Efficiency is doing better what is already being done.
-Peter R. Drucker
Climate change has become an evident issue in the world. As the facts evolve, it is truly apparent that the human footprint is drastically changing our climate and leading to the ultimate degradation of the planet. As the concepts of climate change develop, so do the strategies toward developing “greener” technologies. One of many “green” developments is sustainable building design. In this context sustainability “refers to both a structure and the using of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s lifecycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition” (Wikipedia, n.d.). One key component of building sustainability is implementing energy efficiencies within the design and structural components of a building. The following text will examine energy saving sources as well as design processes for a more energy efficient structure.
First, defining green building must be understood before determining what constitutes as green and what does not. Green building’s goals include minimizing environmental impacts of the costs incurred by living in a structure. Saving water, energy and reducing pollution are top rankers. Also, considerations of the consequences of building materials must be analyzed to determine if the energy saving is full circle; a product must not only save energy once installed but the
According to a “go green” blog named 2B Green World Website-LEED Consultants, “buildings represent over 50% of US wealth; $800 billion is the amount of renovation and new construction in the United States, buildings account for 1/6 of the worlds freshwater withdrawals, ¼ of its wood harvest and 2/5 of its material and energy flow” (Go Green Facts 1).These figures represent the disadvantages of a world without green building. Throughout this report the focus is on LEED certification and accreditation, and the impact LEED has on several different service firms. The report begins with background information about the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED, and LEED
Managing and implementing sustainability requires the commitment of all stakeholders and new ways of working, thinking and learning. [4]” The paper highlights the importance of a coordinated supply chain action in the construction sector and emphasizes the need for construction companies to train and invest in resource- efficient building methods and practices. This will manage the balance between stability and change [4].
This manifesto proposes an approach to sustainable design that I am interested in exploring during my time studying architecture. The idea of sustainability is a complex one, not without apparent contradictions. This makes it difficult to define in a wholly satisfactory manner. For the purposes of this manifesto I will advert to the definition proposed by Jason McLennan who asserts that sustainable design: “seeks to maximize the quality of the built environment, while minimizing or eliminating negative impact to the natural environment.” I find this definition particularly useful in the emphasis which it places on quality. By quality, in this
The indefinite growth of the human population, has monumental impacts on the natural environment, not only in the UK, but around the globe. Architecturally, the entire process of designing and constructing a building, both domestic and not, can lead to the rapid exhaustion of natural resources across the planet. Building with environmental design strategies in mind not only combats the impact we as humans have on the natural environment, but also has considerable economic benefits, due to lower running costs of buildings and advanced occupant productivity. There are also many social benefits, such as improved air quality which resultantly leads too enhanced health of a buildings occupants.
"Sustainable Architecture" - this phrase in recent years is mentioned a lot. The concept of "sustainable architecture" is associated, even identified with the concept of green architecture, ecological architecture, environmentally friendly, energy efficient ... to reach a stable value for the environment human life, reduce negative impacts on the environment in the present and future. However, although this interpretation is correct, but only one aspect, because that's what people are missing and need to achieve. Try to reach and understanding of sustainable architecture in general and more simple ...
Being environmentally friendly isn’t merely a trend. After thousands of years of using the earth’s resources, we have finally come to realize that we are destroying this beautiful gift we were honored with. Architects play an influential role in trying to preserve this gift by encouraging a multitude of strategies that can be more cost efficient in the long run, be more comfortable for its users, and most importantly, have a lower carbon footprint. Strategies can include drastic changes to heat and air systems, construction material selections, or even specific design details to the architecture of a building that would reduce the amount of energy it consumes.
One of the main themes that Brave New World tries to get across is that efficiency is not necessarily a positive thing, especially in terms of the contemporary world and it’s constant improvement of technology to make life as convenient as possible. The author, Aldous Huxley, wrote a letter to George Orwell in 1949. "I feel that the nightmare of Nineteen Eighty-Four is destined to modulate into the nightmare of a world having more resemblance to that which I imagined in Brave New World. The change will be brought about as a result of a felt need for increased efficiency"(18). Huxley implies that even though we want everything to be as efficient as possible, it is not necessary. The book itself goes even further to show that efficiency can actually be dangerous when it is the main priority of a society.
One World Trade Center is an ideal representation of what green building is. It is not to say that the design and construction of this structure was not without its challenges. In this paper, I will discuss the factors that qualified the building for LEED certification. I will also discuss the challenges the building faced while pursuing this certification and what was done to overcome these challenges.
The hypothesis Sandstrom and Dunn are testing in their (2003) article, “Is Efficiency Overrated?: Minimal Social Interactions Lead to Belonging and Positive Affect” is that the participants who treated the service provider like a weak tie would feel a more positive effect of belongingness and happiness, and be further satisfied with their service compared to treating them like a stranger. The previous research noted by the authors had instigated the focus on how a genuine social interaction with a stranger can bring feelings of belongingness and happiness.
Green Buildings can help the earth in so many ways. Being certified means that you build more environmentally friendly, which means that building green friendly can reduce the negative effect buildings and operations have on the environment. Also green building greatly decreases the chances of fire, explosions, spills or splashes. Building green also reduces health problems such as allergies.
We can give any room in your home a green remodel. Green remodeling means conserving resources, and being energy efficient. We do this by reusing or repurposing materials instead of buying everything new. We also ensure that the room is as energy efficient as possible, and most importantly of all, we ensure the environment is healthy. During a green remodel, harmful chemicals are kept out, alternative, healthier methods are used. To learn more about this type or remodeling and all of our other services visit out website at
Green buildings could become one of the main factors to preserve our rapidly decaying environment. There is no easy way to define a green building, but a green building is essentially a structure that amplifies the positives and mitigates the negatives throughout the entire life cycle of the building (Kriss, 2014). There are many definitions for a green building, but all of them include the planning, designing, constructing, and operating of the building while taking into huge considerations of the energy use, water use, indoor air environment, materials used and the effect it has on the site the green building is being built on. The first green buildings dates back to as far as the 1970’s, when solar panels went from experiments to reality. Green buildings were not as popular as they are today due to their extremely high pricing. With technology rapidly growing, solar panels are becoming cheaper and cheaper, making the transition to creating green buildings more affordable. This is the primary reason for the increased growth of green buildings today. A modern company that is paving the way to the growth of green buildings named LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, focuses primarily on new and effective ideas for environmentally friendly buildings projects. With more than 60,000 commercial projects worldwide and 1.7 million square feet being certified every day, LEED is one of the leading groups for promoting green buildings. LEED has popularized the entire
The items that are used to create the home and make it “green” can be very costly and sometimes unreliable. The solar panels could not work correctly which would be even more costly. Many people agree that green construction is helpful, but can have many downfalls. In the article, “The Hidden Risks of Green Construction: Why Building Problems are Likely & How to Avoid Them” J. David Odom and Norman L. Nelson, PE states that, “Building green is a noble goal, but it can be a risky endeavor in challenging climates. Potential building problems can range from acute & catastrophic to chronic performance
3.1 I can review the benefits and drawbacks of IT tools and systems used in terms of productivity and efficiency
In this part, government attitude and policies are focused on, as well as advanced technologies are considered. Finally, this paper also turn to highlight the relevant field in China and what availability would suit for China, especially focus on what recommendations be suggested to local authorities in order to guide the whole society to aware the importance of green building and accelerate the development of this industry.