GREEN HOME

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

First Step To Achieve Sustainability

RPK538
This paper provides the definition, concept and principles of green home; the relationship between sustainable and green home; recycle, reuse and reclaim; energy; home components; applications and examples of green home design; the advantages of green home and its limitations; and policy implications of green home.

NUR IZZATI BINTI IBRAHIM P-RM0089/10 SITI KALKHALAH BINTI SHAHROM P-RM0112/10

2011

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Table Of Contents
1 2 Introduction Principles of Green Home 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 3 Energy Efficiency Natural Resources conservation Liveable community Good indoor air quality Water conservation Waste management Site planning 1 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 8 8 8 10 11 11 12 13 14 15 16 20 21 21 22 22 24 24

Carbon Footprint 3.1 3.2 3.3 Definition Green House Effect Reducing Carbon Footprint

Energy 4.1 4.2 4.3 Type of Energy Factor Affecting Energy Use in Building Reducing Energy Consumptions

Home Components 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Windows Doors Wall Roof Mechanical system

6 7 8

Applications to Green Home The Advantages of Green Home and Its Limitation Policy Implication Arising from Green Home 8.1 8.2 8.3 National Energy Policy Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulations 2008 Malaysia Standard - MS 1525

9 10

Conclusion References

University Science of Malaysia,11800 Pulau Pinang Semester I, 2011/2012 RPK538: Sustainable Development Planning Green Home: First Step to Achieve Sustainablility
Done By: Nur Izzati binti Ibrahim P-RM0089/10 Siti Kalkhalah binti Shahrom P-RM0112/10 Lecturers: AP Dr Nurwati Kamaruzzaman PM Dr Alip Rahim

Propose
Green Home is one of the alternative ways to achieve sustainability by applying environmental and consumption resources management approaches. Green home can create an environmental-friendly structure by using a process that responsible to environment and also efficient resources. It is aim to reduce and eradicate the environmental impact of buildings itself in order to practice the environmental-friendly construction by saving energy use and preventing waste.

Introduction

United Nation report, Brundtland Commission 1987 established as worldwide plans in order to develop the concept of sustainable development. In that report, the definition of sustainable development is development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The definition gives us a reminder to take into action about the future affects from todays development. The scope of sustainable development included three important aspects which are environment, economic, and social. However, the aspects are different than the initiatives of private sector development. These three aspects can be a benchmark in the planning of sustainable housing development as follows:

Environment

Society

Economy

Figure1.1: Aspects in Planning of Sustainable Housing Development Source: Friedman, A (2007)

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Everybody is concerning green building development concept nowadays. In year 2000, when United State became first country in the world to introduce standards - LEED Green Building Standards, people worldwide starts to give attention to implement the green development in order to reduce global warming effects. The standards is all about important guides to implement green building construction as it necessary to encounter the matters of energy use, climate change and also the cleanliness of air and water (National Capital Region, 2010). Green home is basically a concept to encourage people as in community to create or build a home which is more energy-efficiency, water-efficiency and also fewer natural resources. In order to improve homeowners daily routine, the matters of energy use and the cleanliness of water and air should be taken into consideration in order to offer good and fresh air and water quality and also to produce fewer leftovers of daily consumption from the house itself (Alias et al, 2010). He added the green home is basically runs by using natural resources which is more sustainable in terms of maximizing our resources. The benchmarks of green home are environmental-friendly, affordability in term of house price and also cost of materials used, labours which are working with the green home development, and stability with zoning and building permit or planning permission requirements (Goldstein et al., 2000). The affordable house is important in attracting people to upgrade their homes to a sustainable and long-lasting design. The people very concern about the costs used because they think the developments of green home itself need a lot of money and they also have to pay the utility and electricity bills plus the maintenance costs. Yuldelson (2007) mentioned that green home has two types which are Healthy Green Homes and also Affordable Green Homes. According to him, the affordable green home is concern about estimation of cost-effectiveness in houses energy-efficient elements. And the healthy green home is about the resources restraint that can affect the environment directly or indirectly (Alias et al, 2010). The people worldwide who more concerned about any activities which can cause environmental pollution and lead to global warming will take any action to protect the environment by applying sustainable development. Adaptation the green home concept in housing development has strong relationship with sustainable development. The green home is one part of sustainable development and using sustainable technology and innovation. The green home used less electricity, renewable energy (i.e. solar energy) and more air ventilation from outside the house.

