Construction
Session 2: Sustainable Construction
Design Fundamentals
Green Recovery And Reconstruction: Training Toolkit For Humanitarian Aid
In this session we will discuss…
 Key challenges of sustainable construction
 The concept of the “Green Baton”
 The importance and value of several fundamental
sustainable construction design concepts
 How to use these fundamental design concepts to
analyze and recommend solutions to several
sustainable construction case study challenges
Mod 6 Ses 2
2
Key Challenges
 Lack of understanding of ecological impact of
construction activities
 Lack of early rapid environmental assessment
 Use of hazardous materials
 Special interests who don’t prioritize sustainable
construction
 Disregard for the local population
 Poor planning by project managers
 Others?
How is sustainable construction impacted by
these challenges?
(write 1 challenge per card)
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The “Green Baton” Concept
Briefing
Design
Detail
Design
Prod’n
Info
Tender
Action
Site
Options
Handover
And O + M
More
Sustainable
Less
Sustainable
Client
Design Team
Contractor
Affected
Population
‘The Green Baton may be dropped at key points in the process…Once
dropped, it is difficult to pick up again and regain lost ground.’ Howard Liddell
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Picking Up the Baton
 What experience do you have for the baton being
dropped? When & How?
 What might be the reasons at different stages of
construction that some stakeholders may drop the green
baton?
 How can we pick up the baton? Or not let it fall?
What actions are needed at different stages taken by
different stakeholders?
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Design Challenges & Solutions
Choice of Materials
“ The choice of materials can impact the host community,
the environment and future maintenance needs...”
How?
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Impacts of Material Choices
Extraction, mining, harvesting
Environmental impact?
Processing and production
Environmental impact?
Transportation & distribution
Environmental impact?
Packaging
Environmental impact?
Building
Environmental impact?
Disposal
Environmental impact?
The project manager must weigh the potential impacts at each stage
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Design Challenges & Solutions
Use of Existing Materials
In the workshop Materials and the Supply Chain we
discussed the 3-Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
With this workshop, on the topic of construction, we go
deeper and discuss
 Reduce
 Reuse
 Recycle
 Refuse (to build)
 Repair
 Recover (energy)
Mod 6 Ses 2
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Berge’s Cycle of Materials
Ore,
stone, clay,
Oil, timber,
plants, etc.
Mining,
Drilling,
harvesting
Ore
Primary
refining
process
Metals,
chemicals,
cement, fired
Clay , fibre,
sawn timber,
etc.
Recycle
Secondary
refining
process
Reuse
Structural
materials,
climatic materials,
surface
materials
Building
process
Oil
Timber
Building
The
Earth
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Dumping
Waste
Use
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Design Challenges & Solutions
Sourcing & Procurement
Support legal and sustainable practices
Minimize packaging in procurement of materials
Purchase materials locally when practical
Do no harm concept: environmental and economic
impact
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10
Challenge
Illegally cut lumber in Brazil
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vs.
Solution
Wood certified as harvested
responsibly
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Design Challenges & Solutions
Energy & Climate Concerns
Solar orientation
Energy efficiency, insulation, ventilation, etc.
Climate type: hot/dry, hot/humid, or cold
Summer
Winter
South
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North
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Design Challenges & Solutions
Water & Wastewater
Challenge
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 Recycling of grey water
 Septic tanks
 Treatment wetlands
13
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Photo credit: Manoocher Deghati/IRIN
One Solution: Treatment Wetland
Janakaraj Murali - Constructed Wetlands in Phang Nga, Thailand
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Design Challenges & Solutions
Getting local community acceptance
Community participation
Knowledge sharing
Analysis of existing, traditional practices
Mod 6 Ses 2 Photo by David Gazashvili, CARE Int’l
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Design Challenges & Solutions
Existing, traditional practices
Traditional construction techniques Use local skills &
materials; can be implemented faster, to higher standard
Space use norms defined by culture & function; can dictate
use of building: fully used, partially used, sold, or
abandoned
External space use norms should be considered (e.g.
outdoor cooking in hot dry climates
Religious, other beliefs can affect construction (e.g.
direction a building and/or its entrances must face)
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Design Failure
This proposed shelter is said to be
earth-friendly, non-toxic and can be
assembled easily and quickly in
disaster area. BUT, it doesn’t meet
basic human needs.
vs.
Success
School built in Maldives after
tsunami
http://www.iaacblog.com/AAC2007-finalists/wpcontent/uploads/2008/02/42cdb3panel3_1.jpg
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Case Study: Kenya Floods
Photo credit: Richard Lough/IRIN
Key challenges confronting:
• the affected?
• the Government?
• the international community?
Current priorities?
Solutions to minimize environmental impact
and to provide for positive and sustainable
reconstruction outcomes for the affected
population ?
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Case Study: Pakistan Earthquake
Key challenges confronting:
• the affected?
•the Government?
• the international community?
Current priorities?
Solutions to minimize environmental impact
and to provide for positive and sustainable
reconstruction outcomes for the affected
population ?
Mod 6 Ses 2
Photo credit: Edward Parsons/IRIN
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Case Study: Sri Lanka Tsunami
Photo credit: WFP/Jordan Dey
Key challenges confronting:
• the affected?
• the Government?
• the international community?
Current priorities?
Solutions to minimize environmental impact
and to provide for positive and sustainable
reconstruction outcomes for the affected
population ?
Mod 6 Ses 2
20
Case Study: Peru Earthquake
Photo credit: USGS
Key challenges confronting:
• the affected?
• the Government?
• the international community?
Current priorities?
Solutions to minimize environmental impact
and to provide for positive and sustainable
reconstruction outcomes for the affected
population ?
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Case Study Reports
 Key challenges confronting:
 the affected?
 the Government?
 the international community?
 Current priorities?
 Solutions to minimize environmental impact and to
provide for long-term sustainable reconstruction?
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More about Construction after Lunch
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