditation existent straight off that encourage green construction, and that is what most of them do they encourage green construction, as opposed to mandating it. The largest one of these is the LEED certification. B. History of LEED Figure 10: Microsoft Afte r the first five years of LEED macrocosm launched, more than 2,700 buildings and projects registered for certification. (LEED Certification) 400 buildings have effected certification. This process usually takes 3+ years from the time of registration. LEED Certification) The number of certifications that are completed is expected to rise quickly as more projects complete construction. C. How to croak LEED Certified LEED points are awarded on a one hundred point scales to reflect their environmental impacts. Buildings quest LEED rating are subject to the cost of the certification process. Projects must be registered with the US Green Building Council. This costs $450 for members. (U. S. Green Building Council) Many buildings today are striving to gain one of the few categories of LEED Certification.Seventy percent of new LEED Certified buildings fall under the new construction or major renovations category. A LEED certification is widely respected, creating an encouragement and acceleration of the bankers acceptance of green building techniques. Federal and state public buildings encourage LEED projects. D. LEED Credentials The credentials of a LEED Certification for a new building are ground off of six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process. LEED is even used as a standard in mandatory ordinances.Boston was the first major city to designate the use of green engineering in buildings. scratch line in early 2007, any new building with over 50,000 square feet and any existing building over 100,000 square feet that is being renovated must obtain, at least, the minimum LEED Certification. (U. S. Green Building Council) Although the LEED Certification series backed by the US Green Building Council is by far the most recognized and used form of accreditation, there are others. Labs21 is an accreditation that is specifically f or labs and high performance facilities. It is sponsored by the U. S.Environmental Protection Agency and the U. S. part of Energy. (U. S. Department of Energy) Energy Star is another program sponsored by these two government agencies, although Energy Star is more involved with advertising energy efficient products and practices. Although they vary in specific tasks, all of these organizations get by the same challenging goal of making technologies more energy efficient and eco-friendly while still being cost efficient. E. LEED Levels of Certification With each variety of certification, there come different levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. LEED Certification) Any of the levels of certification would gain the accredited building acknowledgment as well as the obvious environmental and economic benefits. LEED is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted bench mark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. (U. S. Green Building Council) F. Who Uses LEED The people that use LEED are professionals that include architects, interior designers, engineers, construction managers, and federal agencies. determination Green building has already proved to be successful in many large buildings.Green building in healthcare facilities is rapidly growing in both popularity and importance. There are many businesses that are taking advantage of this change, while at the same time encouraging more change. There are all sorts of companies selling green products, taking part in environmental activities, and encouraging in every way possible for consumers to go green. There is no doubt that a change must come quickly to halt a disaster that is objurgate our planet. People may have to alter their lifestyles in order to reverse the damage that has been done, and putting it off until tomorrow is not an option.In addition to saving the environment, the growing intelligence of green engineering and buildi ng construction will help consumers save money by reducing their energy consumption. As soon as new technologies are created, there is a constant evolution of that technology until it is perfected, making it affordable and drug user friendly. If people harness these advances as they unfold and are proven sustainable, then they will be taking the road that leads back to a healthy sluttish earth as well as money in their wallet.\r\n'