Principles of Green Home

The principle of green home is a basic guideline in order to achieve sustainable. There are seven key principles of green home that can be applied in building construction or any development which are:-

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2.1 Energy Efficiency

An environmental-friendly home should use energy efficiently to make the house structure become more comfortable than conventional home as energy can be save much. It also can cut the bill costs for electricity and water, also can reduce the need for electricity generation. In order to make the house greener, the first step to take is considered how to warm, cool and give light to the house with natural sunlight during daytime and solar energy during night and wind orientation to give natural ventilation to the house. The energy should be conserve as well by reducing energy usage. The energy can be saving if residents behaviour acts more sensitive towards energy savings.

2.2 Natural Resources conservation

Natural resources should be conserving in order to reduce any waste that can cause the pollution to the environment. The natural resources conservation is refer to renewable energy and usage of environmental-friendly equipments for home structure and its construction. It can help to use recycled products indirectly. The recycled products and pre-fabricated products help to lessen equipment usage, cut costs and better performance compared to conventional options. The conventional options used a large number of timber, metals, fossil oils and other natural resources lead to large amount of energy usage. Besides, the home construction also can apply the durable products and equipments as the green home can be last for a long period. In addition, give priority to local products and equipments as it much cheaper than international products. It also has lower costs for transportation or shipping and gives more profits to local economy.

2.3 Liveable community

Community is an integral part of key green home principles. A strong communitys relationship can help to reduce environmental impacts in the neighbourhood. The liveable community is a part of sustainable development which is encourages positive impacts either in economic sector or social sector itself. The other concern about liveable community is not just focusing on existing communities but also the future generation. If we do not preserved what we have today, it means the future generation will not get it anymore. The benefits of liveable community are less traffic congestion, more open space for recreational activities, safety and a sense of place to stay, good communication among neighbours in term of interaction, and healthy living such as cleaner air and water.

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2.4 Good indoor air quality

The green and sustainable homes have good indoor air quality without using much electricity such as air-conditioning and fan to make the house cool and comfort. Fortunately, the good air quality also makes the household become healthier. In construction of green home, it needs thorough consideration in choosing building equipments as well as integration sufficient air exchanges with good design for ventilation. Furthermore, the building equipments also should be non-polluting equipments such as low- or no-volatile organic compounds (VOC) paint and wallpaper. The flow water through proper drainage and rainwater flow direct through eaves can help humidity and moisture in home structure. The windows play important role to ventilate air wind throughout internal home and enhance energy efficiency.

2.5 Water conservation

Water efficiency can help to reduce utility bills when we conserve freshwater resources and also use the rainwater in daily activities through landscaping use for planting. The fresh water quality can guarantee the households health that lead to sustainable living.

2.6 Waste management

The main target for waste management is create less waste to build and live relative to ordinary building standards by applying the design and construction techniques, using low-waste equipments, creating waste management schemes and supervising on-site waste reduction. The waste management plan should include the detail processes or condition for reuse or recycle products, on-site supervision and equipment usage in order to estimate the net costs for green home construction. The home design should have durability in terms of water out flow or well-designed drainage system and also adaptability in terms of flexible design for old-folks or disabilities.

2.7 Site planning

In new green home project, site selection and planning is important to the community in order to have a healthy home and also neighbourhood. First thing to do is, find the suitable land where it has great advantages that can be easy to access any services provided in the surrounding area. The site can be chose may be a brown field area, green field area, and existing developed area which is easy access to the services. Next, when it comes to site design and construction, the person in charged should take all responsibility to protect and minimizing the environment impacts. He has to make a good design come with natural features, protecting existing trees, streams, and soils, energy-saving shade and also effective drainage system. The project manager for any construction has to make proper supervision and coordination to the site in terms of protecting existing trees, streams and soils.

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Carbon Footprint

To live in green and sustainable living, occupants need to change their habits and daily activities and find a new way to conserve energy, shrink waste and sharply reduce their carbon footprint.

3.1 Definition
Carbon footprint includes activities of people includes individuals, populations, companies, governments, organizations, agencies, processes and industries products (goods and services). Based on Wiedmann T. and Minx J. (2007), the carbon footprint is a measure of the exclusive total amount of carbon dioxide emissions that is directly and indirectly caused by an activity or is accumulated over the life stages of a product. Based on EIA International Energy Outlook 2007, carbon is reformed when organic matter is burnt. It could be wood, oil, coal or product with natural gas-carbon in. Transportations, cars an air-conditioning for example is the most frequent use by people which actually contribute on releasing carbon emmissions into the air. Carbon goes to atmosphere and increase in surface temperature of planet. Carbon footprint is a term that is used to label, define and measure human activity impact on raising the quantity of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Product that been heated will produced carbon dioxide with the formula of CO2. CO2 consists of one atom Carbon with two molecule of Oxygen. In recent years, carbon footprint is a relatively new term that has grabbed media attention its way. Carbon footprint also refers to the amount of greenhouse gases which is typically carbon dioxide that is release into the atmosphere because of human activities that convert energy stored in carbon-based energy resource into the outputs that people need.

