GREEN BUILDINGS

GROUP ONE
GROUP MEMBERS
Akinyi Odhiambo - B16/0595/2020
Ann Sydney Ngugi - B16S/13994/2019
Anthony Kaiser - B16/0528/2018
Arnold Ochieng - B16/0529/2018
Collins Shamala - B16/0603/2020
Gathu Njoroge - B16s/14237/2019
Kageriza Prudence - B16/0591/2020
Mwendwa Mutunga - B16/0602/2020
Ochieng Oketch - B16/3205/2020
Sheikh Ridhwan - B16/0618/2020
What is a green building?
A green building is a structure that's designed
to minimize environmental impact while
maximizing benefits to people and society.
Green buildings are also known as sustainable
or eco-friendly buildings.

Green building practices include :

● Use energy-efficient designs
● Use sustainable practices throughout
the building's life-cycle
● Collect and use rainwater
● Use LED lighting
● Use solar panels.
Why is a building considered a green building?
Green building features
Materials:
Use natural, environmentally friendly
materials
Energy:
Use less energy, and use renewable
energy when possible
Maintenance:
Be easy to maintain
Waste:
Reduce waste and pollution
Indoor environment:
Promote a healthy and comfortable
indoor environment
Components of Green Building Design
FACTORS of green building
Location :-
A green building site should be selected based on how
easily it can integrate into the existing electric, gas,
water, and sewage utilities. Fitting into a city's existing
infrastructure so that a project has the smallest impact
on the existing energy, water, sewage, and road systems
is the first point at which the green decision-making
process comes into play.

Orientation:-
A green building should organically fit into the
surrounding area, making the best use of existing roads,
sidewalks, alleys, site-specific solar resources, and so
forth.

Day light:-
Day lighting is the controlled admission of natural
light—direct sunlight and diffuse skylight—into a building
to reduce electric lighting and save energy. Day lighting
is an important element of sustainable design.
Renewable energy :-
Renewable energy comes from natural sources such
as sunlight, geothermal heat, wind, water, and biofuels
powered by feedstock.

Rainwater harvesting:-
The main purpose of a rainwater harvesting system is
to collect and store rainwater falling on the ground,
which can be further used in the future.

Waste water management:-

Wastewater management or the lack of it has a direct
impact on the biological diversity of aquatic
ecosystems, disrupting the fundamental integrity of our
life support systems, on which a wide range of sectors
from urban development to food production and
industry depend.
Green building benefits
Green Materials

1.Wool Bricks

● Composition: Made by adding wool and a natural

polymer found in seaweed to the clay of the brick.
● Strength: 37% stronger than traditional burnt
bricks.
● Durability: Resistant to cold and wet climates.

2. Sustainable Concrete

● Composition: Made with crushed glass,

wood chips, or slag (a byproduct of steel
manufacturing).
● Environmental Benefits: Helps reduce CO₂
emissions compared to traditional concrete.
3. Solar Tiles,

Primary Purpose: Protects buildings like traditional

roofing materials.

● Energy Efficiency: Absorbs solar energy

throughout the day, likely contributing to
renewable energy generation.

4. Paper Insulation

● Sustainability: Made from recycled newspapers and

cardboard, promoting eco-friendly construction.
● Application: Mixed with chemical foam for better
thermal performance.
● Protection: Designed to be insect resistant and fire
retardant, improving safety.
5.Triple-Glazed Windows

● Super-efficient: These windows provide high insulation,

reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.
● Heat Control: Prevents heat from entering the building,
especially from direct sunlight, making indoor spaces
more comfortable.
6. Eco-friendly

using bamboo instead of steel reinforcement bars in construction.

