ECO HOUSES 1

Advantages of Eco Friendly Houses

Beste Kvrak

Hseyin Kocakuakl

Glben Bingl

Faculty of Architecture

English 201

Glr Baykan Arslan

December 15, 2015

Thesis: Even though eco friendly houses are not very commonly used in todays cities,
they answer to variable problems environmentally, economically and they benefit

the human life in efficacious ways.

I. Environmental advantages
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A. The environmental impacts of building materials

1. Using long-lasting materials (Kim & Rington, 1998, p. 20)

2. Decreasing the new material using (Roaf, Fuentes & Thomas, 2001, p. 43)

3. Using recycling materials (Kim & Rington, 1998, p. 21, ''Checklist for

Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction'', 2001, ''Materials'')

B. Contribute the minimising global warming potential

1. Avoiding toxics (Kim & Rington, 1998, p. 18,''Building Materials: What Makes

a Product Green?'', 2000, p. 3)

2. Reducing carbondioxide emissons (Bauer, Msle & Schwarz, 2007, p. 13)

II. Economical advantages

A. Resource efficiency
1. Using water wisely
a. Hot water systems (Roaf, Fuentes & Thomas, 2001, p. 200)

b. Water treatment (Roaf, Fuentes & Thomas, 2001, p. 226)

2. Reducing electricity consumption
a. Photovoltaics (Roaf, 2001, p. 165)
b. Minimize wasted energy (Ryn, Cowan, 1996, p. 109)

B. Payback economics
1. Subvention
a. State and federal incentives (Galloway, 2004, p. 155)
b. Tax benefits (Galloway, 2004, p. 156)
2. Cost-effective energy generation
a. Solar Energy (Bauer, Msle, Schwarz, 2007, p. 124)
b. Wind Energy (Bauer, Msle, Schwarz, 2007, p. 126)
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c. Geothermics (Bauer, Msle, Schwarz, 2007, p. 127)

d. Biomass (Bauer, Msle, Schwarz, 2007, p. 128)

II. Benefits on human health and comfort

A. Providing a comfortable built environment

1. Noise
a. Sound absorption (Roaf, Fuentes & Thomas, 2001, p. 138)
b. Sound transmission loss (Roaf, Fuentes & Thomas, 2001, p. 139)
2. Humidity problems
a. Allergies (Bornehag et al., 2001, p. 77)
b. Molds (Bush, Portnoy, Saxon, Terr & Wood, 2006, p. 326)
B. Providing a comfortoble built environment
1. Volatile organic compounds (Roaf, Fuentes & Thomas, 2001, p. 147)
2. Water based paints (Wieslander, Janson, Norbak, Bjrnsson, Stalenheim &

Edling, 1994, p. 261)

3. Asbestos (Roaf, Fuentes & Thomas, 2001, p. 125)

As seen in many other discoveries in the history, the eco house has emerged from the

needs of society. After the increase in the oil prices in 1970s, people tried to find more energy

efficient solutions for the houses. Therefore, the environmentally friendly, energy efficient eco

house trend has commenced. Although there are no international regulations for the eco

houses, Roaf, Fuentes and Thomas defined them as Eco-architecture sees buildings as part of

the larger ecology of the planet and the building as part of a living habitat (2001, p. 8).

Compared to traditional houses, the eco houses have many advantages in different fields.

Altough there are so many effects on environment, buildings has the most critical portion on

pollution, so the proliferation of eco houses will help to recover the environment in variable

ways. Due to the new eco house design, energy consumption of the buildings has decreased

vastly. This will also contrubute to an economical development. Moreover, it will also lead
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architects to design healthier places to live. Even though eco friendly houses are not very

commonly used in todays cities, they answer to variable problems environmentally,

economically, and they benefit the human life in efficacious ways.

Firstly, eco friendly houses are environmentally advantageous when they are compared

to traditional houses. The building materials which are used in eco houses have several

impacts on environment. Material using is one of the most important point and Kim and

Rington stated that when the materialsare compared with their life time, long lasting materials

do not require change as often as other materials with the same purpose. Durable materials

which need to be less changed are going to consume less untreated materials and create fewer

waste for a building's life cycle (1998, p. 20). We have to be careful about wasting any

resources of the world to protect where we live in. Roaf et al. emphasised that in external

walls when you get over the broken part it is hard to avoid a larger area to come down and

build with another plaster which would be expensive. They added that reinforcing

the broken plaster instead of removing it will cause less environmental impact against the fact

that it needs to be covered with modern plastic which requires more energy due to using of so

little new material (2001, p. 43). As a fact, the less material is used the less waste the nature

gets. Also, using recycled materials can be beneficial too. Kim and Rington explained that

recyclability can be defined as how many times a product can be reproduced and used. They

also exampled that since splitting up steel from construction debris is manageable by using

magnets it is frequently prefered to recycle as a building material (1998, p. 21). Using

recycled materials answers variable problems when constructing a building; it is cheap, easy

to produce, decrease the waste of a building in its lifetime. It also saves energy when it is

compared to using new materials everytime a building needs a patch or a new part. According

to an article '' Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design & Construction'' on

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Environmental Building News using building materials which are made from recycled

prdoducts not only to prevent solid contamination problems but also decrease the energy

utilizaton in fabricating and raw resource use (2001, ''Materials''). Recycling products and

reusing them is beneficial and advantageous in almost every way. To protect the world's

resources and companies' benefits new material using has to be minimized and attach

importance to using recyclable materials.