3.2 Green House Effect

Environmental and energy issues began to grab peoples attention all over the world starting 1980 when energy consumption has been related to the increasing of global warming. The average temperature for earths surface has been increase and this occurs due to green house effect. The concept of green house effect happens when pollution like carbon dioxide, methane, hydrocarbon and other hydrocarbon form as a layer or dome covering the atmosphere. The layer or dome acts as a barrier to block heat from releasing out and at the same time it is accepting heat to come into the area. In other name, heat cannot be reflected and this brings to heat trapped and heat cycles in the same area. This increases the temperature level of the surrounding area. Green house effect gives impact on reducing humidity simultaneously caused on dry condition which leads to less water vapour in the atmosphere and produces dust as well as ash.

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Figure 3.1 : The Process of Green House Effect. Carbon dioxide emission is the main factors that contribute in green house effect. Reducing carbon footprint is the best way to achieve sustainable and at the same time avoid such negative impact into our lives and environment. By applying green home application actually is a big step to reduce footprint towards sustainability. Nowadays, energy consumption and carbon emission is produce in large scale neither in industry nor housing.

3.3 Reducing Carbon Footprint

Number of carbon dioxide emission is now increasing as shown in Figure 3.1. This gas emission is one of the factors that contribute to pollution. Pollution can be classified into two which are primer pollution that comes from sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide due to incomplete burning; and second is secondary pollution that comes from sulfur dioxide plus water molecule reaction. Figure 3.2: World Related Carbon Dioxide CO2 Emission.

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Electricity comes from the renewable energy resources which are solar, wind and nuclear power plants and releases moderately small carbon dioxide. However, carbon dioxide will be release if energy is created by burning coal, oil and natural gas. Electricity in United State for example is generated by burning coal (David S.B., 2009). Nevertheless, people need to take step to reduce energy costs and turn home to be green and carbon footprint free. It is possible to reduce carbon footprint at home by applying the three aspects as heading below: Reducing Consumption The best way to reduce carbon is starts using renewable energy. Renewable energy releases far less carbon dioxide into atmosphere rather than powered by burning coal. There are many aspects that can be applied in order to reduce consumption which are: a) House Construction for example, build a house at the suitable site that that is not far from the resources or material so that it can use local resources and avoid imported product and transportation impact. Beside, the orientation of the house also contributes in using energy efficiently. b) Home Component use practical idea to reduce consumption such as glass window to get sunlight through in the house, rechange regular light bulb to fluorescent bulb which can save energy, and use automatic heat detector for light to on and off, etc. c) Daily Routine reduce electrical machine uses such as air conditioner, washing machine and vacuum. Also provide water catchment area to use rain as recycle water.

Reusing Product
People need to consider reusable products rather than disposal. It is a way to preventing waste. Some durable product at home can be repaired and maintain for example bags, containers and other items can be reused. In building development, tires and aluminum tins can be reuse as a material construction. Tires has been using as fence in green house design by developers. Container also is being use in housing to make an instant cube partition and wall of houses in short time.

Recycling
Using currently available technology provides some alternatives that allow people to be more efficient, less wasteful and the most important thing is less dependent on carbon-based form in the energy consumption product. Broken bottles

glass for example is use in wall as a small glassed-hole to get the sunlight go through into house.
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Energy
Source is one of the materials that existed in Earth. Energy is the source that can be used or change to fulfill human needs and brings comfort into human life. People cannot live without source and energy as they are very dependently into power and energy to live. To achieve sustainable, it is important to save and reduce the consumption of energy.

4.1 Type of Energy

Energy can be divided into two sources which are Renewable Energy and Nonrenewable Energy. The renewable energy can be defined as energy that can be recycle and get easily which is also can be formed naturally by surrounding environment in a short period. There are many types of renewable energy including; Solar - energy from sun, Hydro - energy from moving water, wind energy from the wind, biomass energy from burning plant material, tidal energy from rise and fall of tides and wave energy from ocean wave. Most of the renewable energy is used to produce electricity. This kind of energy can be will still there and should not last even if we keep in using it. On the other hand, the non-renewable energy is a source of energy that cannot be replenished in a short period. Non-renewable energy will take up to hundreds years to be reformed again. There are many types of non-renewable energy such as; fossil fuels natural gas, coal, oil, petroleum, nuclear uranium, granite, and cuprum. This kind of energy has limited source and will be last soon if there is no guide and specific control in using them.

