CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTIONBACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Individuals and companies have only been building green homes for the past thirty years;still,
within that time, the green movement has been constantly growing. The history ofgreen
buildingdates back much further than the 1970's, it was in the midst of theindustrial revolution
that Henri Becquerel first witnessed the transformation of solarenergy into electrical energy,
known as photovoltaic power. Around this time, the late1800's to early 1900's, a number of solar
power plants were built to utilize the sun'senergy for steam power. Then, in the 1950's, solar
energy was used on an extremelysmall-scale, making way for the solar panel solution twenty
years later.During the energy crisis of the 1970's, green building moved from research
anddevelopment to reality. Builders and designers were looking for a way to reduce thereliance
of buildings and homes on fossil fuels. Solar panels were used to make moreenvironmentally
friendly homes, although only in small numbers due to high initial costs.Since then, developers
have been able to construct more efficient and less expensive solar panels, making solar energy
more of a reality. Also, during this transition period,designers and consumers started wondering,
if solar panels can make buildings moreefficient, lower energy bills, and reduce the negative
impact on the environment, whatother steps can be taken to build even greener homes?

The concept of Green Building has been around since the time homes were first being built; this
use of conserving material and resources has been a focus in home building formany years. Also
building homes to hold heat in and cold out or the reverse has beenalways improving. But of
course the different approaches used today are much differentthan the approa
ches used a hundred years ago. Today’s society wants the modern
technology and modern amenities, opposed to what the homes of the past could provide.So the
blend of the older, more conservative methods and the use of modern technology,advanced
products a
nd advanced building techniques is the focus of today’s Green
building.The goal of creating a well-build green home is to end with a structurally
sound, energyefficient, best air quality, more sustainable, water wise, inhabitant- healthy
and practicalhome, with low impact to the environment.Home construction inevitably impacts
the environment and finding ways to reduce thisimpact is very important.Well-designed
buildings are sustainable, practical and affordable; they help create placeswhere people want to
live, work and enjoy life. Improving design and sustainability in
building helps to reduce the impact on the planet’s resources, reducing waste and carbon
emissions.The essence of sustainable design is to preserve the environment with long-term
cost benefits. For example, extra expenditure on energy efficiency will in long term save
therunning costs of electricity. People nowadays were concerned on how to protect
theenvironment.

This study therefore aims to provide evidence of how green projects are moving into the
mainstream of the world’s construction industry.
With this movement, sustainableconstruction is developed to the comprehensive construction
cycle, from the extractionand processing of raw materials through the planning, design, and
construction of buildings and infrastructure to their final deconstruction and waste management.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This study deals with the environmental impact and awareness of sustainable
buildingconstruction. More specifically, it tries to answer the following questions:1. What are the
environmental implications of the project?2. What are the limitations in building
green construction?3. What are the strategies for achieving sustainable construction?4. In
what ways can green construction be a help to the environment?5. How to consider material and
maintenance cost?

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This research paper is concerned with two key aspects of sustainable construction:
1)sustainability principles of design, building materials, and the lifecycle of the building;and 2)
construction management, with a focus on the principles and practices that seek to minimize,
through environmental protection, the impact of the construction process on people and
communities.Specific learning objectives for this research paper are as follows:1. Describe the
key principles of environmentally sustainable building design to protect people and
communities.2. To study what is green construction.3. To be able to identify the advantages of
having a green building and its impact to thenature.

HYPOTHESIS
The Green Construction has lot of environmental impacts. Green building bringstogether a vast
array of practices, techniques, and skills to reduce and ultimatelyeliminate the impacts of
buildings on the environment. It often emphasizes takingadvantage of renewable
resources. These discussions lead to related hypotheses for the green construction process:1.

In the long run sustainable buildings pay off. They are future oriented. This meansthey are built
to last.2.

Sustainable buildings are better for the environment and healthier to live in.3.

Sustainable buildings are money savers. The daylight in these buildings if often ofmuch better
quality and offset winter blues.4.

