Buildings – MARQ eec

The problem of buildings in Europe due to climate change

The fight against climate change remains one of the world’s greatest challenges. The latest data reveal unprecedented changes, according to the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global warming is causing increasing, and in some cases irreversible, changes in rainfall, ocean, and wind patterns in all regions of the world.

The report predicts that Europe will experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including marine heat waves, and warns that a temperature increase of 2 °C will have critical effects on nature and people, an example of which are the heat waves that have been experienced in recent months and have recorded historical temperatures.

In recent weeks, Europe has experienced a heat wave in places like Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, leaving fatalities. And this has led to the realization of a problem in much of the continent is that buildings are designed to protect themselves from the cold by retaining heat.

Protecting oneself from the cold is a perfectly rational choice when in Northern Europe, as it is a health risk for inhabitants and tourists. In general, winter mortality is higher than summer mortality.

The need for shelter from the cold caused Europe’s architecture to be characterized by houses capable of retaining heat, especially after the energy crisis of the early 1970s.

That crisis highlighted some Western energy issues and led architects and urban designers to emphasize the thermal efficiency of buildings. Climate change also motivated this search for efficiency, with an approach based on mitigation that forgot the adaptive difficulty: it was necessary to reduce energy consumption since temperatures would become more extreme.

In Europe, it is common to hear that climate change mainly alters life in developing countries, but rising temperatures especially affect urban areas due to the urban heat island phenomenon. Asphalt and buildings retain more heat than vegetation. They also limit air circulation.

The United Kingdom has been the main protagonist of this latest heat wave. It has influenced a multitude of infrastructures, from airports to bridges. The heat wave has wreaked havoc in a country more accustomed to having to protect itself from the rain and cold.

But homes have also been the subject of controversy. Many buildings in the country date precisely from the 1970s, when retaining heat was the priority. Small windows that do not allow for proper ventilation are common. And properly ventilating the home is vitally important, not just when the heat is on.

For their part, Spanish households require forms of home cooling such as air conditioning and fans. This heat wave is probably increasing the demand for these solutions, even in areas where they were not considered necessary.

Good ventilation is also crucial. Homes with windows located on opposite facades or with access to interior courtyards that allow excess heat to escape from the building like a chimney are very useful. Shutters, also uncommon in northern countries, allow the home to be insulated during the hottest hours of the day.

While ensuring energy efficiency will be extremely essential to mitigate the worst consequences of climate change, the focus must also be on adapting to the consequences.

What is the European Union doing about climate change?

Higher temperatures and intensified weather events will also generate enormous costs for the EU economy and hamper countries’ ability to produce food.

The EU has adopted ambitious legislation in multiple policy areas to implement its international commitments on climate change. EU countries have set binding emission targets for key sectors of the economy to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In April 2021, the Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the European climate law that aims to establish by statute the 2030 emission reduction target. EU ministers adopted the deal in June 2021.

While this increased climate ambition will require transforming EU industry, it will also:

To stimulate sustainable economic growth
create jobs
to deliver health and environmental benefits to EU citizens
contribute to the long-term global competitiveness of the EU economy by fostering innovation in green technologies

Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture and environmental issues are now on the agenda of companies and organizations seeking to mitigate the impact of climate change on the environment through green buildings.

The word “sustainability” and the expression “sustainable architecture” are spreading in the world of design and architecture for two main reasons: functional and formal. Any object that is considered sustainable must show ecological awareness, and its functionality must be linked to its relationship with the environment through its appearance.

In recent years, a modern building must encompass all aspects of the planning and construction process from an ecological approach, including the choice of building materials; the design and implementation of heating, cooling, plumbing, waste, and ventilation systems; and the integration of the built environment into the natural landscape.

What is sustainable architecture?

Sustainable architecture refers to the practice of designing buildings that create living environments that work to minimize the human use of resources. This is reflected in the materials and methods of construction of a building and in the use of resources, such as heating, cooling, energy, water, and wastewater treatment.

Technically speaking, sustainable architecture means that the structures thus designed “sustain” their users by providing healthy environments, improving the quality of life, and avoiding waste production, in order to preserve the long-term survivability of the human species.

Hunter and Amory Lovins, co-founders of the Rocky Mountain Institute, mention that the goal of sustainable architecture is to “meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

The term is used to describe various aspects of building design and use. For some, it applies to the design of buildings that produce as much energy as they consume. Another interpretation calls for an awareness of the spiritual significance of a building’s design, construction, and location. Likewise, some argue that buildings should promote their users’ spiritual and physical well-being.

Sustainable architecture designs and constructs buildings to limit their environmental impact, achieve energy efficiency, to positively impact the health, comfort, and improved livability of the inhabitants; all of this can be achieved through the implementation of appropriate technologies within the building.

It must be able to meet the demands of consumers, taking into account the time and natural resources required from the early stages of the project, entering the context in the most natural way possible, planning ahead, and making the space and materials used completely reusable.

Principles of sustainable architecture

The United Nations lists the following five principles of sustainable architecture:

Healthy indoor environment: All possible measures should be taken to ensure that building materials and systems do not emit toxic substances and gases into the indoor atmosphere. Additional measures should be taken to clean and revitalize indoor air with filtration and plants.