● Sustainability: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource,

making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
● Strength & Flexibility: Bamboo has a high tensile strength,
comparable to steel, and provides natural flexibility, making
it ideal for earthquake-resistant structures.
● Cost-Effective: Bamboo is often more affordable and
accessible in regions with limited steel supply.
● Lightweight: It reduces the overall weight of the structure,
making handling and transportation easier.
Advantages of Green Buildings
1. Energy Efficiency – Uses renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, reducing reliance on
fossil fuels.
2. Water Conservation – Features like rainwater harvesting and water-efficient fixtures help reduce
water consumption.
3. Lower Carbon Footprint – Uses eco-friendly materials and sustainable construction practices,
reducing environmental impact.
4. Improved Indoor Air Quality – Incorporates natural ventilation, non-toxic materials, and air
purification systems for healthier indoor environments.
5. Waste Reduction – Encourages recycling, minimal construction waste, and the use of recycled
materials.
6. Cost Savings in the Long Run – Though initial costs may be high, reduced energy and water bills lead
to long-term savings.
7. Enhanced Comfort & Well-being – Maximizes natural light, ventilation, and green spaces, improving
occupant well-being and productivity.
8. Higher Property Value – Green-certified buildings attract higher resale and rental values due to
sustainability and efficiency.
Disadvantages of Green Buildings
1. High Initial Costs – Sustainable materials and advanced technology increase upfront construction costs.
2. Limited Availability of Materials – Eco-friendly construction materials may not always be easily accessible
in all regions.
3. Complex Design & Construction – Requires specialized architects, engineers, and contractors experienced
in green building techniques.
4. Longer Payback Period – The financial savings take time to offset the high initial investment.
5. Maintenance & Technical Expertise – Green systems (e.g., solar panels, rainwater harvesting) may require
specialized maintenance and repair.
6. Regulatory & Certification Challenges – Acquiring green building certifications (like LEED, BREEAM, or
EDGE) can be complex and costly.
7. Climate & Location Limitations – Some green technologies may not work efficiently in all climates or urban
environments
Green building Certifications
Green building certifications
● Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a worldwide certification
system that recognizes green buildings

● EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is a software application and

certification system for green buildings

● BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology)

CERTIFICATION
CASE STUDY I: LAKESIDE SENIOR
APARTMENTS
● Location: Oakland, California.
● Architect: David Baker Architects
● Owner: Satellite Affordable Housing Associates(SAHA)
● Project site: Previously developed land
● Building program type: Residential- multifamily, five or
more units
● Year of design completion: 2013
● Year of substantial design completion: 2014
● Gross conditioned floor area: 69528 square feet
● Gross unconditioned floor area: 17394 square feet
● Site area: 28947 square feet
● Number of stories: 5
CASE STUDY I: LAKESIDE SENIOR
APARTMENTS
● Awards: 2019 AIA COTE Top Ten Award( Integration, Community, Ecology, Water, Economy,
Energy, Wellness, Resources, Change, and Discovery), LEED Platinum,Gold Nugget Grand
Award- Best Affordable Senior Housing Community, Readers Choice Award- Senior
Housing, AIA/HUD Secretary’s Award- Excellence in Affordable Housing Design, AIA East
Bay Design Awards- Honor Award.
● Provides 92 permanently affordable apartments for seniors including 32 set aside for
formerly homeless individuals who are also disabled.
● The building features two community kitchens, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a
wellness room, a community garden, a computer lab, a large community room connecting
to a landscaped outdoor community space and a penthouse multipurpose room with
sweeping vistas of Lake Merritt and the Oakland skyline.
Ground Floor Plan

Features shared
community spaces and
the courtyard.
Fifth Floor Plan

Features rooftop
community spaces and
the vegetable pad.
CASE STUDY I: LAKESIDE SENIOR
APARTMENTS
Community and site
design
Building is sited to enable
activity, independence
and connection to the life
of the neighbourhood.
CASE STUDY I: LAKESIDE SENIOR
APARTMENTS
Community and site
design
Building is sited to enable
activity, independence
and connection to the life
of the neighbourhood.
CASE STUDY I: LAKESIDE SENIOR
APARTMENTS
Community and site
design
Building is sited to enable
activity, independence
and connection to the life
of the neighbourhood.
CASE STUDY I: LAKESIDE SENIOR
APARTMENTS
Design with nature

