Sustainable Homes Using Zero-Carbon Technology- myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theSustainable Homes Using Zero-Carbon Technology. Answer: Introduction The analysis in the report is based on the study of low-carbon buildings (LCB) that are especially designed with aim to reduce greenhouse gases. This type of buildings emits notably less amount of greenhouse gases. These buildings are able to achieve a greenhouse gas reduction level of 80% as compared to the traditional type of buildings. The stages of the life of the building when greenhouse gases are emitted from the building are mainly, construction of the building, operating time of the building and the renovation and construction stage of the building. The calculation of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions is based on these stages in the life cycle of the business (Pacheco-Torgal and Labrincha 2013). Discussion of low/zero-carbon design technology under the following aspects Selecting low carbon construction materials The low carbon materials used for construction of buildings fall under carbon sink building products and materials (La Rosa et al. 2014). The following materials fall under this category, Low-carbon bricks are manufactured in bulk quantities since the year 2009 for construction purposes. These contain 40% fly ash that helps in reducing the carbon found in the bricks. Green concrete Byproducts of industrial activities and materials that are recycled cab replace the raw used to form the traditional concrete. Green tiles These tiles are mainly ceramic materials that are manufactured with the help of 55% glass that is recycled and many other materials (Loonen et al. 2014). Recycled metals Metals that are recycled for the use in construction purposes have less carbon content. The reason being that, metals are usually carbon intensive and they are able to retain their properties even after recycling. The energy consumption by metal products can be reduced by using the same metal products in new building purposes as well (Zuo and Zhao 2014). Innovative construction process The low carbon emission in the construction process of a building involves some innovative methods of construction. The materials used for building purposes include concrete and steel. Both of these substances emit carbon dioxide. However, steel is 100% recyclable, so building which are steel framed will emit less carbon as compared to those, which are made of concrete. Buildings made of steel are also lighter and smaller. The use of timber framing is another way to reduce the emission of carbon, because timber is known to absorb the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (Asdrubali, Alessandro and Schiavoni 2015). Commercial buildings can be efficient by reduction of the amounts of leakage of air. Doors need to have the facility of opening and closing rapidly. The efficiency in lighting of the building will help in reducing the usage of energy. Another innovative method that can be used in the construction purposes includes making green roofs for the buildings. Buildings made with steel framings instead of concrete are more favorable because, steel buildings are entirely recyclable and concrete buildings cannot be recycled (Nguyen, Reiter and Rigo 2014). Management of operative consumption behavior and energy consumption The management of the energy consumption of a building is important to keep a track of the amount of energy that the building consumers and the amount carbon dioxide emitted by the building. The buildings account for around 40% of the total consumption of energy and around 36% of the total carbon dioxide emissions. The improvement of the energy efficiency and consumption of energy can help in the progress of achieving climatic goals (Mottaeva et al. 2016). The owners of the properties, architects or energy managers and others who are related to the management of facilities in a building should have the adequate knowledge regarding the energy efficiency methods of a building so that he can contribute towards a sustainable environment. The energy use of a building can be reduced up to a large extent with the help of the tools provided to manage the consumption of energy in an effective manner. This is turn will help to reduce the carbon emissions of the building (Coelho and De Brito 2012). Selection of renewable energy systems Energy sources that exist freely in the nature are called renewable sources, they exist in the nature in infinite quantities. Renewable energies are somewhat dependent on the sunlight. The different forms of renewable energies are, Solar energy This type of energy is totally dependent on sunlight and is collected in many different ways and further converted into energy. This type of energy is renewable and infinite in nature. Wind energy This type of energy is derived from the movement of air in a fast pace which forms a wind. Wind energy is useful to generate electricity (Berardi 2012). Hydroelectric energy This type of energy is derived from the flow of water from an elevated area. This energy is produced with the help of dams. Biomass energy This type of energy is obtained from the fossils of the plants, this type of energy is used in all areas of the world. Hydrogen and fuel cells This type of energy is obtained by burning hydrogen like a fuel. Hydrogen energy is not totally renewable, but is available in abundant quantities (Basbagill et al. 2013). Reuse and recycle The reuse and recycle of the building materials helps in maintaining sustainability in the environment. The construction of a building should involve those materials, which can be reused after a redevelopment project of a building. The wastage of materials during a redevelopment project has an adverse effect on the environment. Owing to this reason, greater efforts need to be made so that the building process involves more and more reusable materials (Pacheco-Torgal and Labrincha 2013). Recycling has a huge potential to saving energy and thereby reusing the products used for buildings. Recycling strategy can be successfully implemented in the buildings, which contain huge amounts of energy. As discussed earlier in this report, steel can be used in more quantities as it is up to 100% reusable (Zuo and Zhao 2014). Conclusion From the above analysis, it can be concluded that carbon dioxide emissions from buildings accounts for huge environmental problems. 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