The Building and Construction Industry in Melbourne - Research Proposal Example

How can we better design and build buildings in an adaptation to climate change and in response to the growing housing needs of a rapidly developing Melbourne? Name: Lecturer: Course: Date: Summary The building and construction industry has much to play in mitigation, prevention and slowing of human impact on climate change and its effects on human life. Buildings can better be designed and built to adapt to climate change and in response to the growing housing needs of a rapidly developing Melbourne. In controlling high temperatures and heat waves, the building’s geometry should be leveraged to reduce solar gain. High efficiency air conditioning equipment should be used. Landscaping should also be used to reduce the cooling requirements. Channelling cooling breeze into the buildings will improve natural ventilation. High insulation levels should be deployed to reduce conductive heat gain that may cause expansion and degradation of building materials. In mitigating implications of storms and flooding, large detention basin and water stormwater conveyance should be provided. Table of Contents Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 1. Introduction 4 1.1 Case Background 4 1.2 Problem Statement 4 1.3 Aims/Purposes 5 2.  Analysis of Major Issues 5 2.2 Analyses 6 2.2.1 Contributing Factors 6 2.2.2 Foreseeable Implications 6 2.3 Summary of Analysis Outcomes 7 3. Possible Solutions 7 3.1 Higher temperatures 7 3.2 Natural Ventilation 8 3.3 Drought and water shortages 9 3.4 Rising sea levels, huge storms and flooding 9 3.5 Power outages 10 4. Recommendations 10 5. Conclusion 11 6. References List 12 7. Appendix 1 13 1. Introduction Adapting a building design to climate change is mainly concerned with managing the ineluctable. In the face of an ongoing debate on the level of adaptation, architectural practices have taken into account the projects of increased risks of extreme events resulting from high temperatures, huge storm water, flooding, high solar radiation (Yohe, Andronova, Schlesinger 2004). This report explores how buildings can better be designed and built in an adaptation to climate change and in response to the growing housing needs of a rapidly developing Melbourne. A case study of Sunshine Construction Futures at the Victoria University is employed to answer the question. 1.1 Case Background Melbourne is a high risk area for climate-change effects, such as frequent heat waves. This is due to the high population density that continues to create pressures on the region’s housing infrastructure. In Melbourne, the Victoria University has started incorporating climate adaptation provision in its long-term planning to adapt to climate change. A case in point is Sunshine Construction Futures at the university. However, effective strategies are needed to design and construct more buildings in the area to adapt to climate change. 1.2 Problem Statement The significant climate change implications on buildings in Melbourne are an underlying problem that justifies the need for research. Projected implications include likely interruption of electricity distribution and transmission, risk of heat-related deaths, destruction of sewage and degredation of building materials. 1.3 Aims/Purposes This report explores the potential climate-change implications. It also presents a strategic analysis of the adaptive strategies to adapt buildings to climate change. The underlying assumption is that buildings can better be designed to adapt to climate change and in response to the growing housing needs of a rapidly developing Melbourne. 2.  Analysis of Major Issues 2.1 Major Issues and Context A 2011 report by the Department of Health indicated that the Greater Melbourne region is a high risk area for climate-change impacts such as frequent heat waves. This is attributed to the high population density that has created pressures on the housing infrastructure. In Melbourne, the Victoria University has started incorporating climate adaptation provision in its long-term planning to adapt to climate change. A case in point is Sunshine Construction Futures at the university (Victorian Government 2011). A longitudinal study by the US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) between 2002 and 2008 revealed that the global average temperatures have climbed by an estimated 1.5ºF (0.8ºC) since the eve of Industrial Revolution and could further rise by between 2ºF–11ºF (1.1ºC–6.1ºC) by the year 2100 (Wilson & Ward 2009). Hence, the reality of climate change in growing metropolitan areas such as Melbourne is unequivocal. Several aspects of climate change are already being felt with further consequences projected to occur over the next years (Victorian Government 2011). A 2012 report by the Victorian Government on Climate Change Science and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Victoria projected some changes to include higher annual mean temperature with more days experiencing more than 35°C, reduction in average rainfall, 35°C and heavier rainfall days, reduction in snow cover, storm surges. Projections include heat waves, drought, floods and rise in sea level (Victorian Government 2011). From the above analysis, it is an undeniable fact that better design and constructions of buildings in an adaptation to climate change and in response to the growing housing needs of a rapidly developing Melbourne is crucial. 