Environmental architecture can be personalized to fit your own needs. They aren’t
mass produced. This can be a stepping stone in the journey we call life.
5.Sustainable homes are more in tune with nature and human beings. They help tocentre us. They
go wi
th the flow of things. They don’t impose on their surroundings.
They try to blend in and work with them. They are comfortable to live in.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
As the basis for a conceptual framework, this study will employ a theory that previously has
shown promise in understanding aspects of the environmental impacts ofGreen Construction.
The basic model that will be tested in this study is presented (below)in diagrammatic form. It
essentially examines the following relationship amongvariables: an independent variable which
is the effect of Green Construction and thedependent variable, the environment.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

The scope of our study is the impact of Green Construction specifically to theenvironment. The
study will include sustainability principles of design, buildingmaterials, and the lifecycle of the
building; and construction management, with a focuson the principles and practices that seek
to minimize, through environmental protection,the impact of the construction process on people
and communities.The study does not cover the architectural aspects and cost analysis of the
construction.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Construction
: Construction in this study is broadly defined as the process or mechanismfor the realization of
human settlements and the creation of infrastructure that supportsdevelopment. This includes the
extraction and processing of raw materials, themanufacturing of construction materials and
components, the construction project cyclefrom feasibility to deconstruction, and the
management and operation of the builtenvironment.
Green Construction
: Green construction is planning and managing a construction project in accordance with the
building design in order to minimize the impact of theconstruction process on the environment.
This includes 1) improving the efficiency of theconstruction process; 2) conserving energy,
water, and other resources duringconstruction; and 3) minimizing the
amount of construction waste. A “green building” is
one that provides the specific building performance requirements while minimizing
disturbance to and improving the functioning of local, regional, and global ecosystems
both during and after the structure’s construction and
specified service life. Source:
Glavinich, Thomas E. 2008. Contractor’s Guide to Green Building Construction:
Management, Project Delivery, Documentation, and Risk Reduction. Hoboken, NewJersey: John
Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Sustainable development
: Development that meets the needs of the present withoutcompromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. Source: WorldCommission on Environment and
Development. 1987. Report of the World Commissionon Environment and Development: Our
Common Future. Document A/42/427. www.un-documents.net (Accessed June 22, 2010)
Impact:
Any effect caused by a proposed activity on the environment, including effectson human health
and safety, flora, fauna, soil, air, water, climate, landscape and historicalmonuments, or other
physical structures, or the interaction among those factors. It alsoincludes effects on cultural
heritage or socioeconomic conditions resulting fromalterations to those factors. Source: United
Nations Economic Commission for Europe.1991. The Convention on Environmental Impact
Assessment in a Trans boundaryContext. www.unece.org (Accessed June 22, 2010)
Environment:
The word "environment" is most commonly used describing "natural"environment and means the
sum of all living and non-living things that surround anorganism, or group of organisms.
Environment includes all elements, factors, andconditions that have some impact on growth and
development of certain organism.Environment includes both biotic and abiotic factors that have
influence on observedorganism. Abiotic factors such as light, temperature, water, atmospheric
gases combine with biotic factors (all surrounding living species). Environment often changes
after sometime and therefore many organisms have ability to adapt to these changes.
Howevertolerance range is not the same with all species and exposure to environmental
conditionsat the limit of an certain organism's tolerance range represents environmental

stress.http://ecological-problems.blogspot.com/2008/08/environment

meaning.html
- definition-and

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This part of the study discusses about the importance of Green Construction not just to the
environment but also to the people and communities. This study will be helpfulto the technical
persons specifically to the engineers who will be the ones to design andlead the construction.
Also, to the people of the next generation who in one way andanother are the ones to continue
the change in having a healthy and productiveenvironment. More significantly, this study will
greatly help preserve the environmentand maintain its biodiversity despite the fact that the
technology is arising.
CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Construction is the assembling of components or materials together in order to make astructure
for a particular purpose
–
such as providing shelter for inhabitants for residentialor commercial use. Buildings and
infrastructure cover the majority of the land in densely
inhabited areas and construction can thus be seen as the process responsible for this
‘builtenvironment.’
The importance of designand construction in the greater movement towards
sustainability cannot be underestimated. A large proportion of a country’s energy use is
dedicated to the construction and operation of buildings, with it contributing in excess of45
percent of total usage in most developed countries. In addition, an average of 26 percent of
landfill waste is derived from waste generated from building production.Land resources and the
environment are affected by all forms of construction activities.The environment is impacted
directly, with regard to the actual tract of land affected andthe immediately surrounding area.
Moreover, there are various indirect impacts whichresult from construction activities with wide
ranging ecological, social and economicoutcomes. These consequences have traditionally been
negative, with land resourcesdestroyed in the aspiration of development of buildings
and infrastructure. Therefore, it isclear that issues relating to the environment and natural

resources are irrefutably linked toconstruction processes.

http://www.greenfan.co.za/environmentalimpactconstruct.htmlAccording to Charles Kibert

