The top sustainable construction technologies used today in green construction are:

1. Solar power
In green construction, there is active solar power and the other is passive solar
power. Active solar power is the use of functional solar systems that absorb the
sun’s radiation to cater for heating and electricity provision. It reduces the need
for the use of electricity or gas.
Passive solar power is a design that uses the sun’s rays to warm homes through
the strategic placement of windows and the use of heat-absorbing surfaces. The
windows let in energy and the heat absorbed reduces the need for warming the
house during cold periods such as winter.

2. Biodegradable materials
The use of biodegradable materials is an eco-friendly means of making
construction sustainable. Most traditional construction methods lead to the
accumulation of waste products and toxic chemicals, the majority of which take
hundreds of years to degrade. Biodegradable materials such as organic paints,
therefore, aid to limit the negative impacts on the environment as they easily
breakdown without the release of toxins. The use of biodegradable materials for
building foundation, walls and insulators are also part of sustainable
construction technologies.

3. Green insulation
Insulation is among the greatest concerns when it comes to construction of
buildings and homes. The use of green insulation has proven to be a sustainable
construction technology as it eliminates the need for high-end finishes made
from non-renewable materials. Green insulation offers a solution by making
use of old and used materials such as denim and newspaper.

4. The use of smart appliances

Sustainable construction technologies emphasize the installation of energy
saving and self-sufficient appliances. SmartGrid dishwashers, refrigerators and
washing machines are examples of such sustainable technologies. The
technology is oriented towards establishing zero-energy homes as well as
commercial buildings.
5. Cool roofs
Cool roofs are sustainable green design technologies which aim at reflecting
heat and sunlight away. It aids in keeping homes and buildings at the standard
room temperatures by lowering heat absorption and thermal emittance. Cool
roofs can reduce temperatures by more the 50 degree Celsius during summer.

6. Sustainable resource sourcing

Sustainable resource sourcing ensures the use of construction materials
designed and created from recycled products and have to be environmentally
friendly. Overall, the materials are remanufactured, recycled, recyclable, and
obtained from sustainable sources.

7. Low-energy house and Zero-energy building design

Sustainable construction technologies typically include mechanisms to lessen
energy consumption. The construction of buildings with wood, for instance, is a
sustainable construction technology because it has a lower embodied energy in
comparison to those build of steel or concrete. Sustainable green construction
also makes use of designs that cut back air leakage and allows for free flow of
air while at the same time using high-performance windows and insulation
techniques.

8. Electrochromic Smart Glass

Electronic Smart Glass also constitutes one of the technologies in sustainable
construction. The electronic smart glass is a new technology that works
particularly in summer periods to shut out the harsh heat of solar radiation. The
smart glass uses tiny electric signals to slightly charge the windows to change
the amount of solar radiation it reflects.
It is incorporated into the buildings control system, therefore, allowing users to
choose the amount of solar radiation to block. With this technology, homes and
commercial buildings can save a lot on heating, ventilating, and air
conditioning costs.

9. Water efficiency technologies

There are several water efficient technologies used, which are all part of
sustainable construction technologies. Essentially, the technologies encompass
 re-use and application of efficient water supply systems. Examples include the
use of dual plumbing, greywater re-use, rainwater harvesting and water
conservation fixtures. In urban areas, the technologies intend to lower water
wastage by 15% to address freshwater shortages.

10. Sustainable indoor environment technologies

The health and safety of the building occupants are fundamental and must be
guaranteed during the construction of any building or home. As such,
sustainable indoor technologies are mandatory for green construction. The
materials used have to ensure green safety standards which include hazardous
free elements, non-toxic materials, low volatile emissions, and moisture
resistance.

11. Self-powered buildings

Self-powered buildings bring about the realization of zero-energy construction.
The buildings are built such that they are able to generate sufficient power to
support their own energy needs and even direct surplus energy back into the
power grid. In most cases, wind power technology is used and it is highly
common in skyscrapers whereby wind turbines are mounted at the rooftops.
The constant and heavy air currents at higher altitudes propel the turbine blades
which generates the power requirements for the building.

12. Rammed Earth Brick

Rammed earth brick is an ancient construction technology which has lately
been re-introduced to cater for the demands of environmental sustainability.
The technique uses sustainably sourced raw materials. Due to technological
advancements, the process of building a rammed-earth structure has been made
easier but it still follows the ancient preparation process.

When designing public buildings with sustainability in mind, architects use the following top
five sustainable architecture strategies:

1. Passive Sustainable Design. Passive strategies, such as considering sun orientation and
climate when siting and being thoughtful about window placement and operation, are used to
best manage daylighting and natural ventilation and go a long way in reducing energy
requirements for the building. In certain climates, thermal mass techniques can be used to
harness solar energy. In such cases, thick walls absorb heat from the sun during the day and
release it into the building at night.
2. Active Sustainable Design. Architects consult with mechanical and electrical engineers to
implement high-efficiency electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other systems, which are designed
to have small environmental footprints.

