Building a greener dwelling isn't some lofty idea but practical solutions we all

must make to build a more sustainable future. As we started with consideration

of space in Green Building 101- Week 1; now we look at the environment around us
as we build our sustainable dwelling. By building in harmony with the natural e
nvironment and cooperating instead of fighting with the regional climate; Green
Building takes a passive approach which requires less energy to run once the bui
lding is erected.
The Center for Renewable Energy Sources and Savings (CRES) states, "The reductio
n of energy consumption in buildings can be achieved by simple methods and techn
iques, using a appropriate building design (bioclimatic architecture)". Bioclima
tic design is utilized during the design phase of a home or building.
Bioclimatic design help conserve resources while facilitating the use of the loc
al climate around a dwelling to construct a green home or building that is passi
vely sustainable. Some of the concepts of Bioclimatic Designs are, "Site and cli
matic analysis, design strategies that reduce or eliminate the need for non-rene
wable energy resources and how these strategies specifically affected placement,
orientation, and shading of the building." according to The American Institute
of Architects,
"Eco House-Practical Ideas for a Greener, Healthier Dwelling", by Sergi Costa Du
ran, lists 10 fundamental Bioclimatic Design concepts:
1. Main facade face south which provides shade in the summer and sunlight during
the winter time. The positioning of lower edges of roof are dependent upon the
latitude of the building.
2. Home should be close to deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves annuall
y) which will provide shade in the summer.
3. Solid walls and materials allow greater "thermal inertia"-the ability of mate
rial to store heat and energy- which builds more heat to release steadily. A hea
t recovery ventilation system can be installed which includes: solar thermal pan
els, insulation, triple-glazed low-E windows, supply air, extract air, heat reco
very ventilation system and gound heat exchanger.
4. Large glass should be installed in south side of house to allow solar energy
to collect.
5. A thermo-wind self suction hood should be installed in chimneys which expels
fumes and excessive heat. It also prevents them being sucked back in to the home
.
6. Abundant use of skylight and strategically placing them according to sun posi
tions for best natural lighting. Skylights can light up hallways, bathrooms, att
ics and other rooms. Using hinged skylights allow the windows to be adjusted acc
ording to season. "Since they fold up and can be adjusted, when opened in summer
they get rid of the hot air and create cross-ventilation," Duran said.
7. The use of natural insulation and breathable, waterproof materials for the ro
of.
8. Using local resources for building materials to cut down on transportation ca
rbon energy.
9. Radioactive materials should emit no more than 180 mrads annually; Radon gas
is a well known lung cancer causing radioactive chemical.
10. Home's electricity must meet a requirement of volts per meter. Synthetic and
 ferromagnetic materials should not be overused as they create electrostatic cha
rges.