In the quest to design sustainable buildings, it is imperative to consider the total environmental impact. While operational carbon — the emissions from heating, cooling, and powering a building — has been the focus for years, embodied carbon is gaining significant attention. Embodied carbon refers to the emissions produced during Read more…
In the contemporary age of sustainable construction, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) stands out as an indispensable tool. It provides an encompassing understanding of the environmental implications of building materials and structural components. At Firstgreen Consulting, we’ve rigorously executed an LCA for a commercial building, delving into the interplay between materials Read more…
Introduction As a leading advocate for sustainable building practices, Firstgreen Consulting has delved deep into the world of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to ensure that structures not only meet but exceed environmental standards. Our recent endeavor focuses on an industrial warehouse building in India, spanning an area of 15,000 m^2. Read more…
As the global drive towards sustainable construction practices accelerates, it’s imperative for developers, architects, and stakeholders to understand the metrics that measure a building’s environmental impact. Two prominent frameworks guiding this journey are LEED® and BREEAM. Both are based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis. We provide an in-depth comparison Read more…
As we delve into the intricacies of modern architectural paradigms, it becomes paramount to evaluate the environmental footprint of our constructions. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) emerges as a critical management tool, ensuring a comprehensive view of a building’s environmental impact throughout its lifespan. Historical Roots of LCA: A Retrospective View Read more…
Understanding the changes in LEED Certification guidelines is essential for architects, engineers, and building owners. Here, we’ll explore some of the major modifications. Teams are now encouraged to provide inputs early in the process, emphasizing the importance of a strong concept design in delivering a sustainable design. The use of Read more…
With changes implemented in the 2009 version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines, achieving Certified or Silver ratings has become more accessible and affordable. However, it does require expertise, knowledge, and a highly coordinated team effort. The LEED certification process involves prerequisites and credits across six Read more…
The importance of greening your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system cannot be overstated. Opting for the right size and type of HVAC equipment, and ensuring it is well-maintained, can drastically reduce energy consumption and costs. Ever pondered the effects of having an HVAC system that is either too Read more…
Climate change represents one of the most pressing issues of our time. A key tool in combating this global challenge is the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory, a comprehensive catalog of an organization’s GHG emissions. By collaborating with Firstgreen Consulting, your organization can accurately determine its environmental footprint and take steps Read more…
Building health and safety has become an increasingly critical focus in the world today. Through partnering with Firstgreen Consulting, you can ensure that your building spaces are optimized for the well-being of all occupants. The Importance of Building Health and Safety Never has the health and safety of a building’s Read more…