Is it easy to build green buildings?
Previously, I have talked about Green building systems, Green building revolution and some strategies to achieve low carbon emitting buildings, net zero buildings. The firms that execute most of the examples we see today in the architectural industry have a large set of resources and large offices. Is it only because of the high cost of the projects? What are the potential barriers that prevent a large number of sustainable buildings?
Clients & organizations
Often the clients are not willing to spend a fortune on a project if they don’t estimate a high return or don't have enough capital investments. Some organizations sort after green building certifications, but their aim is not always to have a successful green solution.
Often the clients are not willing to spend a fortune on a project if they don’t estimate a high return or don't have enough capital investments. Some organizations sort after green building certifications, but their aim is not always to have a successful green solution.
Design & design team of green buildings
Designing green buildings, net-zero buildings take up a lot of resources, other than the high budget of a project. It requires designers with knowledge, certifications, and experience in energy modeling. The need for expertise may result in adding on to the collaborations and increased negotiations on the project. It eventually increases the timeline of the project.
Designing green buildings, net-zero buildings take up a lot of resources, other than the high budget of a project. It requires designers with knowledge, certifications, and experience in energy modeling. The need for expertise may result in adding on to the collaborations and increased negotiations on the project. It eventually increases the timeline of the project.
Green thinking at a later stage of a project
A lot of times, the realization of making a project, a sustainable design solution are introduced at a stage where the possibility of options gets limited. Design compromises, changing materials, changing any aspect shifts the completion date and budget of the project.
A lot of times, the realization of making a project, a sustainable design solution are introduced at a stage where the possibility of options gets limited. Design compromises, changing materials, changing any aspect shifts the completion date and budget of the project.
Materials, availability, cost
Building materials consist of chemicals, that are harmful to the environment. Some commonly used consists of high quantities, that affect the carbon footprint of the designed space. The better alternatives might not be easily available in the site, or have a high cost, or go with the aesthetics. It can lead to conflict with interior designers and clients want of a specific look and feel of the building.
Building materials consist of chemicals, that are harmful to the environment. Some commonly used consists of high quantities, that affect the carbon footprint of the designed space. The better alternatives might not be easily available in the site, or have a high cost, or go with the aesthetics. It can lead to conflict with interior designers and clients want of a specific look and feel of the building.
End User / Predicted behavior patterns
Assuming that all the other barriers are achievable for a project, after the go-live or inauguration of the building, there is a chance for the building to have a high energy footprint. This depends upon the end user, and the alterations they might make to space. Also, the use of the space is sometimes predicted as A, and it might change over time, resulting in a less efficient solution. Hence, predicting user behavior, accounting for multiple scenarios need to be done for the calculation of the overall project.
Assuming that all the other barriers are achievable for a project, after the go-live or inauguration of the building, there is a chance for the building to have a high energy footprint. This depends upon the end user, and the alterations they might make to space. Also, the use of the space is sometimes predicted as A, and it might change over time, resulting in a less efficient solution. Hence, predicting user behavior, accounting for multiple scenarios need to be done for the calculation of the overall project.
Overall, the cost is a common thread and biggest barrier, is the main reason which is depended on various factors, which diminishes the chance of achieving a multitude of sustainable solutions.