3. Renewable Energy Systems. Renewable energy systems, including those that harness solar
and wind energy, are also great options for some buildings. These systems are often used in
conjunction with passive design strategies.

4. Green Building Materials and Finishes. By making it a priority to purchase steel, lumber,
concrete, and finishing materials, such as carpet and furnishings, from companies that use
environmentally responsible manufacturing techniques or recycled materials, architects up the
ante on sustainability.

5. Native Landscaping. Landscaping choices can make a big impact in civic building water
consumption. By using trees, plants, and grasses that are native to the area, architects can greatly
reduce irrigation needs. Landscaping can also be used as part of a passive energy strategy. By
planting trees that shade the roof and windows during the hottest time of the day, solar heat gain
inside the building can be reduced.
6. Stormwater Management. When rain falls on an untouched site, the water that doesn’t
evaporate absorbs back into the ground, replenishing the natural water table. However, when a
building is placed on the site, along with parking lots, sidewalks, access roads, and other
hardscaping, rainfall behaves differently. The water runs off these surfaces and into storm drains.
By implementing stormwater management strategies, such as pervious pavement that helps to
reduce runoff and retention ponds that capture runoff and slowly release water back into the
ground, the negative environmental impact of buildings can be reduced.

Sustainable Architecture Strategies In HMC Projects

At HMC Architects, we strive to implement sustainable strategies in all of our public building
projects. Not only is it the responsible thing to do for the planet, but also the results are often
used as teaching tools: building occupants and visitors see first-hand how sustainable strategies
work.

Below are just a few of the sustainability projects that we’re proud of:

Quail Hill Community Center. We designed Quail Hill Community Center in Irvine,
California, to exist in harmony with nature. It’s a beautifully executed, warm, and interactive
facility that serves to increase community wellness and awareness of the arts, and educate
visitors. Although a small project, the design exemplifies the efficiency that you would see in
high-performance architecture.

Solar panel arrays and high-efficiency LED lighting help to reduce energy consumption, while
low-flow water fixtures reduce water usage and tie into the educational component of the project.
Native plants are incorporated into the landscaping to not only reduce irrigation needs, but also
to teach visitors about each species. We also placed informational signage throughout the
project, Quail Hill is a great example of a sustainable civic building that’s one with the
environment.

Frontier Project. When we partnered with the Cucamonga Valley Water District to design
the Frontier Project, an educational model to increase awareness of sustainability in Rancho
Cucamonga, California, we incorporated the following strategies:
  Sloped walls. A narrower building allows light to penetrate deeper inside, and by sloping the
walls, we allowed for even more window surface area.

 Connections to nature. Views of native trees and plants allow for connectivity to nature and the
landscape overall.

 Cooling tower. In the warm climate of southern California, harnessing cool air is paramount. A
centrally located cooling tower uses water evaporation to force the cool air down the tower and
into the building, while a separate tower allows the hot air to rise out.

 Thermal mass. Thick walls absorb heat slowly during the day and release it during the cool
nights. This insulates the interior environment against the extreme outside temperature swings.

 Stormwater management. A bioswale allows reuse of stormwater.

The Frontier Project achieved LEED Platinum certification and is one of the most sustainable
facilities in California.

CSU Monterey Bay. Our design of the CSU Monterey Bay Joel and Dena Gambord Business
and Information Technology Building is on target for LEED Gold certification. The facility
features an atrium that allows plenty of light and glass walls in classrooms to improve
daylighting spaces. We also used water and energy reduction strategies, as well as a double-skin
wall system and an exterior screen to manage heat gain.
Achievable Sustainability
Designing a sustainable public building should not be a daunting prospect. An experienced
architect firm will listen carefully to your needs and concerns and will offer the sustainable
architecture strategies that best meet your goals and budget.

https://hmcarchitects.com/news/the-top-6-sustainable-architecture-strategies-for-public-building-
design-2018-10-03/

Passive design
‘Passive design’ is design that takes advantage of the climate to maintain a comfortable
temperature range in the home. Passive design reduces or eliminates the need for
auxiliary heating or cooling, which accounts for about 40% (or much more in some
climates) of energy use in the average Australian home.

The importance of passive design cannot be overstated. Paying attention to the

principles of good passive design suitable for your climate effectively ‘locks in’ thermal
comfort, low heating and cooling bills, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions for the
life span of your home.

Passive design utilises natural sources of heating and cooling, such as the sun and
cooling breezes. It is achieved by appropriately orientating your building on its site and
carefully designing the building envelope (roof, walls, windows and floors of a home).
Well-designed building envelopes minimise unwanted heat gain and loss.

The most economical time to achieve good passive design in a home is when initially
designing and building it. However, substantial renovations to an existing home can also
offer a cost effective opportunity to upgrade thermal comfort — even small upgrades
can deliver significant improvements. If you’re buying a new home or apartment, assess
its prospects for thermal comfort and/or ability to be cost effectively upgraded to reflect
good passive design principles in its climate.