4.2 Factor Affecting Energy Use in Building

In Malaysia, petroleum products are the main source of energy. The percentage of petroleum energy however has been turned down due to Fuel Diversification Policy created in 1999. By 2010, the largest energy demand comes from petroleum product (62%), followed by electricity (19%) and natural gas (16%). Table below shows the energy demand by sector in Malaysia.

Table 4.1: Energy Demand by Sector Source: Zain-Ahmed A. (2008) 8

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In term of percentage, table above shows the energy demand for commercial and residential sector is decreasing. Perhaps it is due to the increasing of quality of life and spending power leading to an increasing in travel and electricity consumption. There are many factors affecting energy use in building. The factors can be categorized into two groupings (Chan S. A., 2004). The main reasons on why people in Malaysia frequently consume energy can be describe as following: a) End-Use (Actual Energy Consumption) Malaysia home energy use estimate is about 38.78 kWh/m2 in a year. Air Conditioning & Space Heating Lighting Power and Process-such as rice cooker, TV, washing machine etc. b) Factors Climate For the hottest month, mean daily temperature is 27.8 C while the coolest is 25.9 C. The wind speeds is 1.2m/s which is quite low and the wind blows from East, North East and South East. However, the advantages of the climate are rainfall can exceed to 200mm/month for 8 month/year and the monthly humidity go above 70% and annually 83%. Building Design & Construction Passive design factor affects energy use. Building factor influences the requirement and amount of energy use. It can be classified as: Size and shape; orientation; planning and organization; thermo physical properties; window systems; and construction detailing. Occupancy and Management It should give emphasis to people use energy. People need to cool or heat but not the building. There are 4 aspects to be highlighted. Firstly, the total of energy used generally will be directly proportionate to the building occupancy intensity. Secondly, suit cooling and heating requirement with activity type. Thirdly is the attitude of resident towards energy uses. Finally are the organization and management team and the building equipment and operation. Environmental Standard People use more than they need. Average outdoor air temperature is only about 4C above the comfort range - 24 C. However, people always use air-conditioner from 18-20C and yet they are wearing sweater. 9

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4.3 Reducing Energy Consumption

Based on Brewer D. C. (2009), there are five best ways to save on household energy consumption which includes: a) Downsizing It is a way of reducing space to save energy in one place. Downsize can be apply in many ways such as having a small room to limited the cooler or heater active system, using small load of water to washing, and more. b) Rightsizing In building new housing, right sizing is important to match what really people need. Homes energy consumption is depends on smaller, more efficient spaces that use less energy for lighting, cooling and heating. So, rightsizing is about assessing needs and match them with the purchase. c) Eliminate Energy Waste Energy can be saved by limiting technology system usage or use it right. A homes exterior or space boundary volume of heating/ cooling need to be protected and closed. Sustainable green home design encourages the right design in order to apply this energy effectiveness concept for a house. d) Seeking Maximum Efficiencies Efficiency can be referred as quantified mathematically as ratio by Brewer D. C. (2009). It shows the ratio of output received over output supplied and formed in percentages. For example, a gas heating system that is 82% efficient is wasting 18% of energy from gas. e) Seeking Permanent Carbon Energy Reductions Energy saving changes consists of 3 categories which include: Structural of system changes which create relative and permanent energy saving. Aggressively alter or manage the method of energy used. Lesser, reduce or zero-carbon pollution source.

