Influence of Vertical Greeneries to Score Points in Green Rating Systems for Multistoried Buildings in Sri Lankan Context

Abstract

Green rating systems have become more significant factor to enhance green construction practice and saving energy of a building. Vertical greens and its influence on green rating systems to score more points, is the key concern of this research. Especially the vertical greenery component which gives more benefits to the facility by make use of natural processes such as temperature control, Indoor air quality and lighting of a building as previous studies have proven. It will significantly influence green rating systems to score more points to reach higher ratings. This research compare three most commonly used green rating systems in Sri Lanka and how those influenced by the vertical greenery to reach high scores. Three Green Rating Systems, namely, GreenSL® Rating System for Built Environment, GM ENRB :2017 (BCA Green Mark for Existing Non Residential Buildings) and LEED V4 for Building Design and Construction are evident to be mostly used rating tools in Sri Lanka. Considerable percentage of points can be obtained with the positive effects of the vertical green façades, both direct and indirect methods, with above three rating systems, especially in energy saving, greenery, air quality aspects. Application of comprehensive vertical greenery will result in significant difference between in and out temperature of a room and help to increase the thermal comfort and some other aspects too. Mainly this improvement can score more points in all three rating systems in varying degrees. GM ENRB: 2017 score card related to aspects in concern shows reasonably high possibility of scoring more points compared to and Green SL and LEED rating tools. Among latter two tools least potential is with LEED, which seems assessing more indirect influences with respect to technical aspects concerned in the study.