(2005) the meaning of Green Construction

is to manageenergy consumption and construction to have least impact on the

environment. Ideally

one could aim for the net gain, meaning that by the use of the conservation designs andtactics
one could actually contribute positively to the environment. Using the spacewisely is one of the
keys, for instance roof planting and rainwater capture along with thesolar panels and natural
ventilation and cooling designs like use of the local materials andthe implementation of the open
living areas and white water strategies that can contribute positively to the environment.
Conservation can take place in the natural shade, planningstages, prevailing winds, and the
seasonal position of the sun that should be taken intoaccount. Using local materials and local
labor that can easily replenish is also part ofconservation and contributes to the well-being of the
community where you have chosento make your home and buildings.
Figure 2: Think globally but act locally
Globally, the construction is arguably one of the most environmentally damagingindustries in the
whole world. The construction accounts for the 40% of the total flow ofraw materials into the
global economy annually. The type of materials that are availablelocally will of course vary
depending upon the conditions in the area of the building site.
In many areas the indigenous stone is available from the local region such as marble,limestone,
granite, and sandstone. It may be cut in quarries or removed from the surfaceof the ground.
Ideally the stone from the building site can be utilized depending on thetype of the stone that
can be used for facing block, pavers, crushed stone and structural block. The use of the locally

and indigenous materials has several advantages on terms ofthe sustainability of the country.

One of its advantages is the support of the local businesses and resource bases. Another

advantage is the reduction of energy costs relatedto transportation and reduction of the
material costs because of the reduced transportationcosts. (www.marvistacr.com)Maybe Kermit
the Frogwas wrong: It could be easy being green -- at least when it comesto buildings."Green
building" and "sustainable development" are the hottest terms in constructionright now, but
what do they mean, exactly? According to the Environmental ProtectionAgencyWeb site, green
building is "the practice of creating healthier and more resource-efficient models of
construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition".Proponents say that green
building is not only environmentally friendly, but also healthierand more cost-efficient. So what
is sustainable development? The United NationsEnvironment Program defines it as
development that ensures our use of resources and theenvironment but doesn't restrict their
use by future generations.For corporations, schools and hospitals, "green building" can entail
anything from usingwaterless urinals to creating electricity. But homeowners who'd like to go
green oftendon't have the big bucks that businesses do. There's a lot to consider, and the costs
can make quite a difference in a home's budget. Homeowners can save cash by installing
newenergy-efficient light bulbs, but how "green" is it and how much "green" can it save?

Andwho says what's green and what isn't?There are plenty of green innovations beyond the

home. Schools, businesses andhospitals are getting in on the green, which makes sense
ecologically and economically.By improving air quality and temperature control

and designing offices to increasenatural light and open spaces, they get the bonus of happier,
more productive workers.Corporate headquarters are also likely to go green because of the
"environmental haloeffect" -- when consumers choose a company because it's environmentally
friendly.Home construction materials and building techniques have changed in the past
severaldecades to become more energy efficient. Many new innovations are less harmful to
ourenvironment as well.By considering your building choices, you can easily increase the
comfort, safety, andefficiency of your home without putting undue stress on our natural
resources. By makingyour home "greener," you help to minimize pollution, protect the natural
environment,and create a healthy, comfortable, non-hazardous home for you and your
family.Think green before you begin any construction project. By considering these
points, youcan choose the most appropriate building materials and construction techniques.

Make sure your project is appropriate for where you live.

Face it - certain materials and methods are better suited for specific geographicallocations.
Thick adobe walls with heavy thermal mass, for example, will help to modifythe drastic changes
in temperature that take place in the arid Southwest. That style ofarchitecture suits desert
climates well. The same massive style of construction would beill advised in the humid heat of
southern Florida, however. There, lightweightconstruction designs and screened-in porches that
let in cooling breezes are moreappropriate.Likewise, a wall of glass might seem like a wonderful
design choice for your new house.But before you have those new windows installed, make sure
to consider the physicalorientation of your house. If those large windows face south and aren't
properly shaded by an overhang, you may discover your home becomes unbearably hot
and difficult to aircondition in the summer.A building plan - and the materials used in that
building - needs to be appropriate to thesite.
Where possible, build with materials that contain recycled content.
As more people learn to recycle, more and more construction products are being madefrom
recycled materials. Reusing materials instead of dumping them in landfills savesvaluable
resources; by actively looking for and buying products with recycled content,you encourage the
recycling industry.

Manufacturers can find recycled material in three ways:


Post-consumer material comes from households or facilities that no longer want itfor its intended
purpose. Examples can range from the glass bottles you recycle athome to old bricks and steel
reclaimed from a building being demolished downthe street.