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Home Components 5.1 Windows

The important criteria of to consider are frame structure material and its type, position and orientation, glazing type and outside layer and space bar. Windows is important part in a home which key for energy-efficiency, effect the indoor air quality and humidity, direct lighting from outside sunlight, good facade view from outside, security and emergency exit. Windows should be located perfectly to allow ventilation from external fresh air. The selection of frame equipments must be thorough as it can give advantages for thermal qualities and reducing maintenance. Combination of basic equipments can help to reduce maintenance needs. Basically, the selection of woods as it can be a good insulator but it needs homeowner maintenance because it can easily damaged. Otherwise, metal is a good conductor and have lower maintenance. But it requires thermal breaks created in the window frame structure as it can be use as window frame because the metal is poor insulator. Vinyl or plastic window frame have low maintenance but it also can be easily damaged due to climate changes. The vinyl also can affect the environmental impacts as it was produced by chlorine and other chemicals. Now, the combination of these three things known as vinyl-clad and aluminium-clad wood can be use as it can give direct advantages to homeowners and also help them to cut the maintenance costs indirectly. For the frame types, we can use fixed windowpane, open out windows, sliding, vertical, awning, single-hung and double-hung windows. Basically, windows with less operational role are more energy-efficient. The fixed windowpane is not suitable because it cannot allow any ventilation because the windows cannot open. The open out and vertical windows allow good ventilation but it much expensive than the double-hung windows. This type can allow less ventilation while it fully-open. Heat loss from the windows can be transfer through high performance windows as it made from two or three panes layer of glass. The amount of heat also can be controlled by type of space that spaces which are filled in with gas (i.e. argon and krypton) and the type of covering used. The argon gas is heavier than air which helps to shrink the transfer of heat loss from cold to warm through transmission. Otherwise, the space bar is used to avoid air or moisture from entering the glazing unit. Position and orientation also affect the performance of windows in the house (Refer: Figure 5.1). It can help the movement of internal air and energy-efficient in the house. Consequently, it will save energy and lead to sustainable appliance in home design.

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Figure 5.1 : Position and Orientation of Window Design

5.2 Doors
Important criteria to consider are cost, availability and ease of setting up, initial and maintenance costs and its insulation capability for exterior doors. Wood is good choice but it is poor insulator as its heat flow resistance is low compared to other choice of equipments. Usage of metal-clad doors is optional to get a better insulation for exterior doors. Both of types can easily installed and have low costs of maintenance. Basically, interior doors used the wood types come with a frame which attached to pre-built style.

Figure 5.2: Exterior Doors Installation 12

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5.3 Wall
Wall system for green homes mostly used prefabricated methods. The important criteria are environmental impact, installation cost and its durability. In this case, most important factors to consider are materials used for wall sheathing that are lower maintenance for insulation and support. There are three categories of panel systems made by wood which are usually used in house construction that are: open-sheathed panels, structural sandwich panels and unsheathed structural panels.

Figure 5.3: Non-structural panel being lifted onto steel frame

Figure 5.4: Panels with integral structure

Figure 5.5: Component Panel

Figure 5.6: Modular Unit Being Installed

High performance level for prefabricated panel systems can be assessed into three features which are craftsmanship quality, technical performance, and its durability. The craftsmanship quality has potential in order to make sure every building joint get into the constant stages of performance. Besides, air tightness through condensation process in the house help to improve the technical performance. Moreover, equipments capacity to withstand the elements influenced the panels durability. 13

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Figure 5.7: Prefarication Process

5.4 Roof
The important criteria of green roof to consider are durability, installation costs, weight, recycled content, and reflectivity due to its colours. The roofing system has some basic components which are waterproofing covering, a root barrier, insulation, a drainage layer and a filter fabric and growing medium and plants. The roof is a part that has to protect thoroughly as it needs high maintenance costs to replace or repair. The green roof consideration includes durability, reliability and compatibility with roof frames. The roof framing system should enhanced cooling of the loft space by the integration of top edge hole. Other factors, the green roof also consider the high heat reflectivity equipments, high recycled content of building equipments, and recyclability level of the green roof equipments. Figure 5.7: Green Roof Turfing 14

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Green roofs can be divided into two groups: extensive and intensive. The extensive consist of a continuous layer that has low-growing vegetation. The intensive has complex planting system which contain of various vegetation used in that. The advantages of green roofs comprise better quality of life among homeowners and also community and profits return in economic sector. Green roofs can help to provide better indoor air quality, climate intercession, and storm water retention.

5.5 Mechanical system

Well-designed homes with energy-efficient and air rigid supported by recently new green technologies. The important criteria take into consideration of building green home that cost, energy-efficiency, mechanical ventilation system and accurate system sizing. The homes mechanical system needed good heating and cooling system. The heating and cooling systems in the home typically need hot air source, an air-conditioner, and a ventilation system. The systems should be considering energy loads, cost savings, types of structure and climatic information. Heat pumps are installed to transfer energy from one location to the other location. And the heat pumps will help in supplying calm, comfort and efficiency. Geothermal heat pumps allow the ambient temperature of the ground to heat or cool the home. The closed loop water source heat pump design is best design to allow energy which is not required in some areas in the home removed and used in required areas (cooling load to heating load).

