Reduction of carbon dioxide by bio-façades for sustainable development of the environment

Abstract

Nowadays, air pollution and consequently global warming are the major problems that the earth is faced with. These issues can influence climate change and human health. Building façades can play a significant role in the air quality of the urban environment. Therefore, this study draws upon the ability of nature in controlling carbon dioxide to compare three types of bio-façades (i.e. Water façade, Green façade, and Microalgae façade) and to identify an appropriate one. For this purpose, we analyzed documents and scientific literature qualitatively. Then, we identified the aforementioned types of biological façades and selected the most optimal one through the comparison. Additionally, for this comparison, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method was employed that resulted in achieving the higher scores by the microalgae façade among other bio-façades mentioned above. The major criteria considered for the AHP analysis included climatic, economic, architectural, environmental, and structural aspects of using the noted bio-façades in buildings. It should be emphasized that the environmental aspect was obtained as the most influential criterion among others. Finally, some technical tips and design requirements for bioreactors are depicted and discussed along with their upcoming challenges and future research direction.

Architectural Mitigating Strategies for Air Pollution in the Built Environment

“…Architecture in its unique nature can easily adopt the biotic approach as it can through design harbour the natural components needed for the absorption of air pollutants from the environment which are vegetation. [19], noted that this new concept even though it absorbs pollutants in a rather slow way, also at the same time helps keep the environment cool, and helps regulate the thermal comfort of the internal space. Research have proposed, some biotic ways to help in the absorption of air pollutants from the atmosphere, which will be discussed in the subsequent section.…”

“…(a) Carbon Emission: Carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emission caused by an individual, organization or project. Greenhouse gases (basically gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and warm the planet) [19], and the carbon-containing gases i.e. Carbon dioxide and methane, can be emitted through the burning of fossil fuels, and various production processes at different levels, construction of buildings, roads and other services [20].…”

“…Further studies from [33], proposed the use of individual components in our buildings to develop a responsive bio façade, but it only dwelt on the use of responsive glass, neglecting other elements in the building façade. On bio façade and sustainable design strategies [8,19,29], discussed extensively on bio facade, noting the challenges of using our building as a harbouring area for vegetation in the urban centres, but they all acknowledged that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages if the proper process is followed. They also noted that this process does not cause any harm to the human health, but the major challenge is that this process is still very new, and cost-intensive.…”

“…Algae façade can provide light transmission and as a porter wall, it can replace current glass systems with proper thermal and structural function. Algae façade is designed for improving air quality in the environment by producing oxygen and absorbing CO2 through algae's photosynthesis [19]. The bioreactor system is placed between two acrylic papers and algae are growing in a rich liquid full of nutrients.…”

Analysis of the Role of the Algae Photosynthesis Facade System in the ITERA Building in Reducing Carbon Emissions

“…Misalnya, bangunan dapat meningkatkan kinerja termal dengan isolasi (menurunkan biaya energi), kualitas udara, ekosistem perkotaan, air permukaan kota, produksi pangan, estetika lansekap kota, kesehatan masyarakat, dan kepuasan dan kenyamanan pengguna. Selain itu, itu dapat mengurangi polusi suara, pulau panas, dan gas rumah kaca (Rezazadeh et al, 2021).…”