Waste material from industrial processes can be recovered and used in otherways. Fly ash, for
example, is the material that remains after coal is burned incoal-fired power plants. It usually is
disposed of in landfills. Mixed in with otheringredients like sand and gravel however, leftover fly
ash can replace up to 35 percent of the Portland cement needed to make concrete. What qualifies
as wastein one industry might be put to valuable use in another.


Internally recycled material comes from scraps leftover in a company'smanufacturing process. It

includes substandard products that are scraped andremade after being rejected by the company's
quality control division.Manufacturers today process small, leftover pieces of wood - material
that at onetime would have been discarded or burned - to create particleboard and othervaluable
manufactured wood products.Many building materials are available in recycled form:

Metals
- Steel and aluminum building elements are highly recyclable. Between 50 to 70 percent of the
energy and pollution caused by steel production can be avoided byrecycling steel. Remelting
aluminum avoids up to 85 percent of the energy and pollutionof aluminum manufacturing.

Heavy timber
- Salvaged and resawed, heavy timber can be recycled.
Plastics
- Although most plastics are recyclable, the process is often difficult toaccomplish. Different
types of plastic must be separated, an expensive and labor-intensive task. Plastic recycling is not
yet a viable option for building materials, sincethey are usually combined with additives,
coatings, and colorants. Companies areworking to solve the problem, however, and more plastic
may be reused in the future.
Glass
- Remelting glass offers few energy and pollution savings. As a result, littlerecycling of glass
building products occurs.
Masonry products and ceramics
- Recycling concrete, clay, and other similar materialsis difficult, but it can be done. Masonry
products are often crushed and then reused forgranular fill in roads and sidewalks.As you
consider the building materials to choose for any construction project, askyourself these
questions:
Can I build with salvaged materials?
Products such as doors, cabinets, glass, and metal can be salvaged and reused. You cancut your
costs significantly by using salvaged materials, and their quality is high.
Are my construction materials available from local sources?
Where possible, try to use local materials. That way you avoid excess transportation
andenvironmental costs.
Am I using materials from renewable sources?
Renewable materials include wood, wool, plant fibers, and other resources that can bereplaced
within a few decades or less. Sustainable wood products are becoming morereadily available.
Have I considered the long-term costs of my materials? Will my maintenance costsbe high?
Even though a building product may initially cost more, it may be the least expensivealternative
in the long run. Some materials, for example, need to be replaced regularlyover time, while
others are long lasting and maintenance-free. Paint that is twice asexpensive but lasts four times
as long may be a better buy in the long run. Make sure thatyou consider the life-cycle costs of
your materials.

www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/construction/gogreen.html
Environmental Benefits

Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems



Improve air and water quality



Reduce waste streams



Conserve and restore natural resources

Economic Benefits

Reduce operating costs



Create, expand, and shape markets for green product and services


Improve occupant productivity



Optimize life-cycle economic performance

Social Benefits

Enhance occupant comfort and health



Heighten aesthetic qualities



Minimize strain on local infrastructure



Improve overall quality of life

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
The methods applied on this study were Documentation or Descriptive Analysisdata-gathering
approach, reading books, technical reports, and internet surfing. These
will be used to identify and a mass relative information about the topic. The diagram belowexplai
ns the methods we used in order to complete the study.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Glavinich, T.E. (2008).
Contractor’s Guide to Green Building Construction.
New Jersey:John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Kibert, C. (March 2005)

Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Deliver.

Hoboken, N.J. : John Wiley & Sons, ©2012Connors, T. (2012).
Ultimate Guide to Green Building
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from http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/green- building.html

Feller, S. (2009).
What is Green Building and What is Its Purpose?.

Copyright © 2012Knoji.com . from .http://green-building.knoji.com/what-is-green-building-

what- is-its-purpose/.html.Green building (2012). Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia. last modified
on 2 October 2012at 11:13.,
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_building.htmlGreen Construction. Fromhttp://
marvistacr.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=50Greenfan
(2009).http://www.greenfan.co.za/environmentalimpactconstruct.htmlStone,B. (2011).
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. Updated last 2 May 2011
fromhttp://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/51601.aspx

THINK "GREEN"! (2006), California Energy Commission. Copyright © 2006-

2012.from http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/construction/gogreen.htmlUnited States
EPA, Why Build Green?," accessed September 17, 2008.
fromhttp://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/pubs/whybuild.htmlUrban Catalyst Associate Building
(June 2005) .
Green for the Future: Case Studies ofSustainable Development in Michigan
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Wilson, Alex. "

Your Green Home: A Guide to Planning a Healthy, Environmentally Friendly New Home.
" (New Society Publishers, 2006)