For best results, ‘passive’ homes need ‘active’ users — people with a basic
understanding of how the home works with the daily and seasonal climate, such as
when to open or close windows, and how to operate adjustable shading.
A number of different and interrelated strategies contribute to good passive design,
each the subject of an article in this section. Passive design strategies vary with climate,
as explained in more detail in Design for climate. The best mix of passive design
strategies also varies depending on the particular attributes of your site. Choose a
designer who is experienced in passive design for your climate and consider engaging a
thermal performance expert to model different design options using thermal
performance software.

Good passive design is critical to achieving a lifetime of thermal comfort, low energy
bills and low greenhouse gas emissions.

Glazing
Glazed windows and doors bring in light and fresh air and offer views that connect
interior living spaces with the outdoors. However, they can be a major source of
unwanted heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Up to 40% of a home’s heating
energy can be lost and up to 87% of its heat gained through glazing. These thermal
performance problems can be largely overcome by selecting the right glazing systems
for your orientation and climate, and considering the size and location of window
openings in your design. Use the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS), which rates
the energy and energy-related performance of different window products.

Up to 40% of a home’s heating energy can be lost and up to 87% of its heat gained
through glazing.

Skylights
Skylights can make a major contribution to energy efficiency and comfort. They are an
excellent source of natural light, perhaps admitting more than three times as much light
as a vertical window of the same size, and can improve natural ventilation. However,
they can be a major source of unwanted heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.
Factors to be considered when selecting from the many skylight options available
include sizing and spacing (to control glare and heat gain), energy efficiency and
appropriateness for climate.

Passive cooling
Passive cooling is the least expensive way to cool your home. To be effective, passive
cooling techniques need to cool both the house and the people in it — with elements
such as air movement, evaporative cooling and thermal mass. Passive cooling design
techniques can be applied to new homes as well as renovations, across a range of
different climate zones. All Australian regions except those above the tropic of Capricorn
require some form of passive heating in winter, so read this article in conjunction with
Design for climate and Passive heating.

Shading
Shading of your house and outdoor spaces reduces summer temperatures, improves
comfort and saves energy. Direct sun can generate the same heat as a single bar
radiator over each square metre of a surface. Effective shading — which can include
eaves, window awnings, shutters, pergolas and plantings — can block up to 90% of this
heat. Shading of glass to reduce unwanted heat gain is critical, as unprotected glass is
often the greatest source of heat gain in a house. However, poorly designed fixed
shading can block winter sun. By calculating sun angles for your location, and
considering climate and house orientation, you can use shading to maximise thermal
comfort.

Orientation
Orientation refers to the way you place your home on its site to take advantage of
climatic features such as sun and cooling breezes. For example, in all but tropical
climates living areas would ideally face north, or as close to north as possible, allowing
maximum exposure to the sun, and easy shading of walls and windows in summer.
Good orientation reduces the need for auxiliary heating and cooling and improves solar
access to panels for solar photovoltaics and hot water. Your home is thus more
comfortable to live in and cheaper to run. It takes account of summer and winter
variations in the sun’s path as well as the direction and type of winds. Read this article in
conjunction with Design for climate, Passive solar heating and Passive cooling.

https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design

Caitlin McGee, 2013

Passive design

What are solar panels?

Solar panels are devices that convert light into electricity. They are called "solar"
panels because most of the time, the most powerful source of light available is the
Sun, called Sol by astronomers. Some scientists call them photovoltaics which means,
basically, "light-electricity."

Figure from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Deep Space One Web Site:
http://nmp.jpl.nasa.gov/ds1/

A solar panel is a collection of solar cells. Lots of small solar cells spread over a large
area can work together to provide enough power to be useful. The more light that hits
a cell, the more electricity it produces, so spacecraft are usually designed with solar
panels that can always be pointed at the Sun even as the rest of the body of the
spacecraft moves around, much as a tank turret can be aimed independently of where
the tank is going.

http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/vss/docs/power/1-what-are-solar-panels.html

What is a solar panel and how does it

work?
A solar panel is an assembly of solar cells that can convert light directly into
electricity. By combining the capacity of several solar panels, part of a family’s electricity
needs can be covered.

At the moment, depending on the type of panel, 5 to 19 % of the light energy can be
converted into electricity. This is known as the “output” of the panel. As the technology is
constantly being improved, the output should increase further.

Using solar panels you can convert sunlight, which is free and inexhaustible, into electricity.
This conversion is achieved thanks to the so-called “semiconductor” material from which
each solar cell is made.

Two generations of solar panels

 The material most often used for solar cells is silicon. This material can occur in three
forms:

 monocrystalline silicon
 polycrystalline (or multicrystalline) silicon
 amorphous silicon
These various forms produce different types of solar panels with differing prices, useful
lives and output:

 First-generation solar panels use monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon (output of 12

to 19 %).
 Second-generation solar panels consist of solar cells made of amorphous silicon. This
name also applies to solar panels based on other materials that have appeared on the
market more recently:
 CIS (copper-indium-selenium)
 CIS (copper-indium-gallium-selenium)
 CdTe (cadmium telluride)
The particular feature of this second generation is that it uses thin semiconductor layers
(“thin films”). This explains why these panels are less expensive and more aesthetic, but
also have a lower output (from 5 to 11 %).
The convertor: the most important element in the
installation

A solar panel generates direct current. To be able to use this current in the home or place
the surplus on the grid, it has to be converted to alternating current of 230 V. This is done
by the converter, which is integrated into the electrical circuit close to the solar panels.

