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
· Engineering notebook
· Computer with Internet access
Procedure
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.
Copy and paste the following in your blog. Then answer the questions in a different color.
1. Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one method that could be used to collect this natural resource.
Website: http//___http://www.ehow.com/how_6865026_collect-rain-water-vacant-land.html__________________________________________________
Create a Resevoir and use the water that the Resevoir collects for irrigation and feeding farm animals.
An innovation that you could add would be the use of solar panels. This benifits the enviroment by saving money on electricity bills.
Website: http://enertia.com/
2. Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the environment.
Website: http//_____________________________________________________
An innovation that you could add would be the use of solar panels. This benifits the enviroment by saving money on electricity bills.
Website: http://enertia.com/
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.
Website: http//_____________________________________________________
By taking the extra materials and recycling, you are saving the enviroment becuase your not being wastefull, plus you are saving yourself money by not having to buy more materials if you can just reuse some.
Website: http//http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/cdrguide.pdf
4. Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a designer do to reduce energy consumption in a building?
Website: http//_____________________________________________________
You could use a differnt form of lights (maybe LFC) that would reduce your electrical consumption.
Website: http://www.wbdg.org/design/minimize_consumption.php
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.
Website: http//_____________________________________________________
http://www.greenstoneslate.com/
If the building was built in a place where slate was abundant than roofing the building with slate would be an efficient choice. A back draw of this idea is that not too many buildings will be build around a slate quarry.
Conclusion
1. Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not currently in use as far as you know.
2. Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live. Describe why it is an improvement
