TOPIC3: GREEN BUILDING

RTA: 12 HOURS
Compiled by: Lalithambigai Sivanganam
(DKA @ PSAS/June2019)

TOPIC 3: GREEN BUILDING

This topic introduces students to the best practice in green building technologies, implementation of green
rating system and assessment of Green Building Index and its related constituents.

Topic Description Study Tips

3.1 Understand green building concept You must be able to explain the green
3.1.1 Describe the green building concept building concept and identify the factors
that make a building green
3.1.2 Identify green Initiatives in Malaysia
3.1.3 Discuss Conventional versus Green Building Delivery You must be able to identify and explain
Systems the differences between conventional
3.1.4 Explain benefits of Green Building building and green building
a. Environmental benefits
You must be able to list and explain the
b. Economic benefits benefits of green building
c. Social benefits
3.2 Comprehend Green Rating System You must be able to know Malaysian Green
3.2.1 Describe Green Building Index (GBI) Rating System and explain about GBI and
how it works.
3.2.2 Explain Green Assessment System in
Construction(GASSIC) You must be able to differentiate GBI &
3.2.3 Differentiate between Green Building Index and Green GASSIC
Assessment System in Construction
3.3 Apply Malaysia Green Building Index (GBI)
3.3.1 Relate items considered in the Score of Green Building You must be able to list and explain the 6
Index score criteria for GBI and relate it to your
assessment task for this topic.
a. Energy Efficiency
b. Indoor Environment Quality
c. Sustainable Site Planning and Management
d. Material and Resources
e. Water Efficiency
f. Innovation
Assessments Tasks
1. Case Study 1 (CLO1 - C3, PO1) & (CLO3 – A3, PO8) 1. Case Study 1 (20%)
2. Test 2 (CLO2 – C2, PO7) (Report 15% & Presentation 5%)
3. Quiz 2 (CLO2 – C2, PO7) 2. Test 2 (15%)
4. Assignment 2 (CLO2 – C2, PO7) 3. Quiz 2 (5%)
4. Assignment 2 (10%)

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TOPIC3: GREEN BUILDING
RTA: 12 HOURS
Compiled by: Lalithambigai Sivanganam
(DKA @ PSAS/June2019)

3.0 GREEN BUILDING CONCEPT

(Source: https://archive.epa.gov/greenbuilding/web/html/about.html)

Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are
environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from
siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. This
practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility,
durability, and comfort. Green building is also known as a sustainable or high performance
building.
Table 1: Impacts of Built Environment
Aspects of Built
Consumption Environmental effects Ultimate effects
Environment
Siting Energy Waste Harm to Human Health
Design Water Air pollution Environment Degradation
Construction Materials Water pollution Loss of Resources
Operation Natural Resources Indoor pollution
Maintenance Heat islands
Renovation Storm water runoff
Deconstruction Noise

Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on
human health and the natural environment by:
i. Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
ii. Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
iii. Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation

Example 1: Green buildings may incorporate sustainable materials in their construction

(e.g., reused, recycled-content, or made from renewable resources)
Example 2: Create healthy indoor environments with minimal pollutants
(e.g., reduced product emissions)
Example 3: Feature landscaping that reduces water usage
(e.g., by using native plants that survive without extra watering)

The built environment has a vast impact on the natural environment, human health, and the
economy. By adopting green building strategies, we can maximize both economic and
environmental performance. Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at
any stage, from design and construction, to renovation and deconstruction. However, the
most significant benefits can be obtained if the design and construction team takes an
integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project.

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TOPIC3: GREEN BUILDING
RTA: 12 HOURS
Compiled by: Lalithambigai Sivanganam
(DKA @ PSAS/June2019)

A green building has FOUR main elements or components on which it is designed:

1. Materials for Green Building

Materials for a green building are obtained from natural, renewable sources that have been
managed and harvested in a sustainable way; or they are obtained locally to reduce the
embedded energy costs of transportation; or salvaged from reclaimed materials at nearby
sites. Materials are assessed using green specifications that look at their Life Cycle Analysis
(LCA) in terms of their embodied energy, durability, recycled content, waste minimisation,
and their ability to be reused or recycled.

