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.
Website: http//_____ http://www.watercache.com/education/rainwaterhow/

The "Wet" System is one method of collecting rain water that involves placing collection pipes
underground in order to connect multiple downspouts from different gutters. The rainwater will then fill the
underground pipes which will cause the the water to rise in the vertical pipes until it spills into the tank.
The downspouts and underground collection of pipes must have water-tight connections. However the
elevation of the tank inlet must be below the lowest gutter on the house.

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

Website: http//_ http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/construction/earth.html

The usage of "Adobe" bricks saves a lot of energy in the long term, and also has a very little impact on
the environment. Adobe is an abundant, inexpensive, and energy-efficient sustainable material made
from soil.

3. Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a building designer do to reduce
energy consumption in a building?
Website: http//_____ http://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/topics/law/construction-
regulations/recycling-construction-materials-important-part-construction

Estimate how much material is required. Use the material that is needed. Then crush up extra concrete
and use as stone, crush up extra asphalt and reuse, clean untreated wood and remill, melt down and
reform metal.

________________________________________________

4. Describe a design feature for a residential structure that would likely result in reduced
water use.
Website: http//___ http://www.wbdg.org/design/minimize_consumption.php

Install renewable energy sources such as daylighting via sun roofs, geothermal, solar heating.

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

Website: http//__ http://www.nrdc.org/cities/building/rwoodus.asp

If the building site is in a wooded area, the construction team can use the trees as spare extra wood for
whatever is left to do at the end.
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.
Website: http//____https://www.wbdg.org/resources/construction-waste-management

7. Describe a feature you could incorporate in a home design that would improve indoor
environmental quality.
Website: http//__//sftool.gov/learn/about/1/indoor-environmental-quality-ieq

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.
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.

Hydrogen power in place of petroleum or diesel fuel is a much more effeciant way of powering
our cars. It produces smaller amounts of pollution and is a more sustainable energy source, as
there is so much water to extract hydrogen from.

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.

An improvement to my house more efficient windows and heating systems. This would lower
heating costs in my house.