Environmental Studies

1. Environmental Studies
One of the most important themes in architecture today is sustainability. When many people
think of sustainability, they think of photo-voltaic cells and the use of natural light versus artifi-
cial light. It goes beyond this though. Light colored roofs with a high SRI rating will reduce the
heat load on a building. Electric meters for specific tenant spaces allow tenants to know just
how much energy they are using and paying for. Recycling rooms provide a more efficient way
of handling “trash” and remind users to recylcle. Bike storage rooms provide users a pollutant-
free mode of transportation. Also, using vent filters with a minimum MERV value of 8 ensures
that the quality of indoor air is maintained at a level sufficient for the safe and healthy use of the
building. There are many ways to produce a sustainable building and these only scratch the
surface.
ARCH/DESOB/INARCH 6110 INTERACTIVE SPACES
studio
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Environmental Impact
m.crawford r.davey a.gentile c.lech l.lim s.sirow 09-15-09
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