BC Ch. 13 Green Construction

Green Construction Overview

• Green Construction focuses on energy-efficient and environmentally friendly building methods.
• Historical context includes traditional building techniques such as sod-roofed houses and windmills.

Certification Programs

• The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program assesses environmental impact and aims to improve sustainability.
• A concern with green certification programs is their often inadequate focus on fire safety.
• The International Green Construction Code (2012) was introduced to address fire safety in green buildings.

Materials Used in Green Construction

• Bamboo is widely used for furniture, beams, and trusses.
• Hempcrete is made from the Cannabis plant’s hurd core, lime, and water.
• Green Roofs consist of vegetation and materials that support plant growth, providing insulation.

Risks and Concerns

• Green Roofs may pose risks of structural collapse due to added weight and can become combustible without proper maintenance.
• Polystyrene insulation is utilized as a spray-applied foam or rigid plastic for energy conservation.
• Photovoltaic (PV) Roof Panels come with risks such as electric shock, roof collapse, and releasing toxic materials in fires.

Firefighter Safety and Protocols

• Firefighters should avoid cutting through PV panels during emergencies to prevent electrocution and equipment damage.
• Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) integrate PV systems into building materials, enhancing aesthetics and energy production.
• It’s vital for fire departments to include notes like “GC electrical roof hazards” in preplans for buildings with green energy systems.

Specialized Systems and Equipment

• Off-Grid PV Systems operate independently from the public electrical grid and necessitate battery storage.
• Risks are associated with batteries in Off-Grid Systems due to shock hazards and potential hydrogen gas explosion.
• Roof-Mounted Wind Turbines convert wind energy into electricity but pose dangers from their spinning blades during firefighting efforts.

Sustainable Water Management

• Rainwater Reclamation Systems enable the storage and use of rainwater for building needs.
• Gray Water Systems are designed for fire suppression and irrigation, enhancing water efficiency.

Insulation and Fire Safety

• Certain materials like polystyrene and polyurethane may increase fire risks while being used for insulation.
• Glass insulation can accelerate fire development due to delayed breakage under heat.
• Precautions like using horizontal ventilation or PPV fans are crucial when dealing with green roofs during a fire.

Vegetation Management

• Vegetation on building walls can become highly combustible if not properly maintained, posing fire hazards.
• Firefighters should prioritize horizontal ventilation, avoiding vertical approaches that could hinder access and ventilation.

Planning and Safety Measures

• Preplanning is vital for identifying hazards related to buildings with green energy systems to enhance firefighting strategies.
• Water storage tanks, while useful, can add significant dead loads, elevating the risk of collapse in green buildings.

Emerging Materials and Technologies

• Biopolymers are renewable and combustible materials used in construction, presenting new challenges in fire safety.
• The U.S. Green Building Council administers the LEED certification program, promoting sustainable building practices.