Simulation of Green Building Materials Uses and its Environmental Impacts: Case of Jordan

Abstract

Construction is one of the most important factors affecting the environment such as global warming and carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, it represents 40% of the consumption of energy resources around the world. Jordan is one of the countries that suffer greatly from this aspect. In this research, a simulation was conducted of a multi-use building located in a university in Jordan using the ArchiCAD program, which helps us to accurately determine the construction location and obtain the results of materials and strategies that were applied to the building. Thermal insulation materials were used to show the effectiveness of their impact on the temperature difference per unit of heat flux needed to sustain one unit of heat flux (R-value) for the building. Shading means were also applied to the building’s glass facades that reduce heat loads and help the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system inside the building. Finally, it was shown the difference in the environmental impact of a building that uses 100% solar energy and emits zero CO2 emissions. While a building that uses 50% solar energy and 50% oil energy emits a high amount of CO2. It becomes clear that the increasing use of green building tools helps greatly in facing the problems of the environment and the consumption of energy resources.