Sustainable Construction A Life Cycle Approach in Engineering

2.2.1. Solar shading
Solar shading is an effective energy saver all year round. In summer it can cut the amount of
heat entering a building and in winter it can decrease heat loss. In both cases, the need for additional
climate control measures is substantially reduced.
In winter, intelligent solar blinds will remain open to let free solar energy into the building
during the day, reducing energy requirements for heating. Once the sun has set, these will close,
reducing heat loss and thus continuing to save on the energy required for heating.
During the day in summer, solar shading will help to keep excessive heat out of the building,
which can dramatically cut the need for air conditioning. In the evening, opening the windows
and the solar shading allows the building to flush any heat build-up, again reducing the need for
air conditioning. ( RICS 2003)
2.2.2 Innovative day-lighting systems
Light shelves:
• It is possible by means of comparatively inexpensive building construction, to provide
light shelves.
• The light above reflected to the ceiling to redistribute daylight further into the room. It
must be recognized that light shelves do not increase the daylight factors in a room, but
they alter the distribution, assisting in getting light further towards the back of the room
so that uniformity is improved. Light shelves are relatively cheap to install, and are less
subject to damage than those used externally, but do require cleaning on a regular basis.
Light pipes:
Of all the methods of innovative day lighting, the light pipe has had the most universal application.
It is basically a method of roof lighting, which by means of association with reflective
tubes, directs the light to a lower level. It can be employed to direct light through several floors,
this has the disadvantage of locating the pipes through the upper floors, taking up useful floor
space. Light-pipe installations can be associated with a means of ventilation and also with
sources of artificial light which take over after dark or when the daylight outside is insufficient,
using a light control system. (Littlefair,1994)
2.2.3. Triple zero concept
Triple Zero itself takes 3 messages, namely
1. Zero Energy Building
The building requires no (ZERO) energy. The energy generated from regenerative sources on
and in the building or the immediate piece of property upon which the building stands is at least
equal to the entire primary energy requirements of the building for heating, cooling, hot water,
auxiliary power and power for all typical domestic applications.
2. Zero Emission Building
The building produces no (ZERO) CO2 emissions. The reference value is the total primary
energy demand, which is then converted to CO2 emissions. No burning processes are permitted
in the building or on the property.
3. Zero Waste Building
No waste (ZERO) is produced when the building is being converted or deconstructed. At the
end of their life cycle all building elements can be fully recycled without any components need-
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