Eco houses can also contribute to minimising global warming potential because of the

materials which are used in the building construction. These materials should exhale less

toxics than other materials. As stated in the article ''Building Materials: What Makes a Product

Green?'' since some building products have low manufacturing impacts and are able to play a

part instead of chemical based conventional products and have an opportunity of decreasing

polluting emissions, they are recognized as green (January 2000, p. 3). With changing

standards and higher technology, building products are required to be not only

durable and sustainable but also unthreatening for human health. The result of a building

should be competable with people who will live in it so that using products has to be chosen

and manufactured carefully. In such years like 2000's, when people tend to avoid chemicals

and have no tolerance to the food including chemicals, it is impossible to expect them to live

under unnatural circumstances. Kim and Rington stated that indoor air quality is affected

unfavorably by many materials which also damage occupants' health. Hazardous fumes are

diffused for only a short time during and installation by some building materials for instance

adhesives, others manage to redound to air problems throughout a building's life (1998, p.13).

Green house products have to diminish carbondioxide emissions. For benefits of the

environment, these emissions have to turn into a trade and the carbondioxide trade should be

paid attention in long term. Bauer, Msle and Schwarz emphasised that human-caused green
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house effect could be considered as the critical point and life-long process in terms of

carbondioxide trade, to exhibit a sharp decrease. With this point of view, the environment is

the asset which should be maintained and this can be accomplished by ensuring financial

support (2007, p.13). As a result, green houses have a role against the global warming by

reducing carbondioxide emission and avoiding toxics.

Secondly, why traditional houses give place to eco-houses is because they are

economically advantageous. The first reason why eco-houses are economical than the

traditional ones is resource efficiency. Eco-friendly buildings are advantageous in terms of

using water wisely. Hot water systems which are used in eco-houses, show us how it can be

used intelligently. Roaf et al. stated that system which is used in eco-houses works with

simple mechanism. When the solar radiation comes to the system, the panels transform the

solar radiation to energy. This energy can be storaged as a hot air or water until it is required

(2001, p. 200). To begin with,hot water systems benefit from solar energy and can be convert

to hot water, and that is why this systems use water smartly. For example, hot water systems

can store 400-500 l hot water. Roaf et al. emphasized that 300-350 l tank is enough for a

standart family of four and 1 m2 of solar collector can be convert 50-65 l water per a day. In

UK, Oxford Ecohouse 5 m2 solar collector satisfies 60 percent of building also Barilecho

Ecohouse in Argentina uses the same system and their system satisfies 75 percent of building

(2001, p. 208). In addition, mankind has been reusing their water for centuries but water

treatment gets popular nowadays. In many traditional houses all over the world, had a water

tank for gathering the storm water. There is a modern system that is used in eco-houses named

grey water systems. Roaf et al. stated that main purpose of the grey water system benefits the

water which already used,in shower, bath and washing machine water. The system repurates

the waste water and water can be used in non-potable goals like WCs (p. 222). Water
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treatment reduces use potable water for non-potable actions (2001, p. 223). It can be said that

modern water treatment systems are very useful in way of protecting natural resources. In

addition to these reducing electricity consumption is another benefit of ecohouses. Roaf et al.

state that ecohouses benefit from the sun and thus electricity consumption gets lower. The

system transform the solar energy turn into electrical energy with their cells (2001, p. 165).

Moreover, the more photovoltaics gets popular, the cheaper electricity is used. The countries

which realize the power of photovolatics, start to integrate their energy systems. Germany has

over 10 000 PV buildings in their cities. Not only Germany also USA and Japan have a Solar

Roof Programme. Roaf et al. affirm that in favour of photovoltaic panels The Oxford

Ecohouses electricity bills decrease 70 percent (2001, p. 167). Also this is a useful system

reducing wasted energy. Buildings with photovoltaics do not use electricity produced from

coal. Roaf et al. unlined that the photovoltaic system generates 3093 kWh per year this means

tons of coal (2001, p. 168). To begin with, in all around the world, there is only 40 years of oil

reserves and 60 years of gas reserves left. So renewable energy resources gets more important.

