29/11/20 (FINAL DRAFT) Angelo's Reader's Response on Sustainable Technologies

According to the Construction Climate Challenge (CCC) (2019), buildings with green technology are “more energy-efficient and sustainable.” The webpage states that "low energy houses, self-powered and zero-energy building designs" powered by wind turbines are being applied in developments. These designs also incorporate green technologies such as solar power which reduce residential heating loads through absorption of solar radiation. On the other hand, to reduce cooling loads, buildings utilise cool roofs and Electrochromic Smart Glass to block and reflect heat and sunlight away. CCC also sheds light on how sustainability concerns are addressed. Wastage of resources is reduced by integrating smart appliances and water efficiency technologies into buildings. Biodegradable materials used could then be sourced sustainably whilst adhering to green safety standards, which mitigate detrimental effects on the environment. To summarise, CCC shares that by incorporating green technologies, a symbiotic relationship between the environment and buildings can be achieved. 

This article highlights sustainable technologies currently being used in the construction industry. However, it does not do a good job of explaining the limitations of said technologies.

To begin, CCC needs to address the geographical disadvantages of cool roofs. The article only states how cool roofs reduce building cooling loads through the reduction of heat absorption. This spreads misinformation as cool roofs can be counterproductive in temperate climates. CCC should have been more explicit in explaining how cool roofs are better suited for buildings in warmer climates. Feraro (2017) states that since cools roof work on the premise of reflecting solar radiation, the inclusion of one on a building located in a temperate climate works against energy-saving measures. The heating load of a building during winter is increased as a result of reduced absorption of solar radiation. The failure of CCC in explaining the drawbacks of cool roofs in temperate climates could lead to a misinformed homeowner or developer footing more for heating over the potential savings of cooling.

The next problem is that CCC does not factor in the noise pollution that usually results from self-powered or zero-energy buildings. The article mentions how wind turbines are utilised by buildings to power their energy demands. This sounds good on paper; however, wind turbines are often the harbinger of noise pollution, often to the detriment to a building’s occupants. Clean Energy Ideas (2019) shared that wind turbines often emit a “deep, bass-like hum.” The noise produced can be heard from occupants of a nearby building or the building itself. Noise pollution does not bring about negative health effects immediately, but rather manifests itself in the form of stress and sleep deprivation over a prolonged timeframe. In neglecting to address noise pollution, CCC could cause discomfort for readers who move to areas where wind turbines are installed in the vicinity.

The last example is that CCC contradicts itself in its push for the use of solar power. The article touches on using biodegradable materials whilst adhering to “green safety standards.” The statement above was made by CCC without consideration for the fact that solar photovoltaic panels themselves are made from harmful materials. Ecavo (2016) states that “among the compounds found in solar panels is cadmium and lead, very toxic materials.” This is dangerous as in countries without proper environmental regulations such as China and Malaysia, over 50% of photovoltaic panels are irresponsibly disposed of, resulting in pollution of resources such as water and soil. CCC needs to be clear in its website on this aspect of solar power, otherwise, the actions of irresponsible nations will result in photovoltaic usage being counterproductive.

Although CCC does a good job of introducing sustainable technologies, it needs to be more transparent in explaining the limitations of said technologies in order to present itself as a credible source of information.

(621 words)

References

Clean Energy Ideas. (2019). The Impacts of Wind Turbines. https://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/wind/wind-turbines/the-impacts-of-wind-turbines/

Construction Climate Challenge. (2019). Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction. https://constructionclimatechallenge.com/2019/02/19/top-sustainable-technologies-in-green-construction/

Ecavo. (2017). Solar Energy Disadvantages. https://ecavo.com/solar-energy-disadvantages/

Ferraro, R. (2017). The advantages and disadvantages of cool roofing. http://www.roofknowledge.org/advantages-disadvantages-cool-roofing/.