2. Energy Systems in Green Buildings

Passive solar design will dramatically reduce the heating and cooling costs of a building, as
will high levels of insulation and energy-efficient windows. Natural daylight design reduces a
building’s electricity needs, and improves people’s health and productivity. Green buildings
also incorporate energy-efficient lighting, low energy appliances, and renewable energy
technologies such as wind turbines and solar panels.

Passive Solar Design

Passive solar design uses sunshine to heat, cool and light homes and other buildings without
mechanical or electrical devices. It is usually part of the design of the building itself, using
certain materials and placement of windows or skylights. Rules of passive solar systems are:
i. The building should be elongated on an east-west axis.
ii. The building’s south face should receive sunlight between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and
3:00 P.M. (sun time) during the heating season.
iii. Interior spaces requiring the most light and heating and cooling should be along the
south face of the building. Less used spaces should be located on the north.

Passive Solar Heating Systems is to capture the sun’s heat within the building’s elements and
release that heat during periods when the sun is not shining. At the same time that the
building’s elements (or materials) is absorbing heat for later use, solar heat is available for
keeping the space comfortable (not overheated). Two primary elements of passive solar
heating are:
 South Facing Glass
 Thermal mass to absorb, store, and distribute heat
Three approaches to passive systems are
 Direct Gain: Sunlight shines into and warms the living space.
 Indirect Gain: Sunlight warms thermal storage, which then warms the living space.
 Isolated Gain: Sunlight warms another room (sunroom) and convection brings the
warmed air into the living space.
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TOPIC3: GREEN BUILDING
RTA: 12 HOURS
Compiled by: Lalithambigai Sivanganam
(DKA @ PSAS/June2019)

The advantages of passive solar design are:

High Energy Performance

• Lower energy bills all year round.

Investment
•Independent from future rises in fuel costs, continues to save
money long after initial cost recovery.

Value
•High owner satisfaction, high resale value.

Attractive Living Environment

•Large windows and views, sunny interiors, open floor plans.

Low Maintenance
• Durable, reduced operation and repair.

Unwavering Comfort
• Quiet (no operating noise), warmer in winter, cooler in
summer (even during a power failure).

Environmentally Friendly
• Clean, renewable energy doesn’t contribute to global
warming, acid rain or air pollution

Source: https://theconstructor.org/building/elements-of-green-building/5375/

3. Water Management in Green Building

Minimising water use is achieved by installing greywater and rainwater catchment systems
that recycle water for irrigation or toilet flushing; water-efficient appliances, such as low flow
showerheads, self-closing or spray taps; low-flush toilets, or waterless composting toilets.
Installing point of use hot water systems and lagging pipes saves on water heating.

Rainwater harvesting is the principle of collecting and using precipitation from a catchments
surface. An old technology is gaining popularity in a new way. Rain water harvesting is
enjoying a renaissance of sorts in the world, but it traces its history to biblical times.
Extensive rainwater harvesting apparatus existed 4000 years ago in the Palestine and Greece.
In ancient Rome, residences were built with individual cisterns and paved courtyards to
capture rain water to augment water from city’s aqueducts.

Rainwater harvesting is essential as surface water is inadequate to meet our demand and we
have to depend on groundwater. Due to rapid urbanization, infiltration of rainwater into the
subsoil has decreased drastically and recharging of groundwater has diminished. There are
two main techniques of rainwater harvestings.

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TOPIC3: GREEN BUILDING
RTA: 12 HOURS
Compiled by: Lalithambigai Sivanganam
(DKA @ PSAS/June2019)

 Storage of rainwater on surface

for future use - The storage of
rainwater on surface is a
traditional techniques and
structures used were
underground tanks, ponds,
check dams, weirs etc.

 Recharge to groundwater -
Recharge to groundwater is a
new concept of rainwater
harvesting and the structures
generally used are pits,
trenches, dug wells, hand
pumps, etc.

4. Health Components of Green Building

Using non-toxic materials and products will improve indoor air quality, and reduce the rate of
asthma, allergy and sick building syndrome. These materials are emission-free, have low or
no VOC content, and are moisture resistant to deter moulds, spores and other microbes.
Indoor air quality is also addressed through ventilation systems and materials that control
humidity and allow a building to breathe. In addition to addressing the above areas, a green
building should provide cost savings to the builder and occupants, and meet the broader
needs of the community, by using local labour, providing affordable housing, and ensuring
the building is sited appropriately for community needs.