What production level can we expect?

The capacity of a solar installation is expressed in watt peak (Wp). This is the maximum
electrical capacity that a solar cell can yield under ideal circumstances: solar collector
directed towards the sun in a cloudless sky.

The ideal orientation for solar panels is indeed south-facing. If the panels are installed
between the south-east and the south-west, the loss of output amounts to 5 %. If the
panels are installed outside these limits, the loss increases rapidly. In Belgium the
ideal angle is 35°.
 Here an installation of 1,000 Wp facing due south at an angle of 35° and without any shade
generates approximately 850 kWh/year.
For a Brussels family, in practical terms that means:

 on the assumption that around 10 m² of panels (1,250 Wp) are needed to generate 1,000
kWh/year (depending on the technology chosen) …
 and given that a Brussels family of two to three people uses an average of 3,500 kWh/year
…
 we can conclude that solar panels covering 10 m2 can provide just under one-third of the
annual needs of a family.
In the city it is often difficult to use more room for solar panels. But as the output of the
panels is increasing all the time, it will be possible to cover an ever bigger proportion of the
needs with the same surface area!

https://www.energuide.be/en/questions-answers/what-is-a-solar-panel-and-how-does-it-work/136/

Pascale Schaerbeek

What is a solar panel and how does it

work?

Introduction to Green Roofs

By Catherine Hansen | February 8, 2018 | Environment, Green Building

ide range of tangible and intangible benefits to communities interested in enhancement of their
environment. Green roof development involves the construction of a vegetative layer on top of a
human-made structure or building adding green space to areas that would otherwise be unused. The
major benefits of green roofs are reducing energy use as well as air pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions, enhancing stormwater management and water quality, decreasing heat island effect by
regulating temperature for the roof and the surrounding areas and providing aesthetic value and
habitats for many species.
What are Green Roofs
Green roofs mainly consist of a vegetation layer consisting of trees, plants, and other shrubs, a
substrate layer where water is retained and in which the vegetation is secured, and a drainage layer
which helps to evacuate excess water. The depth of the substrate layer is how the two main types of
green roofs are differentiated.
Green roofs can be intensive or extensive. Intensive roofs are thicker, more than 15 cm deep, which
allows for the growth of a wider variety of plants including trees and shrubs. However these roofs
are heavier, more expensive and require more maintenance and irrigation. Extensive roofs, on the
other hand, are covered in only a light layer of vegetation, less than 15 cm, and are primarily made
up of shrubs, low-growing sedums, and herbs. Unlike the plants on an intensive green roof, the
extensive vegetation is typically self-sustaining apart from the bi-yearly maintenancewhen the beds
need to be weeded and fertilized.
 Because of their weight and function intensive roofs are usually used on commercial
buildings. Commercial buildings tend to be made out of concrete and can support heavierweight loads
than traditional homes. Once the plants are installed and the soil is moist these rooftop green spaces
can weigh as much as 150 pounds per square foot. They also tend to have more room to include
benches, tables, greenhouses, fountains and walkways that travel between different features of the
green roof and provide space where people can interact with the natural surroundings. Intensive roofs
tend to be more attractive than extensive roofs and can offer people a place to relax, eat or work in
park-like settings.
Extensive roofs on the other hand because of their low weight tend to be more often suitable for
residential type buildings or sheds and barns. Extensive green roofs are the simplest to install and
are very often added to existing roofs. Depending on the source you look at these roofs may add 10
to 35 pounds per square foot to a roof’s load. Drought-tolerant plants and grass are the most common
used vegetation on an extensive green roof due to their low water requirements and the shallowness
of their roots.
Unending Benefits
Green roofs can be placed on both old and new buildings.The green roof system can either be
modular, with drainage layers, filter cloth, growing media and plants already prepared in movable,
often interlocking grids, or loose laid/ built-up where each component of the system may be installed
separately. Reports vary on installation costs but on average extensive green roof range between $8
and $20 per square foot and intensive green roofs range between $15 and $50 per square foot. This
compared to a traditional roof installation which averages about $16 dollars per square foot the green
roof installation costs tend to be much higher. Although a higher installation cost is required, the green
roof undoubtedly offers more benefits than a traditional roof may offer.
Green roofs have the potential to reduce energy demands two ways: absorbing heat and acting as
insulators for buildings. Adding a layer of soil and plants to a roof adds insulation to the building it
covers. Since roofs are the site of the greatest heat loss in the winter and the hottest temperatures
in the summer, the greater insulation offered by green roofs can decrease the amount of energy
required to moderate the temperature of a building.
Furthermore, reducing the demand for energy consequently reduces air pollution. By lowering air
conditioning demand, green roofs can decrease the production of associated air pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2, coming from power plants. Additionally, because plants
through photosynthesis convert atmospheric CO2 into oxygen, the plants on green roofs can help filter
harmful noxious gases in the air and reduce CO2 emissions in the atmosphere.

https://www.ecomena.org/green-roofs/

op 10 Sustainable Building Methods

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Many organizations are recognizing the value of sustainable and green building
methods. New advances in materials, technology and practices enable companies to
use environmentally friendly processes that also lead to better overall efficiency. Here
are the top 10 sustainable building methods currently in use or under development.

