sustainable architecture: year 2050

sustainability in the built environmentcourse manager: tang lee, university of calgaryassignment 1june 5, 2009dan morrissey, nicole muzechka

connect to naturedependence on fossil fuels

our buildings cause health problems, pollute our air and water, and are not made to outlast a few generations

This report will make recommendations in nine major areas: Site Selection and Access, Density and Community, Design of The Build Environment, Materials and Our Health, Water, Air Quality, Energy and Lighting and Operations and Maintenance.

We need a balance economically, and socially while reducing our impact on the natural environment and resources simultaneously

dependence on fossil fuels

connect to naturesite selection & access

proper site selection is key:_site characteristics will determine building design_sun, wind, water, landscape, and existing infrastructure are

inherent to the site and will each effect building design and operation

-site must be appropriate for development

connect to naturesite selection & access

sun_building orientation_intended and unintended solar gainwind_prevailing winds dictate flows for natural and mechanical

ventilation_design to mitigate negative wind effects, such as heat loss

through cool moisture laden airwater_water supply on site is crucial_watershed as well as supply infrastructure _groundwater impacts from development must be monitored_runoff effects due to development must be minimized_landscaping and building

connect to naturesite selection & access

landscape_natural slopes, habitats, and water tables_reduce impact on landforms_preserve habitats_low impact development idealexisting infrastructure_locate and develop as close as possible to existing

infrastructure and structures to minimize impact_use existing services infrastructure to lower cost

connect to naturesite selection & access

appropriateness of site for development_places that should be developed:

_cities_brownfield sites (following proper remediation)_high density areas_transit oriented areas

_places that should not be developed_prime farmland_greenfield sites_areas in flood zones (100 year flood)_habitats where endangered/at-risk or threatened species are found_areas close to or on wetlands

connect to naturesite selection & access

access_site should be accessible from existing infrastructure_mass transit and pedestrian corridors ideal_minimize parking to encourage alternate access routes

connect to naturedensity & community

density_high density is integral to sustainable architecture_not necessarily in the form of ultra high density such as

skyscrapers_more efficient in use of space and infrastructure networks_provides critical mass population for effective mass transit

systems_live/work/shop in close proximity

connect to naturecommunity connectivity

community_denser mixed communities are more diverse and vibrant_engagement of public_building of social capital and connections _sense of place not found in suburbia

connect to naturebiophilic design

stephen kellert

design affects our health and wellness:_design should connect with nature (‘place space’ connections)_sustainability is not efficient enough_increased memory, decrease in recovery time_ design with: Environmental Features, Natural Shapes and Forms, Natural

Patterns and Processes, Light and Space, Place based Relationships, and Evolved Human-nature Relationships, (70 attributes (ideas) within the above topics)

connect to naturebiomimicry

janine benyus

look to nature for guidance on our designs_study natures design_how can we replicate this to our benefit (ex solar cells work in a similar way that leaves do)_ http://www.asknature.org/

connect to naturedesign with a view

design affects our health and wellness:_ LEED CI (CaGBC Version 1.0) credit 8.3 of Indoor Environmental Quality: 90%

of all the seated occupants must have visible access to the outdoors, enhancing the connection between the outdoor environments.

_benefits of day lighting

reduce fossil fuel usedesign trends

_ portable communication devices allow for business to be conducted out of the home, reducing reliance on fossil fuels for transportation

connect to naturedesign trends

green roofs_ connect to nature_reduce pollution_reduce heat island effect

_extend life of roofing materials_water management_aesthetically pleasing_toronto –spadina avenue

connect to natureconstruction techniques

rammed earth_ a mix of clay, water, sand and possibly concrete_packed in 6 – 8” high forms stacked on top of each other

connect to natureconstruction techniques

rammed earth_ low carbon production_great thermal mass qualities_beneficial acoustic properties_easily constructed_fire resistant_utilizes local material from the building site.

connect to natureconstruction techniques

rammed earth_aesthetics that can be achieved

connect to natureconstruction techniques

rammed earth“energy savings can be as high as 80 percent over conventionally built and insulated frame houses.” The walls absorb heat from the sun during the winter days, and releases heat in the cooler evenings. While in the summer, the “walls can absorb excess heat from the living spaces and help to maintain cooler temperatures”. Elizabeth and Adams, pg 158, 159

connect to natureconstruction techniques

straw bale_ great insulator _locally sourced material_a rapidly renewable resource _smoulders before it burns_great acoustics _high insulation value

residential applicationinstitutional application

connect to natureconstruction techniques

straw bale_ moisture needs to be monitored to prevent mould growth

residential applicationinstitutional application

?connect to naturematerial selection

questions to consider:_was it derived from post consumer materials, and or post industrial waste?_Where is the material extracted from? _Is it extracted from a rapid renewable material? Or recycled material?_Is the material produced locally to reduce transportation costs? _Does the manufacturing process use precious resources?_Does the manufacturing process recycle any water used in production, or_Does the manufacturing process release harmful emissions into the

atmosphere? _How durable is this product? _How long will the product last before it will need to be replaced? _What type of maintenance is needed? How often?

