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The Basics of Sustainable Architecture
Friday, November 18th, 2011
The Basics of Sustainable Architecture
Building sustainable architectural structures is the practice of designing and building structures for use as homes and businesses which employ green materials and have a limited adverse impact on the environment. There are some basic elements which must exist in order to create a sustainable environment.
Limited Space
Because large rooms, buildings and homes consume a huge quantity of energy, it is more helpful to keep the design to smaller spaces to limit the use and waste of energy. Smaller spaces will reduce the quantity of energy needed to heat or cool the space. Also, within the room, consider the air flow and the ventilation which can be used to minimize energy consumption. Most people who are concerned with building green homes tend to build smaller structures as they are easier to maintain and certify as sustainable.
Energy
Using what is called passive solar energy in a living space will help to reduce the amount of energy consumed. In the process of passive solar design, everything is considered including the floors, walls and windows and how these will distribute heat and cool correctly throughout the space. Unlike standard solar systems, passive design collects the heat that comes through the windows, doors, walls and flooring from the sun and then uses it to keep the space warm without the use of ceiling mounted solar panels. Of course, the installation of solar panels on the roof of a home that has good direct exposure to the sun during the day will help to provide enough energy to power the entire facility without outside intervention. Wind power is another popular choice for those seeking green alternatives for energy. The installation of windmills on a large property or entering into a contract with a power company that is supplied by a wind farm isa widespread choice.
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The Next Industrial Revolution: William McDonough, Michael Braungart and the Birth of the Sustainable Economy “The Next Industrial Revolution tells the story of the movement led by architect Bill McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart to bring together ecology and human design. Shot in Europe and the United States, the film explores how businesses are transforming themselves to work with nature and enhance profitability. Narrated by Susan Sarandon.”… |
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A Sampler of Alternative Homes : Approaching Sustainable Architecture [VHS] $29.95 Enjoy a look at a fascinating variety of homes and the creative people who built them! Discover how passive solar design and environmentally low-impact materials can be used to create comfortable and economical homes. See the use of both traditional materials, such as adobe, and innovative materials, such as papercrete and sandbags. The program begins with an overview of the basic tenets of sus… |
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China: From Red to Green? $1.99 … |
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GARBAGE WARRIOR $21.51 Genre: DocumentaryRating: NRRelease Date: 16-SEP-2008Media Type: DVD… |
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The Village Architect $1.99 … |
Water Conservation
The use of low flow plumbing fixtures is absolutely necessary in the design of a sustainable building. Low flow toilets, shower heads, and faucets are commonly found in green architectural design. These fixtures allow the resident to control the amount of water used.
Natural Sustainable Materials
In terms of materials used for flooring, walls, insulation, windows and, even, furniture, the use of natural and locally manufactured resources is a good choice. Some of the more popular products used in green manufacturing are natural fibers, natural hardwoods, paper, bamboo, natural stone, tile and glass.
When considering building a green structure, whether you are building a home or office building, there are many things you can do to build it greener and much more sustainable. If you are concerned with the environmental impact you and your company are making, you definitely will want to consider sustainable architecture. It is our future and the future of our children that is at stake. Make a difference in your life and the life of future generations by living a green lifestyle.