Figure 5.8: Geothermal Energy for the Home 15

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The ventilation systems should be concern as it can penetrate pollutant and also offgassing toxins throughout the home from building equipments. The heating, cooling and ventilation must efficient use as the system can transform a power source into efficient energy and control the energy produced due to environmental condition.

Figure 5.9: The Mechanical System

Applications to Green Home

6.1 How to Going Green

Going green will just not helping people to reduce environmental impact but it saves money and people also can live a happier plus healthier life. There are some matters to be highlighted in order to foster and nourish green home ideas. Based on Green Building Index an initiative to lead building development and property industry toward becoming more environmental-friendly, there are six defining criterias to going green which includes: a) b) c) d) e) f) Energy Efficiency Indoor Environmental Quality Sustainable Site Planning and Management Materials and Resources Water Efficiency Innovation

This criteria is used to guide people who want to build green building concept. Green building index in Malaysia have classified their GBI rating based on points of building score which consist of platinum, gold, silcer and certified.

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6.2 Green Home Project in Malaysia

In Malaysia, there is some green house building that have been done by individual who cares about sustainable environment and energy-efficient. This following present some examples of green house concept in Malaysia. a) Berjaya Hill- Bukit Tinggi, Pahang This house is using five principles of green home approaches which are smart design, upcycle and recycle, smart to build, energy efficiency and water conservation to build a house by applying green construction. This project reuses containers as wall and reduces construction waste in site to lesser the environmental impact. The features of the building are: - West wall that blocking the direct heat - North wall that opening to view mountain - East wall absorbs natural lighting, cross ventilation setting. - Materials and electronic stuff that minimal the energy used - Rain water harvesting and grey water treatment b) Sky Residences, Cinta Sayang Resort- Sg Petani Kedah Sky Residences is a combination of style of a private garden and home. It consists of 3 residential condominium blocks fully with green landscape and facilities. It is developed by US Green Building Council (USGBC) and has green building certification- LEED accreditation. The building features are: - Energy saving. - Water efficiency. - Carbon dioxide emission reduction. - Improved indoor environmental quality. - Stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. - Natural day lighting and air ventilation by providing large glass window.

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c) Setia Greens- Changkat Sg Ara, Pulau Pinang Setia Greens is a residential project under SP Setia Berhad that set the island landscape with its green building design to save energy and resources. This is one of their ways to get GBI certification by providing ecologically Friendly Township for living. They focus on using resource efficiently and reduce building impact on human health and environment. The building features are: - Rain water harvesting system. - Water efficient fittings. - Rainwater collected by rainwater downpipe and stored at tank for outdoor purpose. - Solar water heater that serves all bathrooms.

Cool Roof system creates natural airflow and heat barrier. Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) to reduce health hazard and environmental contaminant. Built with North-South orientation to avoid direct sunlight and better air flow.

6.3 Green Home Project in Other Countries

Green home project has been applied widely in other countries as they are nowadays concern on green and sustainable living. Many architecturers are involved in order to achieve and contribute to the new green home idea. a) Vail Grant House- Silverlake, California It is a creative and inventive project located at suburban slopes. The houses main volume is a square extruded to elongated twisted box. The building features are: - 100% energy independent, - Using Structural Concrete Insulated Panels (SCIPs) - Solar panels to produce more power generating. - Geothermal air conditioning and natural convection. - Geometric and filled with natural light volume created. - The buildings shape and oriented are exposure to winds and natural ventilation. - Window design to maximize day light, shading and face glazing. 18

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b) Steve Glenns Home - Santa Monica, USA It is a LEED Platinum house in United State which means it is categorized in first class of green home design. The features of the building are: - Made of factory-built modules that are gathered on site. - Contain of eleven separate parts which has 4-5 types of part. - Cement foundation slab floor means standard floor without tiles, mosaic etc. - Countertops in kitchen are not granite- paperstone, made from leftovers from pulp mills. - Movable wall to isolate space, roof garden, home solar panel, tube water heating by sun for shower.

c) Old Stone Highway - East Hampton, New York This house is designed by John Berg as Single Family Residence with applying low impact building technology environmentally. It is 2200 sq ft building at 1 acre lot size. The features of the building are: - It is made of performance Structural Insulted Panels (SIPS); Which is airtight, wellinsulted, fast to assemble. - Complemented by 98% efficient boiler panel. - Using radiant concrete floors. - It is a geo-thermal HVAC system: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning- refers to indoor and automotive environmental comfort technology. - UV-resistant Kynar roofs. Kynar is a tough engineering thermoplastic that offers excellent balance of performance. 19

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The Advantages of Green Home and Its Limitation a) The Advantages

