Which green technologies and eco-innovations will make it possible to achieve significant energy savings and zero-emission buildings still in this decade?
Which green technologies and eco-innovations will make it possible to achieve significant energy savings for existing buildings and to make buildings zero-emission in the decade ahead and to build zero-energy buildings powered by renewable and zero-emission energy sources? Which green technologies and eco-innovations will be used most in terms of developing sustainable, zero-energy and zero-emission green buildings?
The energy crisis of 2022, the climate crisis determined by the accelerating global warming process and the increasingly emerging smog in cities are the main determinants for the development of sustainable, zero-energy and zero-emission green building. In the perspective of a few decades, practically every investment that significantly improves the issue of energy efficiency and zero-emission should be included in the implementation of the green building transformation process. The basis for this kind of thesis, which plays a key role in climate, energy and environmental policy, is the pursuit of sustainable development goals, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, combating the ongoing process of global warming, limiting the scale of biodiversity decline and other environmental policy objectives. Besides, among the important objectives for the implementation of the green transformation of the economy, including the green transformation of the building industry, is the reduction of consumption, i.e. the scale of fossil fuel combustion, and the conversion of energy sources supplying heat and electricity to buildings from sources based on dirty combustion energy to renewable and emission-free energy sources. In this way, the development of sustainable green buildings with a high level of energy savings, low energy consumption and low or zero carbon emissions could be one of several key factors not only in the context of building a green, sustainable, zero-carbon closed loop economy, but also in terms of energy independence and a high level of energy security, which could be important in the future if further energy crises were to reoccur. In addition to this, an additional positive effect of the green transformation carried out in the construction industry will also be an improvement in air quality. In the European Union, the building industry, including unsustainable, energy-intensive construction, generates 40 per cent of energy consumption and is responsible for 36 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union is therefore planning to accelerate the process of the ongoing green transformation of the economy, including the green transformation of the construction industry. One important element of the green transformation of the building industry is the thermal modernisation of existing buildings, which makes it possible to reduce energy consumption, including fossil fuels, by at least half. Existing, in-service buildings should be energy retrofitted by insulating them, modernising building facades by adding additional layers of materials to prevent heat loss from buildings, and equipping them with new renewable and carbon-free energy sources. On the other hand, newly constructed residential, office, industrial and other facilities should be built using new green building technologies and eco-innovations in materials, energy and others so that they are characterised by a high level of energy efficiency and zero-carbon. In view of the above, over the next few years all buildings in the European Union are to be significantly improved in terms of thermal energy consumption and zero carbon buildings should be achieved as soon as possible.
In view of the above, I address the following question to the esteemed community of scientists and researchers:
Which green technologies and eco-innovations will make it possible to achieve significant energy consumption savings for existing buildings and zero-carbon buildings still in the current decade and to build zero-energy buildings powered by renewable and zero-carbon energy sources? Which green technologies and eco-innovations will be used to the greatest extent in developing sustainable, zero-energy and zero-emission green buildings?
What do you think about it?
What is your opinion on this subject?
Please respond,
I invite you all to discuss,
Thank you very much,
Warm regards,
Dariusz Prokopowicz
This is not exhaustive or dominant technology yet its an indication from a developing country like India based on my experience-
1) use of bamboo/ wood panels (plywood, sawdust boards etc.) in the roof, flooring, walls etc.
2) unburnt press mud bricks to avoid fuel wood burning in the brick kiln,
3) use of flyash bricks from thermal power/ cement etc. factories,
4) Higher height of floors & enough ventilation windows for air circulation,
5) grass/ potted plants growth on roof, balcony, corridors, varandah etc.
6) reduced use of high energy/ polluting material like Glass, aluminum etc. & labeling of such material by pollution/ energy/ water footprint.
Dariusz,
The green transformation of the construction industry is essential for the long-term environmental sustainability of the sector and the planet as a whole. Several green technologies and eco-innovations will likely be used to achieve this transformation. These include materials with a significantly lower environmental impact, such as those made from recycled materials, and advances in energy-efficient building designs. Additionally, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power can be used to reduce unsustainable energy sources. One green technology increasingly incorporated into construction projects is using more sustainable building materials, including recycled materials such as plastic, glass, and metals, and more sustainable timber sources. These materials can reduce the environmental impact of the building process and, in some cases, can even reduce the construction cost.
Additionally, some materials, such as bamboo and recycled concrete, can sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, providing additional environmental benefits. The use of green buildings, designed to be more energy-efficient and sustainable, is also likely to be a significant part of the green transformation of the construction industry. Green buildings use materials, insulation, and building designs that are more energy-efficient, resulting in fewer resources being used to heat and cool the building. Additionally, green buildings often incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, reducing unsustainable energy sources such as fossil fuels. Using innovative technology will likely be an essential part of the green transformation in construction. Innovative technology can monitor and control buildings' energy use, reducing energy waste and increasing efficiency.
Additionally, some intelligent technologies can automate specific processes, such as lighting control, temperature control, and water management, resulting in further energy savings. In conclusion, several green technologies and eco-innovations will likely deliver a green transformation in construction. These include more sustainable building materials, green buildings, and intelligent technology. By incorporating these technologies into the construction process, it is possible to reduce the environmental impact of construction and create a more sustainable future for the sector.
References:
Fang, P., & Gao, L. (2020). Sustainable Building Materials and their Applications in Construction. Sustainability, 12(14), 5550. doi:10.3390/su12145550
Gorter, J., de Vries, J., & Van den Dobbelsteen, A. (2020). Smart Buildings: The Role of Smart Technology in Energy Efficiency. Sustainability, 12(13), 5028. doi:10.3390/su12135028
O'Neill, R. (2020). The green transformation of the construction industry – a call to action. Construction Manager, 66(3), 80–84. doi:10.1680/coma.18.00030
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