connect to naturematerial selection

green alberta_ greenalberta.ca_analyzed many products_help in your selection of products & materials

connect to naturematerial selection

hints on specifying wood products_ woods are to be approved certified from the FSC (Forest Stewardship

Council)_do not use fire treated woods, use rot resistant woods_specify woods that are common and local to prevent endangered wood

species from becoming extinct

connect to naturematerial selection

linoleum_manufactured with linseed oil, rosin, cork flour, jute fibre, and wood flour_adhesives used are low VOC’s _inherently anti-microbial, making it a great product for healthcare

environments_low maintenance_easily hides dirt from traffic patterns

connect to naturematerial selection

be aware of harmful toxins_formaldehyde_voc’s_bfr’s_mercury

connect to naturewater

_fresh water represents less than one percent of the earth water_ “Of the total amount of treated potable water that is distributed to all

buildings, only about 3% is actually used for human consumption. Using large volumes of water increases maintenance and lifecycle costs for building operations and increases consumer costs for additional municipal supply and treatment facilities”. Kula, Richard, Sustainable Solutions Inc. pg 105

connect to naturewater

ways to reduce potable water consumption_collect rain water for irrigation purposes._use low flow shower heads and faucets_specify appliances that use less water: dishwasher, clothes washer (not only for water saving techniques, but for low energy consumption)._collect grey water and reuse for toilet flushing_use low flush toilets, waterless urinals, or composting toilets_use native plants in landscaping design_landscape with pervious surfaces (impervious surfaces cause rain water to run off the surface into the city sewer system, taking with it contaminants such as oil and pesticides)

connect to natureindoor air quality

air quality_indoor and outdoor air quality impact health_eliminate/reduce VOCs, moulds, and pollutants_better ventilation for buildings required_air exhausted by the system should be cleaner than the air

taken into the system

connect to natureindoor air quality

contaminants_reduce or eliminate volatile organic compounds that off-gas_prevent and mitigate mould growth during all stages of

building life_filter air to remove contaminants and pollutants_monitor air quality of intake supply and exhaust

connect to natureindoor air quality

ventilation_mechanical ventilation cannot work alone_mechanical system must be clean, well maintained and

free of contaminants_operable windows are required and allow for rapid cooling.

air infiltration and natural light_current ventilation standards lead are inadequate and need

to be improved upon, more fresh air is needed_clean fresh air in the proper volume will increase happiness,

health and productivity of occupants

connect to natureenergy

Canadian commercial and institutional buildings are responsible for approximately 37 % of Canada’s primary energy consumption”. (Kula, Richard,Sustainable Solutions Inc. pg 120

connect to natureenergy

ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels:_use solar energy (photovoltaic)_use wind sources_use geothermal sources_incorporate day lighting into your lighting design

connect to natureenergy

day lighting design hints:_maximize south and north facades_use high ceilings and tall windows_maximize quality views for task areas and share the daylight_calculate the optimal size and number of windows and top lighting for even illuminance while minimizing heat gain_select high-performance glazing_shade south facades_avoid direct sunlight in task areas such as offices, classrooms, and conference rooms_use high reflectance values for surfaces_integrate the electric lighting and controls for optimal energy savings” (Bonda and Sosnowchik pg 169)

connect to natureenergy

mechanical systems: passive heating + passive cooling_south and west facing windows to collect solar heat in winter_place deciduous trees in front of windows to prevent heating in summer_use wide porches, deep eaves and awnings and plants to keep warm air out_take advantage of cross ventilation through window selection and design_use evaporative cooling where applicable_select materials to either absorb or reflect solar radiation_use of green roofs can also lower heat loss _avoid creating heat island effects

connect to natureoperations and maintenance

operations and maintenance_contributes to one of the highest overall costs of a building’s life_standards and methods need to be flexible and allow for change_systems need to be designed to be upgraded or replaced to allow for future

renovations or occupancy changes_maintenance schedules are needed and must be adhered to to ensure

optimum performance_staff should be qualified and familiar with equipment and procedures_use of energy efficient equipment will help offset operating costs_preventative replacement protocols to avoid constant repair of faulty parts_building monitoring through electronic and human feedback _implement passive cooling and heating techniques to lower load on equipment_implement resource management strategies

connect to natureconclusion

summary_regional differences need to be taken account of in all strategies_the broad areas covered encompass the major points to address_we need to re-establish a connection to the natural world_we need to limit the impact of our development process_conservation of resources and lowering of building impact via site selection,

density and community integration, responsible human design approach, appropriate use of materials, water efficiency and conservation, air quality, energy usage and lighting needs, and operations and maintenance

_the future economic and social savings will eclipse up-front costs_we can act now to save our future