The development of green home over the world can offer benefits in various ways as follow: Green homes often use toxin-free building equipments, utilize natural ventilation, and use alternative energy resources which are reducing reliance on traditional energy resources. Basically, the green homes are environmental-friendly and use less natural resources and more recycled products in construction which can help to conserve the resources itself. Green homes are built from high-quality building equipments which are durable and adaptable as it can last for a long period. The homeowners will not have to pay a lot of bill costs as the homes itself conserve the energy, water and indoor air. In addition, another benefit for green home is water conservation. The low usage of water everyday can help to save the water resources. Green homes even can reduce water usage almost 50% with superior water preservation system. Green homes can prevent runoff of water, decrease soil interruption and offer healthy environment. The concept of green home come with zero energy cost which is generate energy to accomplish its electrical needs. Environmental-friendly homes will be a reasonable choice for people to choose to stay since the electricity and utility bills increase day-byday now. As many people in the world starting to concern about these green homes and about to increase the market demand, it is not impossible to say that make investment in the green homes market will give higher value in the future. Tenancy levels are always higher and vacancy rates much lower in green homes. The green home can improve the quality of life of the homeowners with enhanced daily routine. Better quality of life can help them become more productive and healthier person. We can conclude that the benefits offered by green homes in three major aspects which are economic, health and environmental. A few benefits you can get when working with an architect who concerned about sustainable and green development as follow: a) The architect will design your home and considering the aspects of energy and water consumption in order to exploit spatial requirements. b) The design of home will have the limitation to the negative impacts of the home structure on the immediate environment. c) The architect also discover various green technologies and innovations, renewable energy systems, green house products and energy efficient building systems into his consideration.

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b) The Limitaions
Every project has its own limitation that will reduce the potential of the effectiveness ideas. So do green home, there are some negative aspects that affect people to start applying sustainable from their homes. One of the limitations of green home implementation is the reluctance of client in term of costs. As we know, the costs to develop this kind of building need a lot of money. The initial cost is generally related to the whole process of green home construction. They refused to take an additional cost into their considerations without thinking about the increase in market demand for future prediction. But if the buyer sees from long term effects, they will find that accumulation from energy efficient home much important than the home price. In any occasional cases, green home impact can cause the environmental pollution in terms of internal factor. Although the green home is energy efficient, but the households are actually have to face the indoor air pollution. This is because the contractor used the recycled products which are lead to indoor air quality problem. For example, the contractor also used florescent lights which are one of energy-efficient products compared to light bulbs. The effect caused by florescent lights is radiation which is can cause health problems.

Policy Implication Arising from Green Home

The sustainable design approach is defined as A combined architectural, engineering, site planning and landscaping (multidisciplinary) approach to designing an energy conscious building should optimize the energy efficiency of a building especially in employing combined passive and active devices. This home green is work only if the building designers work together to generate many ideas in order to achieve sustainability. Builder and designer can create their own ways to improve ventilation, reduce heat, provide natural cooling and reducing the dependency in using energy and technology.

8.1 National Energy Policy

National Energy Policy has been providing three following principles: a) Supply b) Utilization c) Environmental supply sufficient energy resource efficient utilization and reduce waste minimize negative impacts to environment

The objective is to ensure provision of adequate, secure and cost-effective energy supplies by developing indigenous energy resources, both non-renewable & renewable, using least-costs options, & diversifying supply resources within & outside the economy (National Energy Policy). 21

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Government has take initiative in building sector by developing the Low Energy Office (LEO Building). The LEO building is integrated energy efficient design to demonstrate the features of energy efficient and cost effective. This building is aim to accomplish 100kWn/m2 p. a. of building energy index (BEI) which saves the energy consumption more than 50% than normal building.

8.2 Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulations 2008

This regulation is gazetted on 15 December 2008 under Electricity Supply Act 2001. It provide three role to manage energy which are stated as following: a) Analyze total consumption of electrical energy b) To ensure well-organized management of electrical energy, energy manager works as advisor on the progression and completion of measure. c) Examine the efficiency and effectiveness of measures taken.

