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 and are providing solutions that balance environmental, social, and
economic benefits.

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 use,
reducing the consumption of water, and conserving and preserving natural resources as well as
reducing pollution 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
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.

1. Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one method that
could be used to collect this natural resource.
A wet system is a method of collecting rainwater involving a collection of pipes placed
underground that connect multiple downspouts from different rain gutters. The water in the
pipes fill up all the way until they eventually empty into a tank.
Website:http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/construction/earth.html

2. Describe a landscape design technique that benefits the environment.

Website: http//http://landscapeforlife.org/materials
The life cycle of materials is a process where materials and products are reused or recycled to
minimize energy and resource inputs.

3. Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a building designer do to reduce
energy consumption in a building?
A commercial building owner can take many precautions such as put lights in rest mode when
no one is around and also they can get help from experts to try an save energy.
Website:
https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/existing-buildings/save-ener
gy

4. Describe a design feature for a residential structure that would likely result in reduced
water use.
To reduce water usage one possibility is to incorporate a water distribution system into the
design of your building. Estimated water consumption is greater than 10% of the initial water
budget established during the design process, therefore a leak detection study may be
implemented. Without this leaks can go undetected and water is wasted, taking away the
intuitive to save.
Website:http://www.wbdg.org/resources/water-conservation

5.Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the environment.

Eco-friendly construction is a technique used to make a more greener and safe environment
outdoor and indoor. Chemical offsprings from paint can cause problems to the people living in
that house or apartment because it can cause headaches, eczema,asthma and even
depression.
Website: http://www.sustainablebuild.co.uk/EcoFriendlyConstructionMethodsMaterials.html

6. 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.
A majority of construction waste ends us im landfills.Some waste materials can be recycled into
the same product and be reused. By doing on site separation of materials although it causes
extra labor, the waste can either be reconstituted into a new structure or donated for another
cause but most importantly it keeps them out of landfills and supports a good cause.
Website: http://constructionwaste.sustainablesources.com

7. Describe a feature you could incorporate in a home design that would improve indoor
environmental quality.
To improve indoor environmental quality there are many things one could incorporate to the
home design such as: providing thermal comfort with a maximum degree over thermal control
over temperature and airflow. Another possible way would be to supply adequate levels and
quality ventilation and outside air for acceptable indoor air quality.
Website:
https://www.wbdg.org/design-objectives/sustainable/enhance-indoor-environmental-quality

8. Building sites offer natural resources that can be utilized for the life of the building.
Describe a method to use a sites natural resources in the construction of the structure. Adobe
bricks are sun-dried bricks that come to shape when sealed with mud that are used for thick
walls in a structure. Although these bricks may pose a potential hazard there are other natural
resources builders use to make them more secure.
Website: http://www.strawbalecentral.com/techniques3.html

Going Beyond
9. (Optional) Select a company name and design a logo that you might use if you opened
your own architectural design firm that illustrates a commitment to green and sustainable
design.

Conclusion Questions
1. Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not
currently in use as far as you know.
A possible green idea could be using exercise equipment to power certain electronics, such as
a television. This will not only minimize how much electricity people use but also help with a
person's health.

2. Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live
to make it greener. Explain why it is an improvement.
Bigger windows where I live would make it much easier for sunlight to shine through the day. My
home faces the west, which is where the sun sets. This would immensely decrease how much
electricity my family uses in the afternoons in order to light up the place. As most people are
gone in early hours of the day. It would also encourage people to go outside instead of wasting
more electricity on digital electronics to entertain themselves.