sustainablity in architecture

1. Sustainable architecture brings together at least five key
characteristics: environmental, technical, financial,
organizational, social. Sustainable architecture is context
specific and relate to the resources that are locally
available, or the customs and need of the local population.
The term sustainability, as it refers to architecture, must be
defined so that a subsequent conversation can progress with a
full understanding of its meaning. More than just energy
efficiency, it is an ecological approach to design. All the
resources that go into a building: materials, fuels, and the
understanding of the users needs, must be considered to create
a sustainable building. While there are many definitions of
sustainability , it seems to be more of a process than a set of
concrete ideas. The basic principles evolve as conditions, ideals,
and technological capabilities change. It is the belief carried
throughout this thesis that the aim of sustainable architecture is
to construct a well-designed building and site environment that
is healthy for the occupants, has minimal undesirable impact
upon the environment, is effective in the use of natural
resources, and is economical and durable. Sustainable design
means looking at the building process and design in a holistic
manner because each design decision affects another. For
example, the choice early in schematic design to use natural
ventilation and daylighting will affect the capacity of the HVAC
unit specified.
Sustainability

2. Principles of Sustainable Architecture :
OPTIMIZE ENERGY USE :
Energy efficiency is key to creating green buildings. Take advantage of
renewable energy, such as solar, to power your building sustainably and
affordably. Solid insulation and efficient HVAC systems, lighting and
appliances are ideal when feasible. A goal in sustainable community design
is to operate net zero energy buildings to reduce dependence on fossil
fuels.
CONSERVE RESOURCES:
Architects should seek to create spaces that use water and other resources
as efficiently as possible, such as reusing and recycling water on-site.
Furthermore, sustainable community design should manage waste
throughout construction and incorporate durable and long-lasting
materials. Using these green methods will cut costs and help avoid the
need for future renovation.
GO FOR ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS:
Avoid designing buildings that involve international materials and
products. Not only is a high carbon footprint created during importation,
builders have less control and assurance over how these materials are
harvested. By investing in local materials, you’re reducing your footprint
and you’re supporting businesses close to home. Opt for resources that
promote good indoor air quality and are made of recycled materials.
USE LAND RESPONSIBLY:
When designing sustainable spaces, architects should focus on working
with the land rather than against it. This means incorporating more open
areas and utilizing less land for construction. Design your site to fit into
the surrounding environment and work with natural features. Take
advantage of greenery for shade, and inclines for stormwater runoff.

3. Sustainable Strategies for Architectural Design:
Site Planning :
Every site is different, so it is essential for architects and designers to analyze
what they are dealing with. Ultimately, the aim is to minimize elements that
might impact negatively on the environment and on those who will live or
work in the building.
The layout of the site and the positioning of the building is also very
important. Orientating the building correctly can help to save as much as
25% energy. To make maximum use of day lighting (see Lighting Priorities,
No. 6 below), the most highly populated areas of the building should face
north or south, depending on which hemisphere it is in. Ideally, windows
should not be east-or west-facing.
Sustainable Building Materials:
It is essential for green architects to specify high-quality building materials
that are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, both in the way they
are made and the way that they perform. Recycled content is a big plus as
are pre-fabricated products.
Energy Systems:
Sustainable energy systems generally utilize some form of renewable
energy, either solar, wind, or biofuels, ideally generating electricity onsite,
for example with photovoltaic panels, using an active system of producing
solar power. Effective insulation is a vital element of energy efficiency, and
air sealing to ensure a tight building envelope will be part of integrated
design.
Ultimately, the aim is for the system to be energy-efficient and less costly in
terms of money and environmental damage than those of conventional
systems that are based on fossil fuels.
Computerized energy-management systems simplify maintenance of energy
efficiency.