The ground floor

courtyard is designed as a
“parterre” garden- planted
with native and
drought-resistant plants
for viewing from above.
CASE STUDY I: LAKESIDE SENIOR
APARTMENTS
Design with nature

Vegetable beds are also

provided on the 5th floor
deck.
CASE STUDY I: LAKESIDE SENIOR
APARTMENTS
Energy efficient building
systems

Massing to reduce glare ,

control exposure and provide
shading.
Heat recovery ventilation units
reduce energy demands.
CASE STUDY I: LAKESIDE SENIOR
APARTMENTS
Energy efficient building
systems

A 35kW solar photovoltaic

array meets electric demand of
common spaces and the solar
thermal system contributes to
50% of hot water needs.
CASE STUDY I: LAKESIDE SENIOR
APARTMENTS
Durable and resource
efficient materials
Primary exterior finish is
fiber-cement siding which
is resistant to rot and cost
efficient.
Toilets, showerheads,
faucets and laundry
equipment are of high
efficiency to reduce
potable water needs by
40%.
CASE STUDY I: LAKESIDE SENIOR
APARTMENTS
Indoor air quality
Use of enhanced continuous
ventilation system as well as a
safe contaminant control
during and after construction
ensures indoor comfort and
optimal air quality.
Paints, adhesives and carpets
with low or no volatile organic
compounds(VOCs) and/or no
formaldehyde.
CASE STUDY 2: STRATHMORE BUSINESS
SCHOOL
● Location: Nairobi, Kenya..
● Architect: Lexicon + ion
● Owner: Strathmore University
● Project site: Nairobi West, Madaraka Area
● Building program type: Educational complex
● Year of design completion:
● Year of substantial design completion:
● Gross floor area: 4,570 square metres
● Number of stories: 4 storeys and a basement
CASE STUDY 2 : STRATHMORE BUSINESS
SCHOOL
Awards
● Strathmore Business School received its charter in 2008 with focus on the
building being green – emphasizing on energy and water conservation.
● In March 2012, SBS was awarded the Best Green Building Development in Africa
by the African Real Estate and Housing Finance (AREHF)
● It is also among the first in Africa to receive Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Ground Floor Plan

The lay out and

foundations were
constructed using well
shaped stone with no
exterior finish.
Curtain-walling was
carried out using 12mm
clear glass. The windows
are aluminium framed
fitted with 6mm clear
glass. The entire floor is of
porcelain and ceramic
tiles while the interior is
of cement and plaster
finish.
CASE STUDY 2: STRATHMORE BUSINESS
SCHOOL
Natural Lighting

The building's design incorporates extensive

use of glass walls and roofs, allowing ample
natural light to permeate the interior spaces.
This reduces the reliance on artificial lighting
during daytime hours.
CASE STUDY 2: STRATHMORE BUSINESS
SCHOOL
Tensile Structured Glass Roof Curtain Wall
System
Designed to let in ample natural lighting, and
reduce the use of electricity; this stunning
design can be seen throughout the SBS
building, with two walls being constructed
fully from glass, with the rest of the building’s
walls favouring glass over brick. As you walk
into the atrium, sunshine cascades into the
building through the glass roof minimizing
the need for external lighting fixtures.
Majority of the spaces in the building require
little to no lighting during the day.
CASE STUDY 2: STRATHMORE BUSINESS
SCHOOL
Evaporative Cooling System

Throughout the four storey building,

evaporative coolers have been placed to
improve air quality within the building at the
fraction of cost of traditional mechanical
coolers, using only 10% of energy that a
mechanical cooler would.

The building naturally has high indoor air

quality and ventilation which means that
these coolers are rarely switched on, or
deployed only in the basement.
 CASE STUDY 2: STRATHMORE BUSINESS
SCHOOL
Water Treatment Facility

A system that harvests rainwater, which is then funneled to underground tanks in the
building, and thereafter treated to supply 90% of the building’s water demands is in
place to minimize water usage – this water is used primarily in the Business School’s
washrooms. Water is further recycled and treated to be used for landscaping purposes.