Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Green Building and Sustainable Architecture During the design process, careful attention is given to building materials, construction methods, energy conservation, and the operational lifetime of the building. A green building, also known as a sustainable building, is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. A responsible approach to environmental and human health Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

What is Sustainability? Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design What is Sustainability? Sustainability - Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. World Commission on Environment and Development The practice of creating building products and methods that respect the environment and human health. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Sustainable Design Reduces the negative impact on the environment and human health, thus improving the performance during a building’s life cycle. Careful consideration is given to water, energy, building materials, and solid waste. The goal when designing a sustainable building is to design and create a structure that operates in harmony with the environment and its occupants. Natural resources are carefully considered in all phases of the structure. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Principles of Sustainability in Architecture Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Principles of Sustainability in Architecture Economy of Resources - Reduce, recycle, and reuse natural resources Life Cycle Design - Structured methodology for the building process Humane Design - Harmony between humans and nature Economy of Resources Analysis of building inputs and outputs of natural resources require new methods and strategies to maximize all resources. Life Cycle Design Building may cost more up front, but savings is achieved over the life of the building. This may be achieved through passive heating and cooling, insulation, alternative sources of energy, energy–efficient equipment, and appliances. Humane Design Focuses on the interactions between humans preserving natural conditions. This may include integration of public transportation, natural light through windows, operable windows for fresh air, and non-toxic materials. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Sustainable Building Life Cycle Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Sustainable Building Life Cycle Pre-Building Building Post-Building Pre-Building Phase How building materials impact the environment: harvesting trees could result in deforestation; mining mineral resources (iron for steel; bauxite for aluminum; sand, gravel, and limestone for concrete) disturbs the natural environment; even the transport of these materials can be a highly polluting activity, depending on their weight and distance from the site. The manufacturing of building products also requires energy and creates environmental pollution: for example, a high level of energy is required to manufacture steel or aluminum products. Building Phase The operation of the building life cycle considers natural resources, its carbon footprint, and operating costs. Post-Building Phase Old materials become resources for other building or waste to be returned to nature. The sustainable-design strategy focuses on reducing construction waste (which currently comprises 60% of the solid waste in landfills) by recycling and reusing buildings and building materials. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Pre-Building Phase Site selection, building design, and building material processes, up to but not including installation. Examine the environmental consequences of the structure’s design, orientation, impact on the landscape, and materials used. Neighborhood and cities can benefit by proper planning. Consideration of water demands and building material during the planning phase. Creative architects and planners can use the natural resources provided by the building site. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Building Phase Construction and operation processes reduce the environmental impact of resource consumption Long-term health effects of the building environment on its occupants are considered Reduced energy consumption and the comfort of building occupants are two criteria that architects consider most during the life of the structure. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Post-Building Phase Old materials become resources for other buildings or waste to be returned to nature. The sustainable design strategy focuses on reducing construction waste by recycling and reusing packaging and excess material. The sustainable design strategy focuses on reducing construction waste (which currently comprises 60% of he solid waste in landfills) by recycling and reusing buildings and building materials. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Preservation of Natural Conditions Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Preservation of Natural Conditions An architect should minimize the impact of a building on its local ecosystem (e.g., existing topography, plants, and wildlife). Architects and engineers now consider wildlife and the destruction of waterways and food chains for the proposed building site in all phases of the structure’s life. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Human Comforts A building’s design should enhance the work and home environments. This can improve productivity, reduce stress, and positively affect health and well being. Occupants who are comfortable in there surroundings are more productive. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Types of Green and Sustainable Buildings Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Types of Green and Sustainable Buildings Homes Schools Commercial and public buildings Laboratories Health care facilities Any type of building can incorporate green and sustainable design principles. Depending on the function of the building, consideration is given to efficiency in materials, mechanical systems, and operating cost in the design process. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010

Sustainable Remodeling Green Building and Sustainable Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design Sustainable Remodeling Existing buildings can remodel and install improved mechanical components and update operating systems to make a building green. Programs like (LEED) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and ENERGY STAR are helpful tools for improving an existing structure. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2010