2.2 Analyses 2.2.1 Contributing Factors High temperatures Increased solar radiation. Stormwater and likely flooding. 2.2.2 Foreseeable Implications Implications of Climate Change on buildings at Victoria University include: High day temperature of over 35°C and intense heat may destroy electricity distribution and transmission, pose public risk as well as increase cost of repair, replacement and maintenance (Hallegatte 2007). Stormwater and likely flooding destroy built environment as a result reducing return on investment. High temperatures may lower efficiency of electricity generation. Inundation caused by storm surges and rise in sea level may destroy urban sewerage and drainage system, and destruction of building foundations (Wilson & Ward 2009). High temperatures and solar radiation increase expansion and degradation of materials, such as steel, concrete joints, protective cladding, asphalt, sealants, coatings and masonry. To the students, they increase risk of heat-related deaths (Snow & Prasad 2011). 2.3 Summary of Analysis Outcomes As evident from a survey of Sunshine Construction Futures at the Victoria University, buildings in Melbourne are exposed to risks of climate change effects such as high temperatures, increased solar radiation, stormwater and flooding. These implies that the aforementioned deductions have significant implications on efficient delivery of education services at Victoria University by interrupting electricity distribution and transmission, risk of heat-related deaths, destruction of sewage and degradation of building materials. Adapting the buildings to climate change should focus on the implications of these hazards (Hallegatte 2009). 3. Possible Solutions 3.1 Higher temperatures Increased temperatures are a central implication of climate change and responding to this vital aspect is crucial in any adaptation strategy. Hotter, lengthier and more recurrent heat waves signify the need for air conditioning (Hallegatte 2007). Strategies in design include integrating cooling-load-avoidance measures in buildings. The building geometry can be used to reduce solar gain. Interior shading devices should be incorporated above glazing. High insulation levels should be integrated to the building to reduce conductive heat gain (Hallegatte 2009). Optimised daily lighting also minimise utility of electric lighting. These features will supplement the water sprayed over roof for night sky-cooling, using hydronic tubes and the low level fresh air vents already integrated at Sunshine Construction Futures at Victoria University. Additional mechanical systems used at the facility include roof mounted chiller plus air handling and fan coil units, workshop radiant gas tube heating, motorised ventilation louvers and in-slab heating or cooling system. 3.2 Natural Ventilation Designing natural ventilation is an effective strategy for adapting a building to climate change. Buildings can be designed to rely significantly on natural ventilation during periods of low humidity. In contrast, natural ventilation is also effective when used as a backup cooling strategy during high humid climates, in case of power outage. This also serves entirely as a survivability measure specifically when outside air does not bring excessive moisture (Hallegatte 2009). Limiting internal gains by identifying high-efficiency equipment and lighting is also an effective strategy. This is since the higher the rate of efficiency of the office appliances or mechanical equipment, the less waste-heat is generated. Nevertheless, the choice of equipment is less significant compared to the design decisions since equipment may be replaced (Snow & Prasad 2011). Ensuring model energy performance using higher cooling design temperatures is an affective adaptation strategy. Since the climate has been projected to be warmer, an underlying strategy to counter the implications includes raising cooling design temperatures deployed in energy modelling. This strategy justifies investment in cooling-load-avoidance measures, such as gabion wall for fresh air intake during summer, already installed at Sunshine Construction Futures at the Victoria University (See Appendix 1). Landscaping should also be used to reduce the cooling requirements. Studies have justified the impact of vines, annuals, trees and use of green roofs in controlling heat gain and minimising the cooling demands on built environment (Cheung & Wells 2004). Designing the landscape in a way that channels cooling breeze into the buildings will improve natural ventilation. 