According to Roaf et al., after 2020, access to energy gets hard and the only way to solve this

problem is popularising the alternative energy resources (2001, p.169). For example, after

decades from nowadays, there will be huge blockouts due to extinction of fosil energy. It is

clear that in near future, we are looking for ecohouses in way of using water wisely and

reducing electricity consumption advantages.

Another reason why eco-houses are economical than the traditional ones is payback

economics. Ecological houses are advantageous than a traditional houses in way of

subvention. State and federal incentives are commonly get funded by goverments. Galloway

states that eco-houses are supperted by goverments with some cost-efficiency policies (2004,

p. 155). Governments which care about humanitys future support the eco-houses, that is why
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goverments reserve budget for ecological houses. Galloway exemplifies that in California

local government discount is $3.50/peak watt, also in Los Angeles discount $4.50/peak watt

(2004, p.155) . Tax benefits are another economical profit of eco-houses. Governments allow

some tax benefit to their citizens using ecological energy systems. Galloway said that most

goverments have some tax policies about eco-houses like deductions. For example, state gave

55% tax benefit for swimming pool solar systems in late 1970s and early 1980s (2004, p.

156). In addition to this, cost-effective energy generation is another economical advantage of

ecological houses. Wind energy is one way of ensuring cost-effective energy generation. Air

currents cause wind, the idea of using wind has been extinct for 800 years, in 12th century

wind started to be used in windmills. Wind energy is preferred by people for economic reason.

According to Bauer, wind energy gains importance again, in 1975 and in the next 10 years, 10

to 15% of increase in its usage is expected as a result of renewable energy usage (2007, p.

126). Actually, wind turbines have been used by goverments morely but with

scientific progress, wind turbines can be used for houses nowadays. Geothermics is another

way of cost-effective energy generation. Geothermics is a technological energy system which

used ground and underground of world. Geothermics use underground water as a for room

climate system and for heating the water. Bauer states that geotermal probe system drill the

ground between 30 and 300 metres and the water which is taken out from the ground will be

warmed with some heater systems and after this process the water can be used for heating and

hot water (2007, p. 127). Thirdly,method of cost-effective energy generation is Biomass.

Biomass generates energy from animal and plant remnants. According to Bauer, biomass is

the most important renewable energy worldwide. Biomass can generate electricity and heat

from solid remnants (2007, p. 128). Not only from animal and plant remnants, biomass energy

also generates energy from the gases which is called Biogas. For example, Sweden satisfies
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51% of total energy need from Biogas (2007, p. 129). It is clear that in near future, we are

looking for ecohouses in way of using water wisely and reducing electricity consumption

advantages. It is clear that in near future, we are looking for ecohouses in way of subvention

and cost effective energy generation.

One of the reasons for using eco friendly houses is that; they do not only benefit the

environment but they benefit the people who lives in them. By using the eco friendly

materials that can be easily found and delivered almost anywhere, human comfort levels can

be increased vastly. A way to increase human comfort in houses is to prevent or reduce the

noise that comes from outdoors or inside the building. There are many different noise sources

in a regular apartmant building, such as: TV sounds, talking sounds, impact sound that caused

by walking... As Roaf et al. explained sound can easily travel through a buildings structural

system components. If noise is an annoyance for residents of the building, sound absorbing

materials should be used to control the sound levels and to swallow the sound energy (2001,

p. 138). To decrease the sound transmission the sound absorbers should be placed in the floor

systems, internal wall systems and external wall systems. Sound is absorbed when a material

does not reflect the sound energy that strikes it. Sound absorbers usually let the sound energy

pass through them. The energy decreases while passing the sound absorbers. It requires a

large thickness of a material or many layers of materials to achive complete sound

transmission loss. According to Roaf et al., materials that prevent the passage of sound are

usually solid, fairly heavy and non porous. A good sound absorber is 15 mm of glass fibre; a

good sound barrier is 150 mm of poured concrete (2001, p. 139). To have a quiet home the

noise problem should be eliminated. Another threat that effects human comfort and also

health is humidity problems. In a humid house there are many problems that face the

residents. It is claimed by Bornehag et al. that humidity in a building has variable health
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effects on people. Some of these health issues are: asthma, cough, wheezing, airway

infections and headaches. Chemical and microbiological agents are both held responsible in

these results (2001, p. 77). In order to avoid the poor health effects humidity and its agents

such as molds should be eliminated in a built environment. Mold is type of a fungi that grows

in the houses by the spores that they spread in the air. As Bush, Portnoy, Saxon, Terr and

Wood indicated, when exposed to molds a humans immune system may react to it by causing

several kinds of illnesses. Most common of these illnesses is allergies. Also there are newly

discovered diseases that are caused by exposure to molds (2006, p. 326). In order to dispose

of the molds in a building the house should be dry. Molds grow and reproduce in humid

places. If there is mold on a floor or a wall first thing to look for should be to find where the

water is coming from. Molds can be scraped off of surfaces but if the moisture problem is not

resolved, they will keep growing repeatedly. In eco friendly houses these problems should

considered in the building process. Therefore, the comfort issues and health problems would

be eliminated primarily.

