Green buildings and applications in Sri Lanka

Human-induced accelerated global warming, leading to climate change and its adverse effects on almost every life on Earth is a topic gaining attention at present. Even though not often mentioned among the top contributors, the construction industry and the rapidly increasing number of buildings have also been major contributors to this growing menace. Scientists and architects looking for solutions to this problem, and have come up with some sustainable concepts in the construction field.

Through this article, you will get to know the following,

• Concept of green building
• Green Management
• Bioclimatic architecture
• Green Building practices in Sri Lanka

Introduction

The Green building concept is a whole-systems approach to creating buildings that conserve energy, water, and material resources and make them healthier, safe with less wastage, and comfortable systems. As a result, it creates positive impacts on climate change as well as human lives.

Achieving a zero-carbon built environment means no carbon emissions are released from a product or service and requires practices such as energy management, water and material management, Bio-climatic architecture concept and sustainable practices.

Energy Management

In green buildings, getting creative with Building Energy Management is more important and affects the building’s overall carbon footprint. Innovative and cutting-edge technology like the Internet of Things (IoT) is better for minimising impacts by helping identify and reduce waste and increase efficiency while improving security. IoT technology uses Internet-connected devices such as smart sensors, locks, speakers, thermostats, or smoke detectors that share data with a central system that collects and uses it to highlight issues. Then, the owners can operate without human interference, using artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize efficiency in green buildings. Less wastage and minimal human involvement save more energy and reduce fossil fuel-burning electricity usage by installing more efficient lighting. Solar-powered lights or LED light bulbs help increase energy efficiency in green buildings. Solar is the most common and easily applied renewable energy source on building sites. Panels are commonly placed on roofs and should be angled to best receive the sun. On the other hand, it gives shine and beauty to the building. One of  Research gate’s recent studies shows that 40-50% energy saving is possible within green buildings in India. When considering the environmental conditions, India has become the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases; hence the

Bio-climatic Architecture – Structure design efficiency

Scientists and researchers have worked together for around half a century to improve green building design and construction-related technologies around the globe. Bio-climatic Architecture is a simple theory of the designing of buildings depending on various factors such as the Micro-climate, Macro-climate, Location of the Site, Topography of the site, and Natural elements present on the site. Conclusions from the study of climatic factors would influence the design factors such as the orientation of the Building, Form of the Building, and Size of the Openings. LEED is a familiar word in green building; it acts; as a framework for the decision-making process of projects. This helps reward best practices, innovate and recognize exemplary building projects with different levels of LEED certification. More can be read here, Archived.

Water management with SDGs

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) states, “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. However, water conservation and water efficiency do not indicate the same meaning. “Water conservation is focused on reducing water usage and avoiding wastage; water efficiency involves technology practices aimed at living with less water availability.” When considering some water-saving strategies in green buildings, installing high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, fixing sub-meters to monitor individual water usage and managing it are used. More can be read here, Archived.  

Another significant thing is to use non-potable water wherever possible. We don’t need fresh water for everything. Toilets, cleaning and gardening, can be done with recycled water. Gray water is the wastewater from sinks, showers, baths, washing machines and kitchen appliances that can be recycled and used. Additionally, we can harvest rainwater and use it for domestic uses.

Read our article “The Steps towards Climate Resilient Water Management Systems” to know how climate change affects water utilities, sustainable development goals to secure water and more insights about water management.

Green building material handling  

According to research by Roodman and Lenssen, “Building and construction activities worldwide consume 3 billion tons of raw materials each year. This results in building material exploitation and the risk of running out in the near future. In contrast, green building materials are composed of renewable resources. Wood, bamboo, natural fibre floor, straw bale, clay, and fibre cement are some of them. It fits due to reduced maintenance/replacement costs, conservation of energy, and improved health and productivity. More can be read here, Archived.

Currently, many businesses and cooperates strive to be eco-responsible. As a way of climate change mitigation, green interior designs are considered green practices. It reduces harmful emissions and the waste of resources, allows temperature control through passive design reduces the risk of fluorocarbon emissions. Fluorocarbons typically deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.  

Plants and green spaces as a sustainable solution in green building

Architecture 2030, IEA research in 2022 states that the built environment generates 40% of annual global CO₂ emissions. Building owners tend to keep vegetation in the walls and roofs of buildings. These plants help moderate temperatures in hot spaces. Planting trees help absorb carbon dioxide and clean the air.

Acid rains, heavy rains, and strong sunlight negatively impacting roofs are quite common in many parts of the world. Plants grown on rooftops can minimize this problem by cooling the surface. Plants also reduce energy usage and extend roof life. Additionally, providing fresh vegetables for building occupants leads to every individual coming up with healthy foods, and this also leads to spiritual healing for the city dwellers.

Green building practices in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry widely uses the “Green hotels” concept. Green best practices significantly reduce environmental impacts through proper maintenance, services, logistics, products, and supplies. They mostly use the 3R concept. Which are Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, and hotels can save a good deal by going green. Within their journey, the eco-footprint, carbon footprint and water footprint are taken into consideration. The Rainforest eco-lodge, Heritance Kandalama, Uga Escapes, Theme Resort and Spas are one of the pioneer eco-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka. Mr Rishard Preena, head of sustainability operations at Aitken Spence hotels, including Heritance Kandalama, talked about their future goals. “Our plans focus on resilience and adaptation, as all businesses must evolve. We as a company believe in action before words.” He added.

Climate change is causing severe damage to all living organisms. Apart from the tourism industry, the Apparel sector is also a leading greenhouse gas emitting party. Moreover, universities and the government sector also use green buildings to reduce their emissions.

Read our article about Climate Change and environment-inspired fashion design to understand sustainable fashion techniques, here.

The Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL) is a leading authority in implementing green concepts and building practices. Their practices include a green rating system for the built environment and a green labelling system for minimizing the adverse effects on the environment during the life cycle of product manufacturing. More can be read here, Archived.

GBCSL’s goals include encouraging suppliers to produce environmentally sound products/materials and keep health and safety standards while making more environmentally friendly decisions in the country.   

In a nutshell

A green building concept is a whole-systems approach to creating buildings that conserve energy, water, and material resources and make healthier, waste-free, comfortable spaces which lead to mitigating climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions, toxic and waste production, and increasingly warm conditions are the main drivers of climate change through built environments. Green buildings are replaced with solutions such as energy management, water and material management, Bio-climatic architecture concepts and sustainable practices. Climate resilience strategies are also encouraged in green buildings. Many sectors in Sri Lanka are moving towards green building and the government positively encourages the concept.