JakeSteinalufRecommendationReport

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University of Florida *

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IDS2935

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Geography

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by BrigadierWillpower16330

1 “Tackling Unsustainable Practices in the Construction Industry: An Application of Green Roofs. Prepared by: Jake Steinlauf

2 Executive Summary This report analyzes how to create and upkeep sustainable architecture in the world today. There is a major problem in the construction industry today that is causing adverse effects on the environment and increasing the GHG emissions in large quantities. Moves toward more sustainable architecture must be made to create a future for the world and living in general. The report includes two major solutions that could help reduce the pollution of the industry and add benefits to the community. Alternative materials and practices in construction is a good solution that can reduce the GHG emissions by using fewer intensive materials. Less intensive materials would cause less heat treatment and also give more sustainability to the building they are used to produce. Another solution is green roofs, which offer similar solutions along with others regarding rainfall and toxin removal. The report also supplies an implementation and upkeep plan to help highlight how green roofs can be installed, what benefits they have, and how to keep them healthy. This way communication can be easy between developers so that more installations can be produced. Limitations and costs are also addressed accordingly.

3 Table of Contents Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 2 Table of Figures .............................................................................................................................. 3 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4 Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 5 Results ............................................................................................................................................. 6 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Recommendation ............................................................................................................................ 9 Implementation plan: ................................................................................................................... 11 Evaluation Plan: ........................................................................................................................... 12 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 13 Table of Figures Figure 1: Construction site plan w/ limitations …………………………………………………. 7 Figure 2: Research Trends for Green Roofs …..…...…………………………………………… 8 Figure 3 Green Roof Blueprint …………………………….…………………………………… 9 Figure 4: Infrared Scan of a Green Roof and Cement ...... ……………………………………. 10 Introduction My research proposal idea pertains to green architecture and how to create more sustainable practices and methods of construction to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our cities. The construction industry, although vital to society, has proven to be one of the largest

4 contributors to GHG emissions, leading to great concern in recent years. According to Zhong et al. (2021), more than one-third of the world’s energy consumption and GHG emissions are caused by the provision of residential and commercial buildings. In recent years, a push has been made to offset GHG emissions and achieve net zero emissions. While this is incredibly difficult to achieve, certain steps and plans have been implemented to reduce the amount of GHG emissions caused by construction. Steps like finding alternate and more eco-friendly building materials are important ones to consider. In the study from Sizirici et al, they did a comprehensive review of just how much carbon and GHG emissions are emitted from processing and transporting common, unsustainable building materials we use today, such as cement, asphalt, iron, and other non-metallic materials. They found that around 82-96% of all carbon emissions from construction come from the processing and transportation of these materials. In the broader prospective for developing and developed countries, construction and processing of these materials accounts for 40% of total global energy consumption and 33% of GHG emissions. This highlights just how key it is that we find more sustainable materials that emit less GHG and carbon from production, as production accounts for 80-93% of that total number (2021). The article does go on to show instances of how reducing heating consumption, for the processing of materials, and water recycling can help reduce emission, while also not hiking up the cost. They found water recycling could conserve 75% of indoor potable water, which showed an average water saving of 37.5% in the buildings. In Mexico, a reduction of GHG emissions by 8% was achieved by recycling rainwater in high rise buildings. For the construction materials, reducing the GHG and carbon emissions can be achieved by lowering the amount of heat used in production. Some companies find this a problem due to costs, but the study showed in Northern China, where they had a reduction of heat by 65%, only showed an 8% increase in cost (Sizirici, 2021). This shows eco-friendlier practices can be both sustainable for the environment and for business expenses. Finding these practices will be most key for residential areas, especially in regions of population increase in the low- and middle-class sectors of the population. Methods Creating sustainable architecture and implementing more sustainable practices is both possible and necessary. The research proponent that goes into creating sustainability in our cities is important for all facets of the industry. It is good for developers and parent companies because

5 it can help revolutionize their company to be on the forefront of sustainability in the construction industry. Finding new materials to use that are both good for the environment and save costs from water reuse and heat island reductions. Developing and continuing research for blossoming ideas, like green roofs, is necessary too because without research and innovation, the industry will be in a stand still. A lack of innovation in an industry that uses harmful materials and produces even more harmful gasses will lead the world into a crisis. Identifying. And moving toward a solution is what the industry needs. Promising solutions like installation of green roofs in residential areas/cities, proper resource management and application, and alternative sustainable resources could shift the construction industry from being harmful to the environment to being a sustainable industry. There are certain key points that should be highlighted so that application of the practices is properly communicated to any company who wants to adopt the sustainable practices. The key points are highlighted in the required criteria, which must be included, along with preferred criteria, which can be useful but not necessarily needed. Inclusion Criteria- Green roofs and alternative sustainable materials should be included in construction plans across the world, mostly in residential areas. Required Criteria  Construction managers must be able to provide green balconies and window panels based off previous successful green roofs. This will allow for easy access and installation for various properties.  Green roofs and other parts of the building must be built from alternative materials. Preferably locally sourced and sustainably built materials.  Green roofs should be made from locally thriving plants that can survive in the buildings climate without costly maintenance.  Building managers should reduce the use of traditional and harmful building materials, such as cement, asphalt, and iron, and instead use sustainable materials.  The green roofs should be installed in a way that insulates the building and ultimately reduces the energy consumption of the building.  Use of novel and sustainable building practices and materials (aluminum, 3-D printing, and long-term planning) should be in widespread use. Preferred Criteria

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