1. IoT Integrated Automated Building Systems

The Internet of Things (IoT) gives facility managers access to data that they did not
previously have access to. These small connected sensors can integrate with
automated building systems to improve the sustainability of operations. For
example, IoT sensors can dynamically adjust the required ventilation and lighting levels
inside the building based on temperature, weather and CO2 readings. The facility
manager doesn't need to manually stay on top of these adjustments or input data from
multiple pieces of equipment.

2. Synthetic Roof Underlayment

The underlayment on roofs is typically asphalt-based, which breaks down relatively
quickly. Replacing this layer is necessary to keep moisture out of the building's interior.
Synthetic roof underlayment offers an alternative that weighs less and holds up to the
wear and tear of an exterior environment. This material uses polymer that comes from
recycled scrap materials. It also eliminates VOCs from the underlayment.

3. Green Roofs
Another innovation for the top of commercial properties comes from green roofs. Grass,
plants, flowers, bushes and other greenery grows on the roofing material. Stormwater is
absorbed into the soil and managed more easily than with a bare roof. Heating and
cooling costs are reduced, and the air quality is improved.

4. Grid Hybrid System

Renewable energy sources provide a sustainable way for organizations to power their
commercial properties, but many grid systems lack storage to power facilities during
times of low solar availability. A hybrid system stores excess energy and allows the
renewable source to function at night, during overcast days and in other conditions that
aren't ideal.

5. Passive Solar
Another way to leverage a sustainable solar energy source is to construct the building
based on the passive solar concept. The facility's location and design maximize solar
energy for heating during winter, while reducing its impact during warmer months.
6. Greywater Plumbing Systems
Greywater systems reduce the facility's need for fresh water, as everything except for
toilet streams can be processed for reuse. The most common uses for this water
include irrigation and supplying toilets with water.

7. Electrochromic Glass
Electrochromic glass can shift from clear to opaque based on external stimuli such as
an electrical current or UV rays. It eliminates the need for shades and other window
treatments, while adapting to current conditions passively. Additional benefits include
blocking the vast majority of UV rays.

8. Solar Thermal Cladding

Solar thermal cladding is a passive solar building method designed specifically to hold
heat during the winter. The sun's energy is stored within this material and passed
through to the building for heat retention purposes.

9. Structural 3D Printing
Creating and moving building materials to the job site can have heavy environmental
costs. As structure 3D printing begins moving forward, it becomes easier to cut down on
shipping costs or reduce the weight of components.

10. Self-healing Concrete

This material is in its early stages, but once it's commercially viable it opens up many
sustainable possibilities. Everything from roads to walkways can benefit from concrete
that heals itself. Road crews would no longer need to shut down busy streets and
highway lanes to address potholes and cracks.

Proactive Maintenance
Facility managers use preventative maintenance to avoid unscheduled building
downtime, but this often leads to parts getting replaced well before their effective
lifespan completes. IoT sensors allow managers to move to a proactive system that only
schedules repairs and replacements when absolutely needed.

Current and future sustainable building methods bring many options to the table for
facility managers planning on implementing green practices.

https://blog.senseware.co/2017/05/30/top-10-sustainable-building-methods
Definition of green wall

“Vegetation growing on or against a vertical surface”

- Staffordshire University Green Wall Centre

Green walls are vertical structures that have different types of plants or other
greenery attached to them. The greenery is often planted in a growth medium
consisting of soil, stone, or water. Because the walls have living plants in them, they
usually feature built-in irrigation systems.

Green walls differ from facades, which are often seen climbing up the outside walls
of buildings, using them as structural support. In green walls, the growth medium is
on the surface or structure of the wall, whereas facades are rooted in the
ground. Moreover, the greenery of facades can take a long time to grow enough to
cover an entire wall, while green walls may be pre-grown.

Smart and active green walls often look similar to conventional green walls,
but serve more purposes due to the use of artificial intelligence and technology. The
features of a smart living wall can be automated and monitored, enhancing the effects.

In addition to the visual and biophilic benefits of all green walls, smart and active
green walls can feature natural air purification and humidification thanks to the
combination of enhanced air circulation, specialized growth medium, and technology.

What are the functions and benefits?

There are many advantages to having green walls livening up a space. First of all, the
visual benefits of the living wall cannot be ignored. The eye-catching pieces can make
a big impact decorating an urban environment made out of concrete and bricks, thus
offering alternatives for urban agriculture, gardening, and indoor decor.

