Green Building Systems

Green building (also known as green construction or sustainable building) refers to a structure and using process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition.  Although new technologies are constantly being developed to complement current practices in creating greener structures, the common objective is that green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment.

^ Yan Ji and Stellios Plainiotis (2006): Design for Sustainability. Beijing: China Architecture and Building Press. ISBN 7-112-08390-7

Commercial Green Building System: In the various post we will discuss inspiring and innovative buildings around the United States of America and worldwide, while taking a briefly look at the new technologies and products rapidly immersing worldwide

In my post below, I discuss some Latest Innovations in Commercial Green Building Products.

In my other two posts, April 26th and April 29th, I discussed some case studies in the US and around the world and some more recent innovations in Green Building Systems (mostly Residential).

• Case Studies in the US (Google California Headquarters, San Francisco Public Utilities Headquarters, The Vitruvian Building System, Pittsburgh Skyscraper, The Wayne L. Morse Courthouse)
• Case Studies around the world (South Africa's first green building, "Algae-powered" building in Germany, The Dice House in UK, Rotating Tower in Dubai)
• More Recent Innovations in Residential Buildings (Solar Power, EcoSeal, BIPV windows from Tropiglas, Climate Wizard Evaporative Air Conditioner, Foamglas, A high R-value coating with Silica Aerogel, Drainline Heat Exchangers)

Newest Commercial Green Building Products & Technologies

Latest Innovations

As sustainable buildings become a necessity, we must constantly venture to find the most cost effective and innovative products and solutions.

Below are a few new green building products that have exceeded their expectations, with newer technologies, recyclable materials and energy efficient product and trends. 

1. The following video shows newer technologies that introduces you to innovation that improve the building HVAC, heating and cooling systems ensuring a highly energy efficient building. Filmed at the Toronto Green Build Expo: The Hottest Technology in Green Building 2011-2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cmKUPnlY88

2. Upofloor’s PVC-free LifeLine CS commercial resilient sheet flooring

LifeLine CS (blue flooring at left) with a non-porous surface was used in this installation at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan because of its low emissions, durability, and ease of maintenance.

The Finnish company Upofloor’s PVC-free LifeLine CS commercial resilient sheet flooring uses a tough wear layer and low-emitting materials to create a durable surface. It is appropriate for healthcare, education, and other public spaces prone to consistent, heavy foot traffic. Like Stratica, LifeLine CS has an “ionomer” wear layer comprised of an ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer thermoplastic resin strengthened by ionically charged salts. The remainder of the material is approximately 60% calcium carbonate (limestone), small amounts of titanium dioxide, and 25% pre-consumer recycled LifeLine flooring from the trimming process that is melted back into the base. And though LifeLine CS is petroleum based, it provides several potential environmental advantages over other commercial flooring options.

http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/2011/7/1/PVC-Free-Resilient-Flooring-for-Heavy-Traffic/?&comment_mode=reply

3. Analog-to-Digital Automation Wireless Controls

Cypress Envirosystems offers analog-to-digital wireless controls for commercial thermostats, lighting, and other equipment. Engineered for retrofit applications, the company’s Wireless Pneumatic Thermostat (WPT) provides the ability to wirelessly control setpoints for daytime zone and night setback temperatures without having to change out pneumatic pipes, run wires, or open up walls or ceilings. These thermostats can be selected with options integrating them into building automation systems and can be used for utility demand response programs. 

http://www2.buildinggreen.com/buildinggreen-top-10-products-2012#6

4. AllSun Trackers Series 24 from All Earth renewable

These combine photovoltaic collectors, inverters, and controls with a ground-mounted tracker that uses GPS to follow the sun precisely as it moves across the sky in order to maximize the amount of light hitting the panels. 

http://www2.buildinggreen.com/buildinggreen-top-10-products-2012#9

5. Knight Wall Systems CI-Girt

Knight Wall Systems makes commercial rainscreen framing systems that contain all the component parts, including cladding, and accommodate exterior insulation

helps keep moisture out of commercial building envelopes while permitting continuous insulation over the steel frame — typically an expensive and labor-intensive hand-cutting process when using other rainscreen systems. Because there are no clips, installation time is reduced and there is far less thermal bridging through the insulation.

http://www2.buildinggreen.com/buildinggreen-top-10-products-2012#3

6.  The LifeCycle Tower (LCT) system

CREE’s innovation is a slab and post wood design method that requires up to 50 percent shorter construction time compared to reinforced concrete and steel construction.  The LCT system also requires 39 percent fewer resources, over the life of a building and takes advantage of engineered timber products.The company’s innovative timber and concrete hybrid technology enables architects to design stunning tall wood buildings up to 30 stories, that can be erected as quickly as a story a day.

http://greenbuildingelements.com/2012/10/31/cree-buildings-sustainable-tall-wood-building-system-arrives-in-u-s/