8.3 Malaysia Standard - MS 1525

The Malaysian Standard has been created by the Technical Committee on Energy Efficiency in Building under the authority of the Building and Civil Engineering Industry Standards Committee. This MS 1525 is purposely developed to encourage the construction, design maintenance and operation of new and existing buildings with reducing energy consumption without constraining creativity in design, function and the comfort of occupants. Malaysian Standard 1525 sets out minimum standard to design and choose equipment stipulated in the code in these areas: architectural and passive design; lighting, building envelope, electric power and distributions; ACMV and system of energy management. The design component provides guidelines as followed: a) Sustainable design approach For example, adopting mixed mode system, by maximizing day lighting and thermal comfort and minimizing solar gain to achieve energy efficiency. b) Passive design strategies Design and construction have to take maximum advantages of environment by considering some factors include the following: Building orientation Building configuration Effective room depth Floor to ceiling height Location of cores Building faade Internal layout Fenestrations Building materials Roof design and color Landscaping and Shading 22

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c) Site planning and orientation The best orientation for building is by minimizing the East-West orientation ie. The long directional axis of building faces North-South. In fact, the microclimate information should be analyzed in making decision for design replacement including temperature, wind direction and precipitation, etc. d) Daylighting Good daylighting systems need to begin at preliminary design stage. There are some important building elements that relate to sunlight as following: Orientation and space organization Shape and size of surface for the daylight to pass through Partition, internal ceiling wall and floor surface property Colour contrast between wall, ceiling and window External/internal shading devices for solar gain protection Windows optical, solar and thermal properties e) Faade Design Solar heat gain can be minimizing by applying good building material for faade design. Exterior wall and cladding system need to provide integrated solution for view, daylight control, solar energy collection etc. f) Natural ventilation Natural ventilation is use of natural forces of wind to deliver adequate fresh air and air change to ventilate enclosed spaces without using temperature controls or any mechanical system. There are two methods to provide ventilation: Cross ventilation (Wind-driven) Stack ventilation (Buoyancy-driven)

g) Strategic landscaping To reduce heat gain by shading from sun, shielding from infiltration and creating a cooler microclimate around building. h) Use of renewable energy For passive design consideration approach designer can apply; Solar energy (heating, cooling, ventilation and daylighting) Photovoltaic device for electivity Integrated building devices Integrated passive solar and active system

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Conclusion

In summary, sustainable comes from home where people live, learn and play. Starting from home, people can foster their enthusiasm of loving environment. Designing and having a green life doesnt need to be paid or received any reward because it is our spirit and intuition to have a better life. Green home is consisting of engineering, architectural, site planning and landscaping cooperation to build one project. Green home is a concept to save money and energy efficient by applying three concepts which are reduce consumption, reuse product and recycle material. When practically change to green home concepts, automatically it helps to preserve oldgrowth forest. This is due to utilize renewable resources such as by using reused material of old building, recycle material and bamboo etc. the green home also reduces the emission of fossil fuel by using local materials when it is possible, and so it is eliminates the longdistance transport of journey. These are the ways to prevent waste, reduce carbon dioxide emission and less dependent of energy used.

References
Alias, A., Sin, T.K., Aziz, W.N.A.W.A. (2010). The Green Home Concept Acceptability and Development Problems. Kuala Lumpur: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and The Institute of Surveyors. Brewer D. C. (2009). Green My Home: 10 Steps to Lowewring Energy Costs and Reducing Your Carbon Footprint. Kaplan Publishing Inc. Chan S. A. (2004). Energy Efficiency: Designing Low Energy Buildings Using Energy 10. Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia. David S. B. (2009). Reducing Carbon Footprint at Home. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. Department of Standards Malaysia (2007). Malaysia Standard MS1525: Code of Practice on Energy Efficiency and Use of Renewable Energy for Non-Residential Building. Standard Malaysia 2007. Friedman, A. (2007). Sustainable Residential Development: Planning and Design for Green Neighbourhoods. United States of America: McGraw Hill. Goldstein, B., Pellicciotto, J., Blaney, K. H., (2000). Green & Lean: Designing and Buildingan Affordable, Resource-efficient Home. Washington: GreenHOME Inc. National Capital Region, 2010. Greenspace, at website:http://www.greenspacencr.org/. Accessed on 28 November 2011. Pinku, E. Advantages of a Green Home Plan: Green Homes for Healthy Living. Accessed at http://www.solar-panels-for-your-home.net/ Sky Residences, Malaysia My Second http://www.cintasayangresort.com/sky_residences.pdf Home. Available at:

SP Setia Group Berhad (2011). Setia Greens. Available at: http://www.setiagreens.com.my/ Wiedmann T. and Minx J. (2007). A Definition of Carbon Footprint. ISA Research and Consulting. Available at www.censa.org.uk Vail Grant Residence. Available at: http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/default.aspx Zain-Ahmed A. (2008). Renewable Energy, Building and the Fuel Crisis. Internatiional Conference on Construction and Building Technology.

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