Sustainable Construction Practices

A Definition of Sustainability Sustainability requires us to live within the limits of the earth’s capacity to provide the materials for our activities and to absorb the waste and pollution that our activities generate.

What is Sustainable Design? Appropriate use of land Use water and energy efficiently Enhance human health Strengthen local economies Conserve plants and animals Protect agricultural, cultural and archeological resources Economical to build and maintain Nice to live in Beautiful

Building Shape Guidelines Cold Climates Maximize winter heat gain Make buildings compact in cold climates to reduce heat loss Elongate along the east/west axis to maximize solar gain

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Solar Orientation

Building Shape Guidelines Temperate Climates Maximize winter heat gain and minimize summer overheating Rectangular building aligned with the east/west axis Overhang design very important

Building Shape Guidelines Hot and Humid Climates Minimize heat gain through windows Ventilation and shading maximized Building form should be elongated on an axis perpendicular to the summer wind patterns The plan should be open

Building Shape Guidelines Hot and Dry Climates Minimize solar gain through shading, especially on the western side Promote air movement through cross ventilation U-Shape will create a cool inner courtyard

Cracker House