Activity 2.3.2 Green Building and Sustainable Design |
Introduction
Green building design and sustainable architecture are reshaping the practices and products of modern construction. Climate change concerns and a sense of stewardship for the Earth are motivating the use of green building products and sustainable techniques. Energy use in buildings is increasing and could continue to rise. By using new sustainable methods, materials, and mechanical components, architects and engineers are able to create structures that can curb that trend. A sustainable building design reduces pressure on the environment by decreasing energy consumption during the life cycle of a building.
In addition to incorporating sustainable features, designers should also address occupant needs and comfort when planning a building. Desirable work space and living environments allow users to be more productive and comfortable. Careful consideration must be given to natural light and interior temperatures as well as materials that emit low levels of toxins.
In this activity you will learn about green and sustainable practices in preparation for the design of your Affordable House. During the design process, continually consider incorporating sustainable features into your home design.
Equipment
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Engineering notebook
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Computer with Internet access
Procedure
In groups of two to three, you will learn more about green and sustainable practices and then respond to the questions. For each statement below, describe a reasonable action. Use the US Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov) sites to begin your search, but seek out reliable information on each topic from at least one other website source. . Be sure to cite each additional reference.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1. <!--[endif]-->Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one method that could be used to collect this natural resource.
You could use a butterfly roof to collect the water for showering and watering plants.
Website: http//_____http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-butterfly-roof.htm________________________________________________
2. Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the environment.
You could use recycled heavy timber or metals for your building or newspaper insulation.
Website: http//______________http://www.toolbase.org/toolbaseresources/level3.aspx?bucketid=2&categoryid=17_______________________________________
3. During the construction cycle of the building, materials and components are delivered to the site. List a strategy that you will use to recycle the waste produced during the construction phase.
You could order the amount of materials you need as accurately as possible to reduce the amount of waste you create.
Website: http//___________http://www.clacksweb.org.uk/environment/constructionsitewastemanagement/__________________________________________
4. Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a designer do to reduce energy consumption in a building?
Use effective and efficient lighting, solar panels on the building, if it's a high rise building, maybe you could add some wind turbines on the top of the structure to generate energy.
Use effective and efficient lighting, solar panels on the building, if it's a high rise building, maybe you could add some wind turbines on the top of the structure to generate energy.
Website: http//_____________________http://www.toolbase.org/Home-Building-Topics/Green-Building/efficient-lighting-strategies________________________________
5. Building sites offer natural resources that can be utilized for the life of the building. Describe a method to use a site’s natural resources in the construction of the structure.
You could use vegetation around the site to reduce erosion. The plants' roots will hold the soil together to prevent the dirt from washing away and turning to mud, which is icky.
You could use vegetation around the site to reduce erosion. The plants' roots will hold the soil together to prevent the dirt from washing away and turning to mud, which is icky.
Website: http//_______________________________http://www.stormwaterok.net/F-1514-OSU.pdf______________________
Conclusion
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1. <!--[endif]-->Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not currently in use as far as you know.
Maybe you could compress large quantities of recycled paper into pillars and spray them with a water proofing agent.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2. <!--[endif]-->Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live. Describe why it is an improvement.
We could a skylight. Our house uses a lot of artificial light and a skylight could minimize the amount of energy we use for lighting.
We could a skylight. Our house uses a lot of artificial light and a skylight could minimize the amount of energy we use for lighting.