4. Indoor Air Quality:
Achieving the very best possible level of indoor air quality goes hand-in-
hand with energy efficiency and the age-old benefit of building durability. It
is vital for maximizing both the health and comfort of inhabitants.
Avoiding materials, including paint and flooring, that have a high volatile
organic compound (VOC) content, will help to improve the quality of indoor
air. The inclusion of highly efficient heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning
(HVAC) systems, and HVAC elements, will also help to improve the quality of
air. The control of moisture is essential since this will prevent mold from
developing, which in itself is a very real health hazard.
Lighting Priorities:
A form of passive design (see Sustainable Design No. 2 above), day lighting
allows the sun to light and heat interiors. To be effective, windows allowing
light into living areas should be north-facing in the southern hemisphere
and south-facing in the northern hemisphere.
Of course, you will need some artificial lighting, just ensure that the bulbs
used are light-emitting diodes (LED) or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
Water Conservation:
Water conservation, including harvesting of rainwater and recycling of grey
water from showers and appliances, is vital and starts with the very easy
step of installing and using appliances and plumbing fixtures and fittings
that are water-efficient. These include ENERGY STAR rated fridges, washing
machines, and dishwashers, and water-saving faucets and showerheads.
Management of Storm water:
Harvesting rainwater will help to minimize the volume of water that flows
into the storm water system that is installed and maintained by the local
authority. An easy starting point is to install rain barrels that are connected
to gutters via drainpipe spouts.
This water can be used for irrigation. A planted green roof will also soak up
rainwater and reduce the flow of storm water.

5. Reduction of Waste:
Where there is on-site waste, instead of sending this off to a landfill, it can
often be recycled. Done the right way, architects can help to reduce waste
significantly. Generally, they can reduce waste just by choosing materials
that don’t need to be finished on site.
Specifying pre-cut and pre-assembled materials also makes a huge
difference.
Waste reduction also extends to the operation of completed buildings
where occupants can recycle a huge percentage of their waste including
bottles, plastic, metals (in the form of cans and so on), and paper.
Native Landscaping:
Good landscape design can modify the microclimate around the building
which will help to balance the flow of air inside the building. Well-chosen
and creatively positioned native trees and shrubs in landscaping design can
provide shade which contributes to a sustainable cooling plan. They can also
help to minimize the effect of wind.

6. Elements of Sustainable Architecture:
Size:
Perhaps the greatest factor in a building’s environmental footprint is its size.
Smaller buildings use fewer resources, both in materials and
operation. Research by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
has suggested that “reducing home size achieved the largest greenhouse
gas reductions along with significant reductions in human health and
ecosystem quality impacts.”
Orientation:
Passive solar orientation – positioning a structure to maximize or minimize
solar heat gain, as desired – can make a big difference in how much energy
is expended for heating and cooling.based on a number of factors including
location, climate and building usage patterns, but general guidelines include
keeping the longest walls oriented within 15 degrees of east-west and
avoiding large, west-facing windows to minimize exposure to afternoon sun.
Energy-Efficiency:
In sustainable architecture, the architect, contractors and interior designers
have to work together to create a structure that uses energy as efficiently as
possible. The roofing material you select can have an enormous impact on
how cool your home stays in summer and how warm in winter. A light-color
“cool” roof that reflects light can mean big summer energy savings in sunny
climates, and some clients go as far as to install a “green” roof, which uses a
layer of vegetation on top of an existing roof, reducing heat and adding a
beautiful, natural look to a home or office building.

7. Windows:
Large windows are an important element in modern architecture,
particularly in the Bay Area. But windows are responsible for much of the
heat gain and loss a building experience. Whenever possible, select ENERGY
STAR-certified windows which adhere to exacting energy-efficiency
standards. And consider installing a solar shading system to keep even your
largest windows from heating up your building on warm days.
Materials:
Sustainable architecture depends on using as many eco-friendly materials
as possible. While there are too many options to cover here, some of the
main ones include sustainable wood floors and cabinets (there are both
natural and engineered options) and countertop materials, or, perhaps even
better, recycled. Bamboo and cork are currently popular, sustainable and
flexible options. Newer concrete technologies can also reduce your
ecological footprint in places where cement and concrete are necessary.
Process:
Similarly, sustainable architecture isn’t only about what but also about how.
Even using the greenest possible materials and designs, building and
renovation can have a negative impact on the world around us due to the
waste that’s inherent in the process. While some of this is unavoidable, with
a good waste management plan, conscientious architects and contractors
can help ensure your project creates as little waste as possible.
Operation & Improvement:
After the design and construction phases are over, there are still decisions
to be made that can contribute to your building’s sustainability.
Commonsense approaches to reducing your energy and water use are key,
as is using eco-friendly cleaning materials and practices. Keeping up with
building maintenance can help ensure it stays as energy-efficient as
possible.

8. Case Study
Daybreak Corporate Center, Utah
Helios House Gas Station
The US Green Building Council
Corporate Headquarters,
Washington DC