Sustainable construction redefined:
‘Hikae Equs’ panels – advanced, cost-effective and a green building solution
What is Sustainable Construction?
Sustainable construction is an approach that seeks to minimize the environmental impact of the construction process and the resulting structure. It involves the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient design, and a commitment to reducing waste and pollution throughout the building’s life cycle. The goal is to create structures that promote a harmonious coexistence between the built environment and the natural world. Sustainable construction is also known as eco-friendly construction or green construction.
What is green building?
Green building primarily focuses on reducing the environmental impact of a building’s construction and operation. It emphasizes using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and practices that minimize resource consumption and waste generation. Green building often involves strategies like installing solar panels, using recycled materials, and implementing water-saving fixtures.
What is sustainable building?
Sustainable building involves the use of practices and materials that prioritize environmental responsibility throughout a building’s entire life cycle. This approach aims to minimize the impact on the environment by focusing on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and reduced waste. Sustainable building practices contribute to creating structures that are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and promote a healthier living environment. Below is a simple table highlighting the key differences between sustainable building and normal building practices
| Aspect | Sustainable Building | Normal Building |
|---|---|---|
| Design Philosophy | Focus on environmental responsibility and resource efficiency. | Primarily driven by traditional design and construction methods. |
| Energy Efficiency | Prioritizes energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sources, and energy-saving technologies. | May not emphasize energy-efficient features, relying on conventional systems. |
| Materials | Utilizes eco-friendly, recycled, or locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact. | May use conventional materials without considering environmental sustainability. |
| Water Usage | Incorporates water-efficient fixtures and designs for water conservation. | Water usage may not be a primary consideration, leading to potential wastage. |
| Waste Management | Emphasizes waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal of construction waste. | May generate significant construction waste without a focused waste management strategy. |
| Indoor Air Quality | Prioritizes ventilation, non-toxic materials, and indoor air quality for occupant health. | May overlook indoor air quality, leading to potential health concerns. |
| Cost Implications | Initial costs may be slightly higher, but long-term operational savings are often realized. | Initial costs may be lower, but operational costs may be higher due to inefficiencies. |
| Long-Term Benefits | Offers long-term environmental and economic benefits, such as reduced utility bills and improved resale value. | May have lower initial costs, but long-term benefits may be limited. |
| Certifications | May pursue certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). | May not prioritize or pursue specific green building certifications. |
What are ‘steel reinforced concrete EPS core’ panels
Sandwiched Panels are composite building materials that consist of an insulating EPS core sandwiched between two layers of reinforced concrete. This combination capitalises on the strengths of both EPS and concrete, resulting in an EPS panel that is not only lightweight but also highly efficient and sustainable. The result is a composite readymade walls panel that offers a wide range of benefits across various construction applications.
Are EPS panels considered sustainable building materials?
Yes, EPS panels can be considered sustainable building materials when used appropriately. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) panels offer several sustainability benefits, including energy efficiency, lightweight construction, and recyclability. These panels provide excellent thermal insulation, helping reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling buildings. Additionally, their lightweight nature contributes to lower transportation emissions and reduced construction waste. EPS panels are also recyclable, allowing for the material to be reused or repurposed at the end of a building’s life cycle, further enhancing their sustainability credentials. When integrated into a holistic approach to sustainable construction, EPS panels can contribute to the creation of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient buildings.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental friendliness
One of the prime features of Sandwiched Panels is its exceptional energy efficiency. The EPS core acts as an effective thermal insulator, helping maintain comfortable indoor temperature year-round. This cuts the need for excessive heating or cooling, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills for a lifetime. This feature also makes the buildings more environmentally friendly and economically sustainable, while it helps maintain the temperature inside, creating a more stable and comfortable living environment.
And that’s not all, EPS is recyclable and has a low environmental impact, compared to traditional construction materials. It is produced with minimal waste and can be reused in various applications, contributing to the reduction of construction-related carbon emissions. It scores a brownie by utilising ~ 70% lesser water as compared to concrete buildings; thus, helps conserve the water, one of the most valuable resources. No doubt it gets classified as a ‘green construction technology’ by most of the government bodies of the world.
The speed at which buildings can be erected using these panels is remarkable. The readymade walls can be manufactured off-site, allowing for a streamlined construction process, significantly reducing on-site labour and time. Thus, construction projects can be completed significantly faster, saving both time and money.
Reinforced concrete is known for its strength and durability, making it an ideal material for the exterior layers of the panels. Thus, despite being lightweight EPS panels offer excellent structural integrity. These readymade walls are suitable for a wide range of applications, from residential to commercial and industrial buildings. They are particularly well-suited for seismic-prone areas, as their flexible yet durable nature helps absorb the seismic forces.
Benefits of Sustainable Construction
The cost-effectiveness is a significant driver behind their adoption by the construction industry. Reduced labour requirements, faster construction timelines, and energy savings, all contribute towards making a cost-effective building. Additionally, the extra-long lifespan and minimalistic maintenance for buildings constructed with these panels further enhance their cost-effectiveness.
Architects and designers appreciate the flexibility it offers in design. These panels can be customised as retaining walls, roof panels, cladding walls, stair panels, floor panels, etc. to meet various aesthetic and functional requirements. They can be used for both exterior and interior applications, and their adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of architectural styles.
Fire safety is often a top priority in construction, and EPS panel meet this requirement bang on. The concrete layers offer excellent fire resistance whereas EPS core is itself heat resistant, ensuring the safety of occupants in case of a fire outbreak This characteristic is especially crucial for multi-story buildings and high-density urban areas.
