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. There are a many number of solutions but one of
the most reliable source is using activated alumina which is reliable and is a cost-effective
process for treating fluoride from drinking water supplies.
Website: http//_https://www.epa.gov/water-research/methods-models-tools-and-databases-
water-research____________________________________________________
2. Describe a landscape design technique that benefits the environment.- there are many
solutions but common ones are reducing raw material usage, Reduce byproducts preventing
pollution, and it also reduces energy usage.

Website: http//https://www.epa.gov/green-engineering/case-studies-use-green-engineering-
design-and-operation-industrial-
processes_____________________________________________________

3. Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a building designer do to reduce
energy consumption in a building?- by using green engineering it will overall reduce energy
usage and it also doesn't harm the environment.
Website: http//https://www.epa.gov/green-engineering/case-studies-use-green-engineering-
design-and-operation-industrial-
processes_____________________________________________________

4. Describe a design feature for a residential structure that would likely result in reduced
water use. There are a number of strategies that can be employed to reduce the amount of
water consumed at the facility. In general terms these methods include: system optimization
water conservation and water reuse/recycling system.
Website: http//www.wbdg.org/resources/water-conservation

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

With the inevitability of declining fossil fuels, and the threat of global climate change,
reducing our energy consumption is an essential survival strategy. Choosing to build
green saves energy.
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 in 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.
Company Name: C.A.S.A
Logo: That logo from the hand sanitizer

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.
Outlaw emission vehicles forcing everything and everyone to go electric which would eliminate
the biggest emission concern the world faces.

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.
My house could definitely benefit from solar panels, the electricity used in my home is absurd
and we could save much money with the benefit of the solar power