Draft 1: Summary Reader Response

Construction Climate Challenge (2019) states that “Green technology makes buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable.” The top sustainable construction technologies are active solar power uses functional solar systems, but passive solar power uses the positioning of windows. Biodegradable materials are eco-friendly to the environment. Green insulation reduces the need for “high-end finishes made from non-renewable materials”. Self-sufficient smart appliances help with saving energy thus resulting in zero-energy homes. Cool roofs reflect the sun's radiation away. Sustainable resource sourcing uses construction materials that are recycled and environmentally friendly. Low-energy houses and zero-energy buildings use “high-performance windows and insulation techniques” to lower energy usage. The electrochromic smart glass reflects out the solar radiation. Water efficiency technologies utilize the implementation of “efficient water supply systems”. Self-powered buildings supply adequate power to support its energy consumption to-and-fro. Sustainable indoor environment technologies ensure the well-being of building occupants are taken care of. Rammed Earth Brick is an “ancient construction technology

While I agree to a certain extent with ConstructionClimateChallenge that there are many different types of sustainable technologies that help to save energy in buildings, I feel that Singapore could do so much more in applying these sustainable technologies to buildings that do not have these features.

Firstly, there is active solar power and passive solar power, active solar power uses the sun’s energy to convert it to electrical energy that is a free resource, which helps reduce the reliance on the burning of fossil fuels. Passive solar power uses the sun's rays to warm homes through windows and the use of heat-absorbing surfaces.

Secondly, biodegradable materials used in buildings are environmentally friendly as it reduces the impact on the environment. For example, organic paints help to reduce the negative impact on the environment as they easily breakdown without the release of chemicals.

Thirdly, green insulation removes the need for high-end finishes made from non-renewable materials. The solution is to use old and used materials such as denim and newspaper.

Fourthly, the use of smart appliances in zero-energy homes as well as commercial buildings. Using energy-saving and self-sufficient appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers help to reduce the amount of electricity used.

Cool roofs aim to reflect sunlight away which buildings at standard room temperature by reducing heat absorption which lower temperatures.

Sustainable resource sourcing ensures the use of materials that are from recycled products.

Low-energy house and Zero-energy building design help to reduce energy consumption. For example, a building with wood has a lower energy consumption compared to a building made of steel.

Electrochromic Smart Glass helps to prevent the heat of solar radiation, therefore, helping to save on heating, ventilating, and air conditioning costs.

Water efficiency technologies help to address freshwater shortages. Examples are the use of dual plumbing, greywater re-use, rainwater harvesting, and water conservation fixtures.

Sustainable indoor environment technologies materials used have to ensure green safety standards which include hazardous free elements, non-toxic materials, low volatile emissions, and moisture resistance.

Self-powered buildings bring about the realization of zero-energy construction. The buildings can generate enough power to support their own energy needs and even direct surplus energy back into the power grid. For example, a wind turbine uses wind power technology to power buildings.

Rammed Earth Brick uses sustainably sourced raw materials. The process of building a rammed-earth structure has been made easier but it still follows the ancient preparation process.

In conclusion, the different types of sustainable technologies help to contribute to the conservation of the environment and reducing the reliance on resources such as fossil fuels. Buildings have great design and construction should not come at an environmental cost, making a small impact.

References

Construction Climate Challenge (2019). Top sustainable technologies in green construction. https://constructionclimatechallenge.com/2019/02/19/top-sustainable-technologies-in-green-construction/