Building green, often referred to as sustainable building, is an opportunity to use our resources efficiently while creating buildings that can improve our health, preserve the environment, and provide significant cost savings. While building green is a relatively new concept in Mexico, it’s essential to the longevity of our precious and delicate coastal environs. The concepts behind building green are relatively simple and begin with design strategies that can dramatically affect a building’s overall efficiency while minimizing its carbon footprint. Other factors include the use of recycled or reused construction materials, some of which may have a greater upfront cost than traditional building materials, but will serve to reduce homeowner living costs over time. While there is an abundance of technical information available, this article aims to provide only the basic concepts & benefits of building green.

Siting
One of the principal aspects of sustainable construction is referred to as siting, or “site maximization”. This concept pertains to any and all natural features that exist at the site where the building construction will take place. The idea of siting is to retain as much of the natural landscape as possible and capitalize on existing natural elements such as sunlight, airflow, terrain, etc. in order to maximize the building’s eco-efficiency. Designing a building that co-exists with its natural habitat not only provides a healthier atmosphere for the buildings inhabitants, but also reduces the buildings energy and resource consumption over time.

Energy Efficiency
A building’s energy efficiency and performance can be dramatically improved through the use of passive solar design strategies, high-efficiency lighting systems and alternate or renewable energy sources.

Passive solar design uses the sun’s energy for heating and cooling of living spaces. This approach takes advantage of natural energy characteristics created by exposure to the sun and uses these characteristics to determine building shape and orientation. Passive systems are simple and designed to cool buildings without mechanical assistance.

Common elements found in passive home cooling design are ventilation, operable windows, thermal mass and thermal chimneys. Appropriate ventilation and window placement assist with air flow, while properly insulated thermal mass reduces heat gain from the sun and thermal chimneys use convective currents to draw hot air out. The most effective passive home cooling designs are based on specific understanding of a building site’s elemental factors such as wind patterns, terrain, vegetation and solar exposure. Employing passive design can produce buildings with low energy costs, reduced maintenance, and superior comfort.

High-efficiency lighting systems with advanced lighting controls, motion sensors and dimmers can greatly reduce the energy output needed for proper indoor illumination. Other energy-efficient strategies include maximizing light colors for roofing and exterior finish materials, proper wall and ceiling insulation, and minimal glass use on east and west exposures.

Alternate renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics (solar energy that is converted into direct current electricity) are now being used to replace conventional building materials and its applications can be found in everything from roofing and façade to general home appliances.

Materials
Sustainable building materials are evaluated based on characteristics such as their reused and recycled content, durability, efficiency, longevity and zero or low harmful emissions. Recycled-content materials are available to replace just about every traditional building material. Though sustainable products may represent a higher upfront cost than their traditional counterpart, they can drastically improve energy efficiency, leading to bigger cost savings over time. Another material efficient strategy is dimensional planning, conforming room design to standard-sized building materials; reducing the amount of construction by-product when materials are cut. Closely managing the handling of materials throughout the demolition, construction & clean-up phase will also ensure minimum waste and maximum utilization.

Water Efficiency
A building’s water efficiency can be drastically improved by installing low-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads and other water conserving fixtures. Additionally, dual plumbing and rainwater harvesting systems can greatly reduce a building’s wastewater. Dual plumbing systems recycle the “gray” or washwater that is all wastewater that has been used in the home (except toilet wastes) and bits of compost derived from garbage disposals as means for landscape irrigation.

Rainwater harvesting systems can be as simple or sophisticated as needed. A simple system is comprised of basically anything that can hold water and is typically placed under rainwater runoff. Harvested rainwater is mainly used for irrigation as environmental pollutants can affect the rainwater’s potable quality. However, a UV or ozone filtered pump-run system can connect a rainwater collection tank to the building’s plumbing as a backup water source.

Benefits
Besides being beneficial for the environment, sustainable construction can significantly improve the overall living quality for a building’s inhabitants. Utilizing recycled-content products with zero or low emissions can improve indoor air quality and reduce the rate of respiratory illnesses, allergies & asthma. Adequate ventilation systems and natural interior illumination also have a positive impact on the health and well being of the building’s occupants. Green buildings generally require less ongoing maintenance as there are reduced mechanical systems to maintain. Additionally, energy and water efficient buildings commonly yield significant cost savings in their annual utility bills when compared to their traditionally constructed counterparts.

Further Information
When considering building green, it’s important to find a builder or architect who is well versed in the design strategies and materials needed to properly execute a green building project. Although this type of construction is relatively new in Mexico, it is possible to search for building professionals through major architectural schools or universities with a large architectural department. There also may be information about sustainable construction materials and suppliers through SEMARNAT, which is the Secretary of the Environment & Natural Resources.

· · · This article originally appeared in the April 2010 issue of Another Day in Paradise for which Maura Taylor is a regular contributor. CLICK HERE to read full digital issues of this vibrant local magazine on all things Zihua.