Lead image: Self-cleaning and aesthetic Raiffeisen Forum, Mödling, Austria /Architects: X42 Team, Vienna, Austria / Photos: Rich Hiebl
The Environmental Protection Agency defines “sustainable construction” as the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s lifecycle. In the highly competitive commercial construction industry, contractors are realizing that this concept has become more than just another buzzword. Sustainable construction considers the effect on the natural environment and the building practices that impact it.
In answer to the increasing demand for sustainable building materials, Acme Brick offers fired ceramic products that incorporate Hytect a surface coating for ceramic tiles. Light, air and titanium dioxide are permanently burned into the ceramic, giving rise to active oxygen through catalysis. This process, photocatalysis, is a game-changer for commercial building construction.
What This Means to You: General contractors can make a significant difference in the environment by choosing eco-friendly, sustainable materials. Ceramic surfaces with Hytect coating protect against bacteria, resist dirt, and continually release clean air.
Seven Principles of Sustainable Construction
The Institute of Sustainability Studies notes there are 7 principles of sustainability. They offer a framework for the built environment, providing recommendations on how to reduce the construction sector’s carbon footprint.
- The first principle applies to the design process. Seeking to design “green buildings” using sustainable construction will minimize the industry’s carbon footprint.
- The second principle refers to durability. Sustainable construction maintains that builders use durable materials that stand the test of time. Durable materials that extend the lifespan of a building curb environmental impact by being cost effective and limiting the need for future maintenance.
- The third principle of sustainable construction advocates for energy efficiency. This refers to reducing energy use during the design and construction phases of the built environment.
- The fourth principle refers to waste reduction, promoting the idea that recycled materials and retrofits reduce environmental impact.
- Improving indoor air quality is the fifth principle. Sustainable construction should strive to improve indoor air quality, promoting a healthy indoor environment.
- Water conservation is covered in the sixth principle. The construction sector has developed new methods for a more sustainable use of water during the building process, including rainwater harvesting systems, low flow fixtures, and efficient irrigation.
- The final principle of sustainable construction refers to the selection of eco-friendly building materials. Sustainable building materials consist of any products that are chosen, created, and implemented efficiently to reduce environmental impact.
This seventh principle is becoming more common in commercial construction RFPs and savvy builders are looking for ways to meet this demand. Sustainable building materials help to reduce carbon emissions, and collaborative industry efforts along with carbon-calculator tools have made this process much more transparent.
Why Is Photocatalysis Important to Sustainable Construction?
By 2030, two thirds of the world population are expected to reside in cities. The growing influx of city residents means a marked increase in air pollutants from construction, automobiles, and energy production. This is where some construction companies are using the facades of these building to reduce these pollutants.
Using photocatalysis on ceramic facades is an innovative approach to sustainable construction that offers several environmental benefits. A photocatalyst, typically titanium dioxide (TiO2), converts light energy into chemical energy by absorbing photons, often used to decompose adverse substances under sunlight and UV rays. During the manufacturing process, it is applied at high temperature causing it to merge with the ceramic surface.
Photocatalytic facades such as Agrob Buchtal terracotta panels with Hytect coating can significantly reduce urban air pollution by breaking down harmful pollutants. Photocatalytic surfaces convert oxides of nitrogen into a harmless substance that washes off in the rain. An innovative and ecofriendly product, Hytect coated facades clean the air during daylight hours and even when surfaces are illuminated by artificial light.
Ceramic tiles also score high in terms of durability and waste reduction. They are nearly indestructible, with little or no need of maintenance for decades. Ceramics have always promised a low environmental impact. Hytect adds an extra element to green building construction. Over the life of a building, the economic benefits of this construction product are substantial.
Greenlight for Green Buildings
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world's most widely used green building rating system. “LEED has developed a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social and governance benefits. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement, and it is backed by an entire industry of committed organizations and individuals paving the way for market transformation.” The USGBC provides a complete guide to LEED certification on its website.
Hytect photocatalytic facades can contribute to a green building project’s LEED certification in the following ways:
- Improved Air Quality
Hytect surfaces break down pollutants, earning points under the LEED category for Indoor Environmental Air Quality by reducing air pollutants.
- Energy Efficiency
Hytect contributes to energy efficiency by keeping surfaces cleaner, lowering energy and water usage. This aligns with LEED’s commitment to sustainable site development and water efficiency.
- Sustainable Materials
Hytect coatings are applied to durable ceramics, considered long lasting with little need for replacement. This earns points in the LEED category Materials and Resources, promoting low-impact, sustainable materials.
- Heat Island Reduction
Another LEED certification guideline includes the reduction in the urban heat island effect. Hytect facades reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, contributing to a cooler urban environment.
Acme’s Commitment to Sustainability
Acme Brick is committed to sustainable construction. With twin objectives of (1) increasing the value of commercial construction through less maintenance and (2) lowering environmental impact, Acme Brick incorporates innovative technologies like Hytect to provide self-cleaning and air purifying properties to their ceramic surfaces.
Acme building products exceed code standards, and they offer a 100-year limited guarantee on its residential brick. The company’s sustainable products are designed to provide natural insulation, reduce maintenance costs, lower insurance rates, and increase resale value. With Acme Brick, building green has never been easier!
Can Hytect ceramic facades add value to your next project? Send us a message to talk with an expert.