3.3 Drought and water shortages Change in precipitation patterns are project climate-change outcomes. Hence, the design for water shortage during dry seasons is a high priority to lessen and mitigates risks or for long-term implications of response. Water-efficient appliances and fixtures should be used in buildings (Hallegatte 2009). Water-conserving fixtures such as plumbing fixtures should be used. Using this method, individual piping lines that originate from a central manifold run to each appliance of the fixture while simultaneously allowing smaller-diameter lines to supply water into water-conserving fixtures. For instance, when a water-saving 0.5 gallon/min (1.9 lpm) is used and water in the faucet is supplied by a 3/4-inch (19mm) pipe, a long wait-time for water will occur. Water wastage and wait time should therefore be reduced by deploying a 3/8-inch diameter line (Wilson & Ward 2009). 3.4 Rising sea levels, huge storms and flooding An imminent and visible impact of climate change is the increase in severity of storms, which may result in flooding. Adapting Melbourne’s housing projects to climate change effects entails designing the buildings to be resilient to storms and the rise in seal levels (Wilson & Ward 2009). To this end, large detention basin and water stormwater conveyance should be provided to supplement reliance on constructed wetlands to control stormwater. The buildings should also be raised off the ground to minimise damage in cases of flooding. Electrical and mechanical equipment should also be elevated to minimise damage from storm water (Snow & Prasad 2011). 3.5 Power outages Effects of climate change such as flooding and storms can cause power interruptions. Building should be adapted to such effects. They should be designed to sustain passive survivability. This entails designing them to uphold liveable conditions in case of power outage. Strategies include incorporating an intensely high performance building envelope, such as using a triple-glazed window during cooler climates and high insulation levels. Natural ventilation and cooling-avoidance features (discussed above) also come in handy. Further, mechanical systems should be design to operate on DC power. DC-powered systems such as fans, motors and pumps can switch easily to non-grid power that is provided by a back-up generator (Wilson & Ward 2009). 4. Recommendations In controlling high temperatures and heat waves, the building’s geometry should be leveraged to reduce solar gain. High efficiency air conditioning equipment should be used. Landscaping techniques should also be leveraged to channel breeze to the buildings. This will reduce the cooling requirements of the building. In regards to increased solar radiation, high insulation levels should be deployed to reduce conductive heat gain that may cause expansion and degradation of building materials. Photovoltaic glazing, photovoltaic solar, wind-powered cooling technology and low heat producing light should be used (Snow & Prasad 2011). In mitigating implications of storms and flooding, large detention basin and water stormwater conveyance should be provided to supplement reliance on constructed wetlands to control stormwater. The buildings should also be raised off the ground to minimise damage in cases of flooding. Electrical and mechanical equipment should also be elevated to minimise damage from storm water (Hallegatte 2009). 5. Conclusion Melbourne is a high risk area for climate-change effects such as frequent heat waves. This is due to the high population density that continues to create pressures on the region’s housing infrastructure. A survey of “Sunshine Construction Futures” at the Victoria University shows evidence of long-term planning to adapt to climate change. However, effective strategies are needed to design and construct more buildings in the Greater Melbourne area to adapt to climate change. In controlling high temperatures and heat waves, the building’s geometry should be leveraged to reduce solar gain. High efficiency air conditioning equipment should be used. Landscaping should also be integrated in the built environment to reduce the cooling requirements. High insulation levels should be deployed to reduce conductive heat gain that may cause expansion and degradation of building materials. In mitigating implications of storms and flooding, large detention basin and water stormwater conveyance should be provided. 6. References List Cheung, K & Wells, N 2004, “The Natural Environment & Human Well-Being: Insights from Fractal Composition Analysis?” Harmonic and Fractal Image Analysis, pp. 76 – 82 Hallegatte, S 2007, “Do current assessments underestimate future damages from climate change?” World Economics, vol. 8 vol. 3, 131–146 Hallegatte, S 2009, "Strategies to adapt to an uncertain climate change," Global Environmental Change, vol. 19, p.240–247 Snow, M & Prasad, D 2011, climate change Adaptation for building Designers: An Introduction, EDG 66 MSa Feb. 2006 Wilson, A & Ward, A 2009, Design for Adaptation: Living in a Climate-Changing World. Environmental Building New, viewed 7 April 2014, Victorian Government 2011, Victorian Climate Change Adaptation Plan, viewed 7 April 2014, Yohe, G, Andronova, N, Schlesinger, M 2004, “Climate: to hedge or not against an uncertain climate future?” Science 306, 416–417 7. Appendix 1 Figure 1: Ideal ESD Extrusion: Sunshine Construction Futures at the Victoria University Read More