Benefits for people

Living walls can make us happier and more productive, as they appeal to our innate
need to be around nature. Bringing in natural elements to places where they can’t
generally be seen lifts our mood, making us more alert and upbeat. This concept is
also known as biophilia.

Studies have also shown that nature can decrease negative behaviors, such as
aggression and anxiety. Moreover, a connection with nature has been found to reduce
stress and mend mental fatigue. This is due to the automatic reaction of our bodies to
seeing and being around natural elements.

As issues with pollution and air quality have become better understood, plants’ effects
on air quality have likewise gathered more interest. The air purification effect of
plants is achieved through microbes of plant roots, which can use chemicals as
nutrients. Besides direct health impacts, improved air quality has been proven to
advance people’s alertness and cognitive abilities.

However, regular passive green walls (or plants alone) do not purify and naturalize air
effectively enough for a noticeable difference. Smart and active green walls with
active air circulation achieve this, as the wall, plants, and supporting technology are
all designed for the purpose.

Building-friendly features

Outdoor green walls and facades have been found to be energy cost effective as their
plants reduce the overall temperatures of buildings when exposed to the sun.
Furthermore, they also reduce the amount of heat escaping during wintertime.

In addition, the transpiration process of plants can slightly reduce temperatures

indoors as well, thus also working as an energy cost effective solution. Sufficient
amount of plant matter also helps reduce noise levels.

Green Smart & Active Green

Facade
Wall Wall

Visual element

Biophilic effects

Improved
acoustics
 Air purification

Insulation
(outdoors)

What types of green walls are there?

As mentioned above, there are all sorts of green walls. The solutions vary between
indoor and outdoor spaces, sizes, and models, among other things. Moreover, the
design and production of all types of green walls is constantly developing, providing
even more options for various purposes. This article covers what we consider to be the
main archetypes.

Indoors or outdoors

Outdoor and indoor green walls are used for different purposes and in various
environments. They can be made of a range of materials and plants, depending on the
most suitable solution for each space.

Outdoor green walls are primarily visual elements. Although they can also be cost
effective in that they reduce overall temperatures, capture rainwater or insulate
buildings, they are mostly used to bring greenery into urban landscapes. The
construction of these living walls has restrictions in terms of the climate, as they have
to endure their surrounding circumstances, which may sometimes take a toll on the
structure and plants of the wall.

Indoor green walls, however, have more limitations in terms of their size, as they have
to fit the space they are in. Because of said limitations, they are often easier to
maintain, though.

Smart and active green walls are only used indoors because their air purification
efficiency would not be powerful enough to impact outdoor spaces. Moreover, the
plants used in these green walls are tropical and would not survive in most conditions
of the outside world when removed from their natural habitat.
Size and design

The design of a living wall is not usually limited by size. Although wide models are
easier to maintain than tall ones, the overall design and manufacturing aren’t too
dissimilar between differently proportioned products.

Living walls built from metal or plastic modules are usually rectangular, as
manufacturing round shapes is harder. Rather, the ideal material for round and varying
shapes is felt. In active green walls, air circulation features take priority, thus limiting
most designs to solid modules.

Most indoor green walls are wall-mounted, although free-standing and double-sided
models are not uncommon either. In terms of commercial green walls, most are
custom-made solutions.

What do the plants grow in?

The plants of living walls need a growth medium to root into. The growth medium is
usually then placed on a structure (such as bags, pots or boxes), which together form a
system. These combinations come in different types, and are generally grouped into
four categories: loose, mat, sheet, and structural media systems.

Whereas loose growth medium systems have the soil packed into a shelf or a bag
(which are then placed onto a wall), mat media are, as the name implies, mat
systems, usually made of thin coir fiber or felt. The plants root themselves directly
onto the mat and require no loose media (such as soil). Sheet media are akin to mat
systems, but consist of patterned inorganic polyurethane sheets more endurant than
coir fiber or felt. Structural media combine the loose and mat systems by forming a
block that can be made in different shapes and sizes. For example: the greenery can be
planted into loose media, placed into pots and laden onto a wall structure with a built-
in irrigation.

In loose media systems, soil, hydro stone, volcanic stone, and hydroponics are
common ways of growing plants. The selection of loose growth media has grown
immensely within the past five years.

Growth media used in conventional green walls tend to be rockwool or soil. These are
the most traditionally used materials in the plant industry as hydroponics is considered
challenging due to many variables connected to water quality. Most green wall
manufacturers use standard growth media available on the markets.
Growth media in active green walls differ from those in regular ones. They require an
optimized material to achieve sufficient airflow as well as stable and well functioning
microbial communities and water systems.

The growth medium, supporting systems and structures, as well as plants have to
work in unison. This means that the selection of media cannot be made in vacuum,
disconnected from other factors.

What plants can be used?

The stars of the show are the plants. Again, different types of vegetation can be used,
however, there are some restrictions depending on the type and purpose of the green
wall.