3.1 BENEFITS OF GREEN BUILDING

Potential benefits of green building can include:
Environmental Benefits Economic Benefits Social Benefits
 Enhance and protect  Reduce operating cost  Enhance occupant
biodiversity and Create, expand, and comfort and health
ecosystems shape markets for green  Heighten aesthetic
 Improve air and water product and services qualities
quality  Improve occupant  Minimize strain on local
 Reduce waste streams productivity infrastructure
 Conserve and restore  Optimize life-cycle  Improve overall quality
natural resources economic performance of life
Table 2: Benefits of Green Building

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TOPIC3: GREEN BUILDING
RTA: 12 HOURS
Compiled by: Lalithambigai Sivanganam
(DKA @ PSAS/June2019)

3.2 THE DIFFERENCE IN GREEN BUILDING AND CONVENTIONAL BUILDING

DELIVERY SYSTEM
Factors of Difference Green Building (GB) Conventional Building (CB)
GB sites contributes to wise use of resources CB sites are chosen based on profitability rate.
and enhance human and environmental The area with the highest return will usually
health. Key strategies include qualify.

 Using space efficiently

 Preserving wetlands and other valuable
natural features
 Orienting and designing the building to
take advantage of natural dynamics
Sustainable Site Design such as insulation, air flow and
microclimate variables
 Reducing the urban heat island effect
light pollution reduction and aesthetic
appeal.

Technologies in this category include such

things as daylighting, passive ventilation, and
green walls and roofs.
GB measures that maximize water-use Water System is taken from the local pipelines
efficiency and water quality. Green building with storage tanks using treated water for all
designers attempt to emulate and preserve water usage. There are no water efficiency
Water Quality and the site’s natural water cycle through the use
management system
Conservation of rainwater catchment, progressive storm
water management techniques such as
permeable pavement, native landscaping,
and water-saving devices.
GB Energy measures include technologies Energy is taken from the grid. There are no
and design that improve building elements of energy efficiency system. HVAC and
performance to achieve more with less input. lighting rely totally on air conditioning and
Strategies include incorporating shell
artificial lighting
Energy and Environment measures such as insulation and high-
efficiency glazing; passive heating and
cooling; high-efficiency lighting; solar and
other renewable energy; and high-efficiency
HVAC and plumbing technologies.
BG IEQ is to reduce exposure to indoor CB IEQ reduces as the building ages due lapsed
environmental toxins like VOCs, heavy maintenance and inadequate natural ventilation
metals, and biological hazards such as mold; and lighting. Health and stress of occupants
ensuring adequate air flow and quality;
Indoor Environmental Quality providing optimal levels and quality of light
increases as the discomfort increases.
(especially daylighting); and maintaining an
aesthetically pleasing atmosphere for stress
reduction and improved worker efficiency.
GB construction materials favours the most CB construction materials favours materials that
efficient use of resources - recycled can keep the cost of construction in budget and
materials, local materials and materials retain the most profit. Initial cost of CB is lower
engineered for maximum durability, longevity
but in time the cost of maintaining a CB unit
and efficiency are preferred, as well as bio-
based materials that break down safely in the increases more than the price of the building
environment once they are no longer in use. itself.
Materials and Resources Materials and systems are evaluated using a
“cradle-to-cradle” approach that takes into
account the entire life cycle of the structure,
from sourcing to disposal. Also included in
this category are maintenance and use
issues such as recycling, waste disposal and
transportation to and from the building.
Source: https://www.buildings.com/buzz/buildings-buzz/entryid/442/green-buildings-vs-non-green-buildings

Page 6 of 11
TOPIC3: GREEN BUILDING
RTA: 12 HOURS
Compiled by: Lalithambigai Sivanganam
(DKA @ PSAS/June2019)

3.3 GREEN RATING SYSTEM

The built environment has both direct and indirect environmental impacts. As a result, a large
number of 'green' rating systems have been established to help mitigate these impacts
through the encouragement, measurement and recognition of sustainability performance.

