Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) comes to Thailand

PRLog (Press Release) - Nov 18, 2008 -
To meet the consumer demand, many developers have stepped up to the plate and have begun constructing energy-efficient developments and have applied for the coveted certification by the United States Green Building Council as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects. Thailand is developing such a project.

The latest environmentally-friendly condominium features and amenities has allowed conscientious buyers to feel better that they are helping the earth by making smarter purchases, even if buying "green" means paying more. From energy-efficient light bulbs to solar-paneled roofs, consumers have gravitated to the idea that being energy conscious is their way of contributing to the environment. Many of these changes are happening in their homes, thanks also to manufacturers, builders, and architects who are convinced that the "greening" of the world is unlimited and will be the norm of all homes of the future.

These new residential developments offer residents energy-saving amenities ranging from green roofs and low E (emissivity) insulating glass windows to Energy Star appliances and water-saving faucets and toilets. Some builders also are using materials such as recycled glass tiles and bamboo flooring and panels to save on natural resources. Bamboo is a plant that grows to maturity in a few years, compared to the slow growth of trees. Special paints, carpeting, caulking and other materials are selected because of the low emissions of toxic fumes.

"Green developments are the wave of the future," said CEO, Liakat Dhanji, who is developing Thailand's largest destination resort complete with 5-star luxury hotels and world-class amenities, located 10 minutes from Pattaya Beach City "I want this project to be up to LEEDS standards — building an environmentally-friendly resort that incorporates the newest and latest in green building technologies and water consumption.

Green buildings are models of efficiency in the usage of both resources and energy — buildings are made from materials that include recycled, renewable and reused resources. From the design stage through construction, the goals of green construction are to make structures that are comfortable, healthy for occupants, compatible with the environment, and less expensive to own and operate, while reducing the impact of natural resource consumption."

Dhanji is building one of the country's most innovative green development projects "The Beaches Resort & Residences" on a 88 rai (45 acres) site that has sweeping views of the ocean. The Residences at The Beaches, phase I, offers 150 luxury condominiums that will be "the first residential project to employ the first sustainable energy system in a resort." Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2008.

The development's energy system will consist of piping dug into the ground, which will provide energy-efficient heating and cooling all year round. Dhanji says condominium residents could pay up to 40 percent less in energy costs. The Residences plans to have hot water systems heated with solar panels, a rooftop garden and an energy recovery system that uses the exhausted air to condition the fresh air entering the building to further reduce heating costs.

As the largest owner and operator of buildings, the US government has the ability to exert tremendous influence over the construction industry and to put in place policies, rules, and regulations designed to drive private sector investment in construction toward a predetermined end. In the first five months of 2007, over 100 green building bills were introduced at the state level.

Many states have adopted sustainability requirements for all of their new government-funded construction projects. Governments have also implemented economic incentives in the form of tax rebates and credits, density bonuses, and other policies such as expedited permitting and approval for green projects. This now needs to become common-place the world over and The Beaches is the first development to fully incorporate truly green initiatives.

The heightened level of interest in sustainability within the residential construction sector has contributed to green construction's movement into the mainstream. While demand for traditional residential construction is slowing down, the green housing and materials markets are expanding. Homeowners are increasing their investment in sustainable housing due to improved economic paybacks resulting from high energy prices and their growing sensitivity to environmental concerns.

Green materials and building products are becoming more popular due to the upward trend in the green construction market. Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about their health and the environment and are now questioning the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their carpet, paint, and wood. They are making a conscious effort to identify what building materials are healthier, more energy efficient, and economically sensible.

As the demand grows for green products and materials, the cost is mitigated. Today, many manufacturers are making green products, which leads to more competition and better pricing. In addition, distribution outlets for green materials are improving.
"Green building will continue to grow. It is not a question of whether your firm should invest in understanding the green sustainable trend and how to produce sustainable projects, it's how much should you invest and how fast," said Rick Dutmer, consulting group manager for FMI.

"Developing a strategy now to assess the capabilities of your firm, and create actions to take advantage of the sustainable opportunities, is fundamental."