In the context of globalization and the trend towards sustainable development, the application of "green" standards in industrial construction is becoming crucial. Prefabricated steel structures, with their characteristics of rapid construction, high flexibility, and optimized material usage, have become a core solution for realizing these projects. This article will analyze the concepts, objectives, and technical solutions for implementing green building practices in prefabricated steel structure construction.
1. The concept of green buildings
Green buildings are structures designed, constructed, and operated to optimize energy, water, and material usage. This model minimizes negative impacts on the natural environment while providing a safe and comfortable living and working environment for people.
To assess and certify whether a building meets green building standards, professionals and investors often rely on reputable certification systems. The most common ones worldwide and in Vietnam today include:
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), this set of standards provides a comprehensive assessment of energy efficiency, materials, indoor environmental quality, and innovation.
- LOTUS: The standards, developed by the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC), have been refined to suit the climate conditions and construction practices in our country.
- EDGE: The standard, issued by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank, focuses strongly on solutions for efficient resource use.
2. Objectives of green building in prefabricated steel structure construction
Incorporating green building models into prefabricated steel structure construction is not only a responsibility towards the environment but also brings practical benefits to businesses, with key objectives including:
- Optimizing operating costs: Implementing green design through proper insulation, natural ventilation, and lighting can help reduce electricity consumption costs by 20-30%.
- Reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment: Constructing prefabricated steel structures in factories helps minimize construction waste compared to traditional methods. According to experts, steel components can be reused up to 65%, reducing the amount of waste released into the environment.
- Improving health and productivity: Green buildings aim to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ), ensuring fresh air, reducing mold and harmful gases, thereby enhancing the health and productivity of workers.
- Meeting ESG standards and increasing competitive advantage: Green industrial parks and factories help businesses meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, thereby making it easier to attract FDI, expand into international markets, and enhance brand value.
3. Utilize sustainable building materials in green building construction.
Green building materials play a core role in shaping the sustainability of a prefabricated steel factory. They must meet the criteria of being non-toxic, highly recyclable, and resource-efficient.
Recycled steel and galvanized components: Using recycled steel from industrial scrap ensures high durability and good corrosion resistance while reducing the need to exploit new resources. In addition, lead-free hot-dip galvanized purlins are preferred to protect the environment and increase corrosion resistance for structural frames.
Environmentally friendly thermal and sound insulation materials: Wall and roofing systems often utilize panels with safe thermal insulation cores such as Rockwool (mineral wool) or Glasswool (fiberglass). Rockwool has a very low thermal conductivity coefficient (approximately 0.036 – 0.045 W/mK) and superior fire resistance, withstanding temperatures above 1000°C. Meanwhile, Glasswool is also naturally composed, contains no toxic amines, has high elasticity, and can withstand temperatures up to 350°C.
Heat-reflective roofing sheets: Eco-friendly roofing sheets are used to reflect sunlight, limiting heat absorption into the factory space and maintaining a cool working environment.
4. Implementing energy-saving systems in the construction of prefabricated steel buildings.
For prefabricated steel structures to truly become "green buildings," the design and construction phases must integrate supporting systems that maximize energy savings:
- Natural lighting system (Skylight): Installing skylights on the roof or side walls of a factory building provides an effective source of natural light. This solution can replace a significant amount of electric lighting during the day, thereby reducing electricity costs and carbon emissions.
- Natural ventilation system: The application of louvres or ventilation designs based on the chimney effect principle (pushing hot air upwards and outwards) helps to ensure continuous air circulation. Combining natural ventilation reduces reliance on air conditioning, prevents mold growth, and provides a healthy microclimate for the factory.
- Thermal Bridge Solution: This is especially important for structures such as cold storage or workshops requiring stable temperatures. High-conductivity areas like bolts through panels and aluminum profiles, if not properly treated, will allow outside heat to penetrate the warehouse, causing condensation and energy waste. Thoroughly addressing thermal bridging will help stabilize the temperature inside the workshop, saving 15-20% on monthly electricity bills.
- Renewable energy systems: The roof structure of green prefabricated steel buildings is typically designed to withstand the load of rooftop solar panels, providing clean electricity for operation and directly contributing to the Net Zero goal.
Constructing prefabricated steel structures with a focus on green building is a strategic and forward-thinking step. Through the selection of sustainable materials and energy-optimized systems, investors not only ensure stringent technical requirements are met but also maximize economic efficiency throughout the project's lifecycle.