Another advantage of eco houses is that they benefit the human health by increasing

the air quality. In a household the air is a fundamental element of health for residents. Low

air quality causes many health problems, such as asthma, headaches, allergies, dizziness,

bronchitis etc. Some of these illnesses may start in the childhood and stay for the rest of a

persons life. Therefore, the air quality is a particularly significant issue in houses with

children. One of the ways to enhance the air quality is to avoid volatile organic compounds

as much as possible or to minimize the usage of those substances. Volatile organic

compounds are either liquid or gas, usually scentless substances that can be found in most
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household objects, such as; carpets, paints, insulation materials, wallpapers, cleaning

materials etc. Vocs can vaporize in room temparatures easily and it is quite dangerous to be

exposed to their fumes. Volatile organic compounds may cause disturbance and aggravate

allergic reactions in small quantities, however direct exposure to large amounts may cause

dizziness (Roaf et al., 2001, p. 147). To avoid health issues and have clean air, it is extremely

important that while buying the products that may contain vocs, the consumer should

inspect the chemicals inside the product and be well-informed about the names and dangers

of these substances. Water based paints are another example of health hazards in home. Even

though they are reputed to be safe, it is substantial to learn the ingredients of them. There are

different types of water based paints. Some of them contain solvents to thin the paint. The

ones that contain solvents are excessively hazardous. It is emphasized that house painters

have a higher risk of airway illnesses caused by water based paints and their
volatile compounds and it is extremely important to warn the painters with atopy about the

risks and dangers of the water based paints (Wieslander et al., 1994, p. 261). Asbestos is

without any doubt, the most dangerous ingredient that can be found in a building. Due to

being incredibly ressistant to chemicals and physical effects and having a low thermal

conductivity, asbestos has been used in thermal insulation materials for a long time. Its many

dangers have been discovered in the twentieth century. Asbestos has caused a large amount

of deaths until today. It can enter the human body by mixing in the drinking water or it can

be absorbed through the skin. Asbestos causes lung cancer and mesothelioma (rare tumours)

of the lungs, chest and abdomen (Roaf et al., 2001, p. 125). It is clear that asbestos should be

avoided at any cost. The houses that contain asbestos should be located, inspected and

cleaned by professionals immediately. In the light of these information, the importance of

knowledge can not be denied. To make a home safe for the people, to make it eco friendly

knowing what is important and necessary is the first and biggest step to comfort and health.
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To conclude eco houses have many advantages in diffferent areas. Firstly the benefits

on the environment are incredibly important for the future of the planet earth. By using

environment friendly materials they decrease the energy consumption and reduce the causes

of global warming. Eco houses also help the economy by conscious usage of energy and

reducing electricity consumption. Meanwhile renewable energy usage both benefits the

economy and the environment. Another advantage of eco houses is that they can benefit the

human health and comfort in very effective ways. Therefore they increase the life quality of

the people. In the light of all the information about their importance, the researches and

developments about eco houses should be promoted and supported.

References

Bauer, M., Msle, P., & Schwarz, M. (2007). Green Building: guidebook for sustainable

architecture. Stuttgart, Springer.

Bornehag, C., Blomquist, G., Gyntelberg, F., Jarvholm, B., Malmberg, P., Nordvall, L.,

Nielsen, A., () Sundell, J. (2001). Dampness in buildings and health. Indoor Air, 11,

72-86. Retrieved from http://www.kutuphane.itu.edu.tr

What makes a product green? (2000, January). Building Green INC, 9(1). Retrieved from

http://books.google.com.tr
Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction (2001). Building Green

INC, 9(1). Retrieved from http://books.google.com.tr

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Bush, R. K., Portnoy, J. M., Saxon, A., Terr, A. I., & Wood, R. A. (2006, February). The

medical effects of mold exposure. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 117(2),

326 334. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com

Galloway, T. (2004). Solar House: A guide for the solar designer. Oxford: Architectural Press

Kim, J., & Rington, B. (1998). Sustainable architecture module: Quailities, use and examples

of sustaniable building materials.

Roaf, S., Fuentes, M., & Thomas, S. (2001). Ecohouse A design guide. Oxford:

Architectural Press.
Wieslander, G., Janson, C., Norbak, D., Bjrnsson, E., Stalenheim, G., & Edling, C. (1994).

Occupational exposure to water-based paints and self-reported asthma, lower airway

symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and lung function. International Archives

Occupational and Environmental Health, 66, 261-267. Retrieved from

http://books.google.com.tr