Indoors are more lenient for plant selections

While not a requirement, evergreen plants are usually preferred for both indoor and
outdoor walls due to their longevity and looks. By definition, evergreen plants have to
keep their leaves all year round. Naturally, this limits the selection of plants available.

The most suitable options for indoor green walls are houseplants and tropical plants.
Plants generally used for indoor walls do not have to tolerate major temperature
changes, though humidity still varies and may cause issues if not accounted for.

However, some manufacturers resort to using chemically treated moss or plastic

plants, which trade other benefits (such as air purification) for easier upkeep.

For active green walls the process of selecting the right plant species is even more
rigorous than for passive green walls. This is due to the air circulation of the active
green wall, which can be quite taxing on the plants. Thus, plants have to be tested in
order to make sure they can survive in an active green wall.

Consider circumstances and purposes

Location and available technology have a grave impact on the selection of plant
species for outdoor green walls. For instance, the walls may require plants which can
survive periods of drought due to lack of rainwater and built-in irrigation systems.

Outdoor weather circumstances also affect plants indoors, as drier than usual air
causes the plants to use more water in order to maintain the optimal level of humidity.
In tall facades and outdoor green walls, the wind, sunlight, and rainfall conditions may
be rougher on the greenery higher up than closer to the streets.
Additionally, the choice of growth medium and irrigation go hand in hand with the
selection of plants. For instance, the roots of some plants may not be big and strong
enough to thrive in media other than soil. For other plant species, quickly drying
growth media are more optimal choices than soil.

Moreover, the key to maintaining plants’ health is to create a stable environment for
them. Sudden changes may cause the plants unnecessary stress, which may then lead
to problems such as diseases or pests.

When selecting plants for a smart and active green wall, extra attention is paid to the
resilience of the plants. This is because the air circulation of the green wall can be
tough on them, as mentioned in the previous section. In addition, each plant’s air
purification efficiency is taken into consideration. Different plants break down
different chemicals from the air with the microbes of their roots.

The right kind of irrigation, regular nourishment, light, and temperature go a long way
in making sure the plants stay vital. Maintaining them by trimming also helps to make
the plants live longer. Smart and active green walls can also optimize the
aforementioned factors to make sure the plants have the best possible living
conditions.

Health & maintenance of a living wall

In order to stay healthy to serve their purpose, both green walls and smart and active
green walls need upkeep. Like all living plants, greenery in plant walls requires
periodical replacements to compensate for plant loss.

In loose and structural media solutions, replacing plants is generally straightforward.

In mat media systems however, replacing plant matter is more problematic: lost
sections often have to be cut off. Removing these sections may cause extra plant loss
due to greenery having spread their roots into the removed area.

Moreover, water is vital for the survival of the plants, which is why most plant walls
have integrated irrigation systems to make it easier to take care of the plants. The
plants also need basic nutrients, which are usually received through irrigation.

The irrigation systems are typically either recirculating or direct systems. A

recirculating system circulates the water, pumping and distributing it from a built-in
tank. The tank can be either filled manually or connected to a building’s water
supply.
Meanwhile, a direct irrigation system gets the water from an external water source.
Whereas recirculating systems collect excess water for reuse, direct systems send the
excess water to a sewer drain.

For a green wall to function as it should, all of its mechanisms need to work properly.
In addition to plants, irrigation, and growth media, the remote monitoring systems
may also need maintenance at times in case of an error. This is why regular
maintenance is needed to make sure everything runs smoothly and effortlessly.

Acquiring your own green wall

As with most things, added features are always tradeoffs. Features, such as the shape,
size, and material choices inevitably affect the cost of all green walls. The more
complex and customized the product, the more expensive the price tag.

The underlying issue is generally not in the design, but rather in logistics and
economies of scale.

Smart and active green walls are not an exception to the above, but respectively offer
greater returns and value over time than mere visual elements.

https://www.naava.io/editorial/what-are-green-walls

What Is Rainwater Harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is collecting the run-off from a structure or other impervious surface in order to store it
for later use. Traditionally, this involves harvesting the rain from a roof. The rain will collect in gutters that
channel the water into downspouts and then into some sort of storage vessel. Rainwater collection systems can
be as simple as collecting rain in a rain barrel or as elaborate as harvesting rainwater into large cisterns to
supply your entire household demand.
The idea of rainwater harvesting usually conjures up images of an old farm cistern or thoughts of developing
countries. The reality is that rainwater harvesting is becoming a viable alternative for supplying our households
and businesses with water. It’s not just for the farm anymore! There are many countries such as Germany and
Australia where rainwater harvesting is a norm. Due to the green building movement, you will be seeing
rainwater harvesting systems become more popular here in America.
The collection of rainwater is known by many names throughout the world. It ranges from rainwater
collection to rainwater harvesting to rainwater catchment. In addition, terms such as roofwater collection or
rooftop water collection is also used in other countries.
We believe that rainwater harvesting is a viable technology in an urban setting. All that is necessary to take
advantage of this resource is to capture the free water falling on your roof and direct it to a rainwater storage
tank. By doing this, you can take control of your water supply and replace all or at least a substantial portion of
your water needs. Rainwater harvesting systems can be configured to supply your whole house and/or your
landscape needs.
What Are The Benefits Of Rainwater Collection?

