“PROBABLE HIDDEN RISKS OF A

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING”
CHAPTER 1: THE PROBLEM AND ITS
BACKGROUND

 Introduction

A green building is one which uses less water, improves

energy efficiency, conserves water resources, generates

less waste and provides healthier space for the occupants

as compared to typical buildings.

It is the one that is designed to reduce or eradicate

the impact on human health and the natural environment.

This is accomplished by incorporating materials and

operational elements that are environmentally responsible

and the resource efficient throughout the life cycle of

the building.

The life cycle of a green building is defined as the

life expectancy of any components that compensate for the

structure and impact on the operation of the previous

structure that was established over the period of time.

The life cycle of a green building is an aspect that is

also a representation that needs more attention more

attention as it has an even broader impact to the

community. Life cycle also consists the overall impact to

the society in terms of ecologically friendly building and

any associated environmental contributions that may be

made.
 An important aspect of a green structure is its

“Carbon Footprint.” A carbon footprint is the amount of

green-house gases primarily carbon dioxide-released into

the atmosphere by a human activity. A carbon footprint can

be a broad measure or be applied to the actions of an

individual, a family, an event, an organization, or even

an entire nation. The carbon footprint also includes the

energy used in the operation of a building such as

heating, cooling, and lights as well as other aspects. The

use of carbon foot printing is new to the building

industry and has only recently started to be used as part

of the design and operational efficiency.

 Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this research is to complete an analysis

of the elements of a green buildings or structures. This

is also known as ecological, green buildings which

represent friendly structures that significantly reduce

their impact on the environment. This topic becomes more

relevant as the cost for energy and natural resources

continue to increase. However, if there are advantages

there is also disadvantages on this type of buildings. We

might think that this building is regionally correct or

even lower-risk buildings.

1. Do the materials can tolerate the constant dampness of

the surface for getting molds or even algae?

2. What will be the benefits that will get by wellbeing of

people who work in green offices or live in green homes?

3. This building may only build in places surrounded by

many trees because it has no powerful air-condition

units that can maintain the temperature inside.

 Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

In order to achieve a sustainable future in the

building industry, Asif et al. [38] suggest adoption

of multi-disciplinary approach covering several

features such as: energy saving, improved use of

materials, material waste minimization, pollution and

emissions control etc. There are many ways in which

the current nature of building activity can be

controlled and improved to make it less

environmentally damaging, without reducing the useful

output of building activities. To create a

competitive advantage using environment-friendly

construction practices, the whole life cycle of

buildings should, therefore, be the context under

which these practices are carried out. A review of

literature has identified three general objectives

which should shape the framework for implementing

sustainable building design and construction while

keeping in mind the principles of sustainability

issues (social, environmental and economic)

identified previously. These objectives are:

 1. Resource conservation

2. Cost efficiency and

3. Design for Human adaptation

 Hypotheses

1. Providing good moisture control in the design of a

building is largely the responsibility of the design

team. Third parties that provide construction

management or commissioning services may play critical

roles in the design and implementation of moisture

controls. A construction management service may

participate in the management of the project at

varying levels from inception, design and construction

to turnover and occupancy. The goal of construction

management ordinarily is to manage the schedule, cost

and quality to the owner’s satisfaction, but if a

construction manager is part of the design team, it is

crucial that the manager take on responsibility for

 implementing the team’s moisture control objectives.

It can reduce or eliminate the moist in the surface

by means of effective waterproofing method.

2. Workers in green, well-ventilated offices record a 101

per cent increase in cognitive scores (brain function)

(Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health / Syracuse

University Center of Excellence / SUNY Upstate Medical

School, 2015.)

Employees in offices with windows slept an average of

46 minutes more per night

(American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2013.)

Research suggests that better indoor air quality (low

concentrations of CO2 and pollutants, and high

ventilation rates) can lead to improvements in

performance of up to 8 percent

(Park and Yoon, 2011.)

3. These buildings depend on sun for energy, they need to

be in position that will have the best sun exposure

which may demand placing them opposite to other

neighborhood homes. They might be in urban areas where

sun exposure, maybe in between of low-rise buildings.

And these sustainable buildings can help to ease

global warming.
  Significance of the Study
The researcher’s purpose for this study focuses on the

following benefits:

To the Community, this study will serve as additional

knowledge about the sustainable buildings on how it lessens

the consume of non-renewable energy and maximize the use of

renewable energy.

To Future Researchers, this study will provide

additional and broader information about sustainable

buildings or green building that can contribute in the field

of engineering and promote for further development and

continuous improvement in the field of science and

technology.

To the Engineers and Architects, this study may lead

to the development of economical design of this building or

structure through intensive planning.

To the Students, this may serve as a basis to conduct

further studies regarding different designs and innovation

of sustainable building.

 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study is about green buildings that can have a

better highlight in the future. These buildings may have a

“risk” that can have a better solution to reduce or

eliminate. Green buildings or sustainable building can

help to the people who are occupying it, and in advance

designs of this building, the people can be safe in the

“risks” that these types of buildings come up with.

With increasing urbanization, people are constantly

migrating to the cities. This is leading to congestion, in

terms of space and resources. Thus, more and more houses

are built and are planned to be constructed to accommodate

the increasing population. The construction sites near the

residential areas cause pollution of different kinds that

affect the inhabitants. These pollutants can interfere

with the natural composition of the air, water, and soil,

by introducing toxic elements. This could lead to

hazardous health issues for the construction workers.

To reduce the global warming effects and the increasing

levels of pollutants from the construction of houses,

dams, flyovers, and streets we need eco-friendly

construction methods. Sustainable construction aims to

highlight the use of recycled, eco-friendly products and

renewable sources of energy for construction purposes.

Sustainable methods include the elements of construction

such as designing structures, raw materials, construction

technology, resource efficiency, technology, environmental

sustainability, work conditions for the workers,

architectural placement on the plan of the city, landscape

viability, safety from natural disasters, functional use,

and society’s functional fabric.

  Definition of Key Terms
Sustainable - able to be maintained at a certain rate or

level

Carbon Footprint - amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions

associated with all the activities of a person or other

entity (e.g., building, corporation, country, etc.). It

includes direct emissions, such as those that result

from fossil-fuel combustion in manufacturing, heating,

and transportation, as well as emissions required to

produce the electricity associated with goods and services

consumed. In addition, the carbon footprint concept also

often includes the emissions of other greenhouse gases,

such as methane, nitrous oxide,

or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Dampness - the state or condition of being slightly wet.

Emissions - the production and discharge of something,

especially gas radiation.

Resource conservation - ethical use and protection of

valuable resources, such as trees, minerals, wildlife,

water and others. It focuses on maintaining the natural

world in order to protect the sources of resources.

Cost efficiency - producing good results without costing

a lot of money.

Waterproofing - This is the treatment or protective

measure that makes a substrate water-resistant or prevents

it from the unwanted penetration of liquids under

hydrostatic pressure and other external forces like

capillarity. It is a process that ensures a seamless

system is established through the application of elastic

and durable membranes. It is a technique used in the

construction and design industries to curb the effect of

environment liquid penetration into systems. Waterproofing

preserves the strength and the durability of concrete

surfaces in a building.

 General Organization and Coverage of the

Study