Selection of Green Building Materials for Energy-Saving Exterior Windows

Urban population has been increased rapidly and caused such urban problems as shortage of housing and traffic jam, and the continuously expanding buildings have resulted in strong impact on global resource consumption and environmental pollution. Green building materials are the basic guarantee to the quality and service life of buildings, the material carrier to realize various functions of buildings and also the foundation and support to develop green buildings. Based on the coherence and relevance of assessment on full life cycle of buildings and building materials, the influence of exterior window selection on carbon emission of buildings was analyzed in aspects of the initial stage (production, consumption and transport of building materials) of carbon emission of buildings, i.e. the intrinsic energy per unit product, operation, demolition and treatment. The comprehensive assessment was also established, and the selection of green building materials was investigated for exterior windows based on the reduction of energy consumption during full life cycle of buildings by combining such indicators as the usability, durability, fireproofness, environmental protection and functionality of exterior windows. It solved the puzzles of architects on selection of building materials and the puzzles of building material manufacturers on demand of green buildings. The selection of green building materials on green buildings was promoted and the realization of the goal of "green buildings" also assisted.