Resource efficiency: All possible measures should be taken to ensure that the building’s use of energy and other resources is kept to a minimum. Cooling, heating, and lighting systems should use methods and products that conserve or eliminate energy use. Water use and wastewater production are minimized.

Environmentally benign materials: All possible measures should be taken to use building materials and products that minimize the destruction of the global environment. Wood shall be selected based on non-destructive forestry practices. Other materials and products should be considered in terms of toxic waste production. Many practitioners cite an additional criterion: that the long-term environmental and social costs of producing the building materials must be considered and shown to meet sustainability goals.

Environmental form: All possible measures should be taken to relate the form and plan of the design to the site, region, and climate. Measures should be taken to “heal” and enhance the ecology of the site. Adaptations should be made for recycling and energy efficiency, and measures should be taken to relate the building form to a harmonious relationship between inhabitants and nature.

Good design: All possible measures should be taken to achieve an efficient, durable, and the elegant relationship between area use, circulation, building form, mechanical systems, and building technology. Symbolic relationships to appropriate history, earth, and spiritual principles should be sought and expressed. Finished buildings should be well constructed, user-friendly, and beautiful.

The future of sustainable architecture

Despite innovations, advances, and growing public awareness of the need for greener building practices, sustainable architecture still represents a small portion of overall global construction. In addition, many experts believe that the concept of sustainability is outdated given the current state of the planet. Instead, they insist that the way forward lies in regenerative architecture and design, a much more progressive holistic approach that focuses on harnessing the world’s natural resources to create buildings and systems capable of regenerating and decomposing completely when they have served their purpose.

How do green roofs make cities more sustainable?

Green roofs can be defined as green spaces on top of a building. This green space can be below, at, or above ground level, but in all cases, they exist separately from the ground. Green roofs can provide a wide range of public and private benefits and have been successfully installed in countries around the world.

A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof that involves high-quality waterproofing, a root repellent system, a drainage system, a filter fabric, a lightweight growing medium, and plants.

In North America, the benefits of green roof technologies are not yet fully understood and the market continues to mature, despite the efforts of industry leaders. But in Europe, these technologies are well established, as a direct result of government legislation and financial support in countries such as Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland, among others.

Green roofs not only provide building owners with a proven return on investment but also represent opportunities for significant social, economic and environmental benefits, particularly in cities.

In general, green roofs provide a variety of environmental, facility, corporate and social benefits. Some of them are mentioned here.

Economic Benefits

Although installing a green roof often involves higher upfront costs than a traditional roof, there are many economic benefits that can offset this, such as improving property values and marketability, especially in urban areas with small green spaces.

According to a University of Michigan study that analyzed a variety of benefits of green roofs, including rainwater management, improved health benefits due to reduced pollution, and energy savings.

However, the economic benefits of any single green roof will depend on its design, geographic location, environment, and the building itself.

Acoustic insulation

Sound is a major distraction, especially in a commercial building. Workers don’t want to hear the din of heavy traffic outside their office, let alone at home. A green roof is an additional layer of insulation and will absorb up to 30% of ambient noise pollution.

Aesthetics

There is no doubt about it: a green roof is visually appealing and, in the case of a public building, it attracts attention. The days of gray concrete and steel are behind us. People want aesthetically pleasing architecture and green roofs often play an important role in the overall design.

Rainwater management

Green roofs reduce stormwater runoff. The growing medium and moisture retention mats on the roof absorb rainwater, acting as a sponge and buffering the drainage system. This allows water to be released through evaporation and stabilizes groundwater levels.

Temperature control

The increased insulation offered by green roofs can reduce the amount of energy needed to moderate the temperature of a building, as roofs are the site of the greatest heat loss in winter and the highest temperatures in summer.

Air quality

Urban areas are typically noted for their lack of vegetation, which leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants. A green roof makes the most of unused space. Plants absorb pollutants and emit oxygen, improving air quality and helping the environment.

Classification of buildings

If you’re hoping to build a sustainable home or upgrade your building’s rating with green certification, a green roof is an excellent place to start. Even better if you choose plants native to your local geographic area.

Biodiversity

City centers and urban environments are often inhospitable to birds, insects, and other creatures, and a green roof helps promote biodiversity by attracting wildlife. Additional features, such as bird drinkers and beehives, can be added to increase the green impact of the roof and reduce the carbon footprint.

Increases the marketability of the building

Green roofs increase the marketability of the building. Various research shows that businesses in buildings with green roofs found it easier to recruit and retain employees and tenants compared to businesses in a building with a traditional roof.

Local Job Creation

The growth of green roof markets provides new job opportunities related to manufacturing, plant growth, design, installation, and maintenance.

There is significant potential for new growth in dense urban areas that previously could not be used.

New Service Spaces

Green roofs help achieve smart growth principles and positively grow the urban environment by increasing amenities and green space and reducing community resistance to infill projects. Green roofs can serve any number of functions and uses.

Therefore, green roofs also contribute to the sustainability of a building. A green roof significantly reduces the need for air conditioning in summer and provides insulation in winter. Due to the reduced need for air conditioning in summer and less heating in winter, a green roof significantly reduces energy consumption.

So, given all the benefits, why aren’t all roofs green? Outside the United States, green roofs are much more prevalent. Despite their many benefits, a major obstacle is an initial expense; these typically cost two to three times as much as a non-green roof.

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