 Rainwater is a relatively clean and absolutely free source of water

 You have total control over your water supply (ideal for cities with water restrictions)
 It is socially acceptable and environmentally responsible
 It promotes self-sufficiency and helps conserve water
 Rainwater is better for landscape plants and gardens because it is not chlorinated
 It reduces stormwater runoff from homes and businesses
 It can solve the drainage problems on your property while providing you with free water
 It uses simple technologies that are inexpensive and easy to maintain
 It can be used as a main source of water or as a back up source to wells and municipal water
 The system can be easily retrofitted to an existing structure or built during new home construction
 System are very flexible and can be modular in nature, allowing expansion, reconfiguration, or
relocation, if neccesary
 It can provide an excellent back-up source of water for emergencies

Not enough benefits for you? Discover more rainwater harvesting advantages.

Why Is Rainwater Harvesting Important?

Rainwater harvesting is important for several reasons but one of the biggest is the fact that we are tapping out
water conservation gains inside our homes so we need to start looking outdoors for more opportunities.
The following graph shows the gains that have been achieved with our indoor water fixtures through the
combination of governmental standards and innovation by fixture companies. As you can see, we don’t have
much more room to go in terms of achieving more efficiency gains with our indoor fixtures. What’s next… the
0.2 gallon per flush toilet? Probably not!
This phenomenom is known as the law of diminishing returns. So where will the next revolution in water
conservation take place? We believe we offer services in the areas where this revolution will take place.

What Are The Uses Of Collected Rainwater?

You can essentially use rainwater anywhere you use tap water. The idea of using drinking water to flush our
toilets and water our lawns is wasteful and irresponsible, especially in light of population growth and water
shortages across the country. Rainwater collection is a technique to green your home and to lessen your
environmental footprint.
There are basically three areas where rainwater can be used:

 Irrigation use
 Indoor, non-potable use
 Whole house, potable use

Here are some ideas for specific uses of rainwater:

 Hand water your lawn and garden

 Connect rainwater collection system to irrigation/sprinkler system
 Wash your vehicles
 Wash your pets
 Refill your fountains and fish ponds
 Refill your swimming pool
  Replace the use of tap water with rainwater to wash your driveways and sidewalks (if you don’t use a
broom)
 Use it for all indoor non-potable fixtures (toilets and clothes washer)
 Use it for all potable needs when properly filtered and disinfected
 Use it for industrial processes instead of municipally treated water

How To Harvest Rainwater

So you’re convinced that you want to start collecting rainwater at your house. Below you will find the
resources to educate yourself on the best method for harvesting rainwater in your situation. You will also find
information about the basic components of a rainwater collection system. Even though rainwater catchment is
an old technology, there have been many improvements over time through product innovations.

What Are The Different Methods To Collect Rainwater?

The only thing that differs in the following methods is the scale of the system. They all follow the same
principles but differ on aesthetics and actual water conservation effectiveness. Click the pictures for a closer
look.
RAIN BARRELS
This method is the most common and one that many people are familiar with. This involves installing
a barrel at a gutter downspout to collect rainwater. The actual barrel may be a recycled barrel or a new
commercially available rain barrel.
Pros:

 Easily implemented by anyone at any residence

 Barrels are readily available in your community or at various stores & websites
 Barrels don’t take up much space so they can fit into any situation
Cons:

 Capacity is generally only 50 to 100 gallons

 Easily overflows and wastes collection opportunities

“DRY” SYSTEM
This method is a variation of a rain barrel set-up, but it involves a larger storage volume. Essentially,
the collection pipe “drys” after each rain event since it empties directly into the top of the tank.
Pros:

 Can store a large amount of rainwater

 Great for climates where rainfall happens with infrequent, larger storm events
 Can be inexpensive to implement
 Less complicated system so maintenance is easier
Cons:

 The storage tank must be located next to your house

 “WET” SYSTEM
This method involves locating the collection pipes underground in order to connect multiple
downspouts from different gutters. The rainwater will fill the underground piping and the water will rise in the
vertical pipes until it spills into the tank. The downspouts and underground collection piping must have water-
tight connections. The elevation of the tank inlet must be below the lowest gutter on the house.
Pros:

 The ability to collect from your entire collection surface

 The ability to collect from multiple gutters and downspouts
 The tank can be located away from your house

Cons:

 More expensive to implement due to underground piping

 Sufficient difference between gutters and tank inlet must be available

How Do I Create A Complete Rainwater Collection System?

The image below shows a complete rainwater collection system. While some of the components shown are
absolutely necessary, not all of the components listed are required. Although, all of these components will help
create a harvesting system that is highly functional and nearly maintenance-free.

Read more at: https://www.watercache.com/education/rainwater-harvesting-101

Read more at: https://www.watercache.com/education/rainwater-harvesting-101
Read more at: https://www.watercache.com/education/rainwater-harvesting-101