Sustainability

Question 1

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)?

Answer 1

Evaluation:
Measures buildings’ environmental performance across sustainability categories.
Criteria:
Covers energy, water, materials, waste, pollution, and ecology.
Scoring:
Credits awarded determine Pass to Outstanding ratings.
Certification:
Offers levels based on overall performance.
Adaptability:
Flexible for different building types and locations.
Global Usage:
Applied in 70+ countries, tailored to local regulations.
Benefits:
Reduces environmental impact, lowers costs, enhances value, improves occupant wellbeing.
Evolution:
Regular updates reflect sustainable advancements and concerns.

Question 2

“Active” and “passive” design?

Answer 2

Passive Design:
Utilizes natural resources and building elements for thermal comfort and energy reduction.
Relies on orientation, insulation, ventilation, shading, and thermal mass principles.
Examples: Solar heat capture, insulation, thermal mass for heat storage.
Active Design:
Deploys mechanical systems like HVAC and artificial lighting for efficiency and comfort.
Includes ventilation, lighting, and renewable energy technologies.
Often automated, requires energy inputs for operation.
Summary:
Passive: Natural elements, energy efficiency.
Active: Mechanical systems, precise control.
Both vital for sustainable design, can be combined for optimal efficiency and comfort.

Question 3

Managing waste on construction sites?

Answer 3

Waste Reduction:
Prefabricated components.
Optimized material usage.
Reusable/recyclable materials.
Segregation:
Designated areas for different waste types.
Facilitates recycling and disposal.
Reuse and Recycling:
Salvaging materials.
Recycling concrete, metals, plastics, wood.
Waste Management Plan:
Comprehensive plan for waste handling.
Specifies responsibilities and procedures.
On-Site Processing:
Crushers and grinders for waste reduction.
Produces reusable aggregates.
Landfill Diversion:
Alternative disposal options.
Waste-to-energy facilities, recycling centers.
Composting:
On-site composting for organic waste.
Produces soil amendments.
Hazardous Waste:
Proper handling and disposal.
Compliance with regulations.
Monitoring and Reporting:
Track waste generation, recycling rates.
Maintain records for compliance.