Green Buildings Redefined

References to “green building” usually implies use of sustainable building materials, energy-efficient design and use of alternative energy sources. The Chinese are doing all of the above AND in addition are literally showcasing a “green building”.

The exhibition hall is wrapped in 2,400 pieces of soil-less turf covering an area of 1,000 square meters. The turf, along with other eco-friendly insulating building materials, has the effect of moderating the interior temperature of the building. As an example the air temperature was 10 degrees centigrade lower inside the building than outside at high noon in the heat of the summer. This is with no air conditioner.

The exhibition hall manager indicated that the soil-less turf potentially could save water since soil-less turf requires less than 10% of that of traditional lawns. In researching soil-less grass I realized that there were many different solutions available and I could not find reference to lowered water requirements but if it is true then they may be on to something big.

The idea of soil-less grass has been around for at least two decades but is only now starting to catch on as the going green movement picks up momentum.  For the last couple of years cities like Vancouver have become a hot-bed for roof and vertical grass and gardens. Some of the advantages of using this technology on walls/roofs are as follows:

• Reduced temperature in the summer due to shading;
• Winter insulation by maintaining air near the walls;
• Carbon dioxide absorption (less greenhouse gas);
• Reduced noise levels;
• No need for pesticides since there are no weeds;
• Reduced water runoff into sewer systems since some water is absorbed;
• Production and shipping advantages of soil-less turf including no topsoil required, significantly less weight and volume
• Five times easier installation than regular turf.

Let’s hope that this new breed of green building catches on. Unlike many other green products, growing grass on the roof and walls is likely to be one of the true saviours of our ailing planet.