BRE’s rating system, BREEAM, was the UK’s first green rating system, launched in the 1990s,
followed by the US’ Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system in
2000. It is now thought that there are around 600 green certification systems worldwide.

Rating systems measure relative levels of compliance or performance with against goals and
requirements to create projects that are environmentally responsible and use resources
efficiently throughout the project lifecycle. The benefits of using a green rating system
include:
i. Environmental aspirations can be set.
ii. Clear goals can be worked towards.
iii. Environmental performance can be verified.
iv. Environmental performance can be demonstrated to third parties.
v. Improvement can be measured and demonstrated.
vi. Green education can be facilitated and encouraged.
vii. Positive marketing can be generated.

GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEM ORGANIZATION COUNTRY

1. Green Building Index (GBI) Malaysian Green Building Malaysia
Council (MGBC) &
affiliates
2. BCA Green Mark Scheme Building and Construction Singapore
Authority (BCA)
3. Building Research Establishment BRE Global United Kingdom
Environmental Assessment Method
(BREEAM)
4. Comprehensive Assessment System JSBC (Japan Sustainable Japan
for Built Environment Efficiency Building Consortium) &
(CASBEE) affiliated sub-committees
5. Leadership in Energy and U.S. Green Building United States of America
Environmental Design (LEED) Council
6. Green Rating for Integrated Habitat GRIHA Council India
Assessment (GRIHA)
Table 3: Green Ratings System used in Malaysia

Page 7 of 11
TOPIC3: GREEN BUILDING
RTA: 12 HOURS
Compiled by: Lalithambigai Sivanganam
(DKA @ PSAS/June2019)

3.4 THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GREEN BUILDING INDEX (GBI) & GREEN
ASSESMENT IN CONSTRUCTION (GASSIC)
GREEN BUILDING INDEX GREEN ASSESMENT IN CONSTRUCTION
(GBI) (GASSIC)
Governed by Governed by

Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) & Construction Industry Development Board

Association of Consulting Engineers (CIDB)
Malaysia (ACEM)

Founded in 2009 Development begin in 2011

First Green Rating tool in Malaysia Still under development by CIDB and not
modelled after LEEDS & BREEAM and is in use as to date
active used in government and private
building developers

Evaluates the environmental design and It is a system or method to measure and

performance of Malaysian buildings based evaluate the green attributes of a
on six independent criteria construction project from design to
construction stage based on developed
1. Energy Efficiency
standards.
2. Indoor Environmental Quality,
3. Sustainable Site Planning and This assessment system will be used
Management together with GBI as a measure to certify
4. Materials and Resources, green buildings in Malaysia.
5. Water Efficiency
GASSIC will be made mandatory for all
6. Innovation.
public projects in the future to facilitate
broad adoption of green technologies and
sustainable development
Source: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0588/9e2376626d2d4d417a07f9fb39ea70d4dd38.pdf

Figure 1: Example of GBI certification

(Renewal)

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TOPIC3: GREEN BUILDING
RTA: 12 HOURS
Compiled by: Lalithambigai Sivanganam
(DKA @ PSAS/June2019)

3.5 ITEMS CONSIDERED IN GREEN BUILDING INDEX SCORE CRITERIA

Table 4: GBI Rating Score Criteria (Source: https://new.greenbuildingindex.org)

Table 5: GBI Rating based on GBI Rating Tools as in Table 6

Page 9 of 11
TOPIC3: GREEN BUILDING
RTA: 12 HOURS
Compiled by: Lalithambigai Sivanganam
(DKA @ PSAS/June2019)

Table 6: GBI Green Tools used to score buildings for certification and accreditation
(Source: https://new.greenbuildingindex.org/tools)

Table 7: List of Reference Guide used in a project to comply to GBI Criteria

(Source: https://new.greenbuildingindex.org/tools)

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TOPIC3: GREEN BUILDING
RTA: 12 HOURS
Compiled by: Lalithambigai Sivanganam
(DKA @ PSAS/June2019)

STAGE 1
Application & Registration

STAGE 2
Design Assessment (DA)

STAGE 3
Completion & Verification Assessment (CVA)

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