This is a 5 page summary of a book chapter on environmental design, with a focus on sustainable design. The chapter includes several case studies of sustainable building design. It is important for the designer and architect to avoid buzzwords like "green" because it puts people off. It is preferable to use evidence-based design principles to show that there are direct results from sustainable design.
Sustainable Design is Evidence-Based Design
Until relatively recently in human history, most buildings would have qualified as "sustainable," in the sense that they did not use fossil fuels for electricity or heating; and buildings were made with local material.
Now, the concept of sustainable design is more difficult to implement because it is viewed as not being cost-effective.
Evidence shows, however, that sustainable design IS cost-effective when it is done right.
The following case studies prove that sustainable design is evidence-based design.
The Providence Cancer Center
Emphasis on maximizing daylight
Reduces solar gain
Improves patient health due to connection with nature and outdoors
To reduce solar gain
Design shallow rooms and maximum window space for best light penetration
Glazing with low u-values, high visible light transmission
Design building orientation facing the best views of nature
Successful Outcomes
*Energy savings up to 87% during the day because of reduced solar gain
Overcoming Perceived Challenges -- need research to prove sustainable design works.
The School of Nursing and Student Community Center -- integrated design process and energy modeling
Designing within the Limits -- nature is unbalanced now; more storms and natural disasters, need to keep this in mind.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Orientation to nature
Local materials and recycled materials
Maximize daylight
Energy efficient lighting
Energy efficient temperature and humidity control
Air quality without toxins
Water recycling system (gray water)
The Impact of Buildings
Buildings use the most energy
65% of all electricity, 36% of all energy, 30% of greenhouse emissions
30% waste output, 12% potable water consumption
The Wild Center, Natural History Museum Adirondacks
Preferred parking for hybrid cars
Water efficiency
Energy efficiency
Photovoltaics
Daylighting
Renewable energy
Enhanced indoor air quality
Impact of "Sick" Buildings -- Design Impacting Human Health
Acute Respiratory Illness
Allergies and asthma
Sick Building Syndrome (eye and nose irritation, headaches)
Impact of Design on Productivity
**Sick buildings lead to direct productivity losses
Productivity gains:
Air temperature (±3 deg often needed)
Better lighting
Lewis and Clark State Office Building (just images -- it used sustainable design and workers improved productivity -- 9% reduction in absenteeism
Cost Savings and Health Benefits Estimated from Improved Interior and Energy Efficiency
Reduced respiratory illness = $6-14 billion
Reduced Allergies and Asthma = $1-4 billion
Reduced Sick Building Syndrome = $10-30 billion
Improved Worker Performance from changes in thermal environment and lighting = $20-$160 billion
Total Cost of Energy in U.S. buildings = $70 billion
Dell Children's Medical Center of Texas
Importance to the ultimate design = improved pediatric services to the area
Source of Specialized Knowledge for LEED certification
The Process = developed around meeting LEED goal
Outcomes -- positive community support
Changing Perception of Place
Transparent design applications -- design with evidence
Increase awareness -- most people don't realize how bad it is
Moral and Ethical Charge
Designers have an ethical responsibility to be sustainable in their approach
It is rooted in the truth, in evidence, in biology and science
Leads to beauty too
The Omega Center for Sustainable Living, Rhinebeck, NY
Goal -- overhaul wastewater facility and treatment -- turn it into gray water for landscaping
Using building as a tool for education; it is a campus
Reduce overall energy use
Improving the Standard of Care
Too few urban environments are "livable communities"
Energy costs are rising
Need more sustainable design choices
**Overcoming the Stigma**
Building design should:
Promote health, happiness of occupants
Promote conservation of resources
Reduce operations and maintenance costs
Contribute to positive culture, building leadership and buy-in
Increase staff productivity, reduce absenteeism
Retain, attract top staff
Increase land and real estate values
(KEY POINTS)
Unfortunately there is a stigma related to sustainable design! Anything labeled as "green" or "environmentally friendly" is not received well
Solution = Use different terminology! Use evidence-based terminology and proof and not consumer buzzwords like "green"
Process and Methodology
Owner, select occupants, design team are engaged in open inquiry
Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building, Houston, TX
Designed to be low energy user
Low velocity ducts, low pressure drop cooling, heating coils
Daylight, motion sensor controlled lighting
The Spectrum
Be Prepared!
Use "stealth green" not pushy environmental rhetoric
Talk about the facts
Use "value" terms to show what it can do for client
You’re 81% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.