Green building

If you have the opportunity to visit new buildings that are built according to energy saving standards in the US, you will probably simply consider them to be beautiful buildings. However, although there is no solar panel on the roof, the buildings in the Shady Grove area of ​​the University of Maryland in Rockville are environmentally friendly buildings.

With luxurious planning and design, combining the application of some smart technologies, the ' green ' buildings designed and built by Sustainable Design Consulting Company received the Gold Certificate - the second rank in the system. LEED certification (a ranking of energy saving and environmental protection design works) by the US Green Building Council (GBC).

Being put into use in August 2007, the nearly 18,000-square-meter building block named Camille Kendall Academic Center (photo) , can save 29% of energy compared to the optimal design standards. Karen Mitchell, Director of Administration and Finance of Camille Kendall, said that the cost of building a ' green ' building like this only increased by 1% compared to the investment of 47 million USD for a similar building built in a conventional style. . However, the GBC believes that this extra team will be compensated in 1 or 2 years thanks to the building's energy-saving features.

Kara Strong, Project Manager of Sustainable Design Consulting, said that to improve energy efficiency and at the same time limit the cost of running buildings during use, architects make the most of the energy heaven with revolving building façade south and north . This arrangement, along with the main north and south windows, and a roof-light door, allow 75% of the rooms in the building to receive direct sunlight, reducing lighting costs. All windows are fitted with insulating glass to save energy that air conditioners consume during the hot season. The insulation capacity of walls and ceilings is also well above the design standards for environmentally friendly buildings. Viewed from above, the two roofs are covered with greenery, enhancing the heat barrier and reducing noise when it rains heavily. Overall, Camille Kendall is a beautiful building with open space full of light, suitable for studying and living.

Camille Kendall Academic Center (Photo: LiveScience)

In addition, contractors also apply smart technologies to store natural energy. Jane Briggs, Project Director from the University of Maryland Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, said each classroom is equipped with machines to monitor carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) emissions. Accordingly, when the amount of CO2 in the room increases, the system automatically draws air from outside, thereby helping students stay awake during class. With empty rooms, the sensor system will automatically adjust the temperature accordingly.

Besides, the smart light system will also fade itself when the room receives enough natural light, making the most of the energy in sunny days. In addition, the walls were covered with light reflecting fabric, contributing to limiting the amount of lighting.

To win GBC Gold certification, Camille Kendall Building also meets water saving standards, using recycled or recyclable materials as well as internal air quality .

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