Green Building Design - How It Is Accomplished
Building green is a subject that's on a lot of people's minds, but few of us know how to go about it. Just what makes a building green, and what are today's architects and engineers doing to improve the environmental friendliness of the structures they build. Here's a look at some of the most important elements in green building design, and how they're accomplished.
Energy efficiency is one of the biggest parts of going green. In order to be environmentally friendly, a building not only has to use sustainably produced, recyclable materials. It needs to not waste energy over the course of its existence. The bulk of a building's environmental load comes from the energy it uses, after all. Not everyone agrees on what makes a building energy efficient, however. That's why there needs to be more to a green building than just the label - you need to do your research to determine whether or not a building is truly environmentally friendly.
Energy efficiency is often evaluated on a hundred-point scale. By comparing these ratings to buildings of similar structure, evaluations on efficiency can be made. Being rated at above 75 on this scale may qualify buildings for EPA Energy Star ratings similar to those given to appliances. To achieve this, builders typically employ the Target Finder, an EPA guide to help establish or improve energy efficiency.
By entering the estimated energy consumption, designers can generate a performance rating on the system. Excellent examples of green design are eligible for special recognition by the EPA.
One key tool for success at green building is sound policy with simple, standardized metrics for all aspects of the design and construction process. Such metrics make it possible to not simply meet code, but also to aim for more aggressive and greener outcomes by attaining stricter energy standards.
Remember to verify that the target is being reached during building and operation. Many organizations forget to check to see if their goals are actually being met! This is an important feedback loop that will help designers create more effective green buildings. In general, a green structure needs to be less expensive to own in the long run, conserve water and energy, provide health and save environments, and promote good care of the environment.
Green building is a complex area of study. To do so well and efficiently, it is essential to learn as much about the subject area as you can in order to make effective decisions with the greenest outcome.
Energy efficiency is one of the biggest parts of going green. In order to be environmentally friendly, a building not only has to use sustainably produced, recyclable materials. It needs to not waste energy over the course of its existence. The bulk of a building's environmental load comes from the energy it uses, after all. Not everyone agrees on what makes a building energy efficient, however. That's why there needs to be more to a green building than just the label - you need to do your research to determine whether or not a building is truly environmentally friendly.
Energy efficiency is often evaluated on a hundred-point scale. By comparing these ratings to buildings of similar structure, evaluations on efficiency can be made. Being rated at above 75 on this scale may qualify buildings for EPA Energy Star ratings similar to those given to appliances. To achieve this, builders typically employ the Target Finder, an EPA guide to help establish or improve energy efficiency.
By entering the estimated energy consumption, designers can generate a performance rating on the system. Excellent examples of green design are eligible for special recognition by the EPA.
One key tool for success at green building is sound policy with simple, standardized metrics for all aspects of the design and construction process. Such metrics make it possible to not simply meet code, but also to aim for more aggressive and greener outcomes by attaining stricter energy standards.
Remember to verify that the target is being reached during building and operation. Many organizations forget to check to see if their goals are actually being met! This is an important feedback loop that will help designers create more effective green buildings. In general, a green structure needs to be less expensive to own in the long run, conserve water and energy, provide health and save environments, and promote good care of the environment.
Green building is a complex area of study. To do so well and efficiently, it is essential to learn as much about the subject area as you can in order to make effective decisions with the greenest outcome.
About the Author:
About the author: Jerry Dyess has been in the Commercial Energy business for the past 7 years and has published many articles on Business Electric news.
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