INTD 51 human environments

key issues—energy

energy

energy use in buildings has greatest impact on global carbon emissions of construction industry

impacts of energy use:climate change•air pollution•nuclear waste•potential large-scale environmental devastation

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/alex_steffen.html

energy

impacts of energy use:resource depletion•coal, oil & natural gas are fossil fuels•peak oil & gas expected to be reached 2010•peak coal—2030•increasing human conflict over energy supply inevitable

energy

large-scale renewable energy—hydroelectric, wind, solar-power—would solve many problems

renewable energy is far from meeting our energy needs due to lack of investment & infrastructure

hydroelectric—16% globallyother renewables—3%

energy

no electricity production is totally innocuous—wind farms raise concerns about •noise•disturbing migrating birds•spoiling appearance of natural landscape

approaching low-energy design

•seek to reduce energy demand through passive design•select energy-efficient products•try to ensure that remaining energy demand comes from renewable sources

as a designer you may not have total control over all of these aspects…always be equipped with an understanding of the options

approaching low-energy design

location, type & duration of project influence what can be done

location—dictates what can be done through passive design

type—renovation imposes limitations but creates opportunity to improve upon an existing building

duration:•temporary—passive design; good means for demo or pilot of renewable technologies•flexible—inherently sustainable•long-term—time to recoup investment in energy efficient products or renewable energy

passive design—simplest & most effective

solar gain•using the sun’s heat to warm interior spaces—reducing or eliminating the need for mechanical heating•for best results combine with high thermal mass

solar shading•to control or prevent solar gain•external louvers, deep overhangs, solar-control glazing, interstitial blinds•consider heating need, availability of sunshine on site, angle of sun throughout the year

passive design—simplest & most effective

passive designthermal mass•dense materials with high heat capacity•stores heat or coolness & transfers it slowly, keeping internal temp reasonably constant•thick masonry, concrete, rammed earth, brickwork

thermal insulation•reduces rate of heat transfer on external envelope—ensures internal air temp responds slowly to changes in external temp•materials tend to be porous, trapping air—sheep’s wool, mineral wool, cellulose fibers•insulate pipework & hot water storage tanks; use high-performance glazing

passive design

passive design

natural ventilation•using the position of openings—windows, roof lights, air vents, chimneys—to encourage air flow through a space•replenishes fresh air & prevents overheating

air-tightness•needed to avoid unwanted heat loss & drafts•all gaps in construction should tightly sealed—close-fitting joints & sealant

passive design

passive design

natural daylighting•depth of rooms, amount of glazing should be modified to optimize (shallow with plenty of windows)

•reduces need for electric lighting•daylight & associate views promote health & well-being

living walls•those including soil provide thermal mass•plants absorb air pollution & dusthttp://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/kamal_meattle_on_how_to_grow_your_own_fresh_air.html

passive design

energy efficiency

once all passive design measures have been exhausted, focus on energy efficiency:

•lighting•appliances•building systems•influencing behavior—prominent energy displays, clotheslines, etc…

renewable energy systemsthe next thing to consider—producing energy from renewable sources

•biomass •wind power •solar thermal heating•photovoltaic cells•heat pumps

INTD 51 human environments

key issues—water

water

water use heightens problems of water scarcity—climate change only exacerbates this

lack of water requires rationing & dictating use •causing inconvenience or even suffering•diverts water from agriculture•potentially triggers conflict between people

global water demand has increased by twice the rate of population growth over the last century

water

desalination is a possible solution—expensive, energy-intensive & potentially damaging to marine habitats

processing fresh water to make it potable requires energy as well & uses potent chemicals that must be carefully disposed of

modern buildings use the potable water supply for drinking as well as…

extravagance???

water

as we cover the ground with more and more hard surfaces, water fills sewage systems instead of soaking into the ground

paradoxically, water abundance (flooding) is a growing problem due to global warming

water conserving design

VITAL to reduce our water consumption & consider flood risk

1.passive design—manipulating landscaping & roof 2.water efficiency—plumbing fixtures, appliances & faucets3.water reuse or recycling—work with your team—architect, landscape architect, or systems engineer

ensure that your input enhances sustainability

water conserving design

location—amount of rainfall

type—example: hotel with stacked bathrooms, ideal for gravity-based graywater recycling

duration—the longer the project is expected to last, the more critical water conservation becomes; also must consider effects of climate change

passive design

tuning the form & materials of building and its site to take advantage of rainfall & control rainwater runoff

•rainwater collection—design roofs & rainwater drainage to discharge into water stores•sustainable drainage—(SUDS) relevant to built-up areas with many hard surfaces; simple use porous surfaces, complex convey water to pond or underground store•planting—absorbs rainwater, slows runoff; choose native plants to reduce irrigation need & to create habitat for wildlife

passive design

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/anupam_mishra_the_ancient_ingenuity_of_water_harvesting.html

water efficiency

plumbing fixtures—use less water than standard products with out compromising performance

appliances—specify wisely! washing machines (1 gal/load vs. 5 gal/load) & dishwashers (1/4 gal vs. ¾ gal)

water meters—allowsoccupants to see howmuch water they are using

water efficiency

http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/water/water/index.cfm

water reuse & recycling

rainwater reuse—collecting rainwater to use for another purpose; flush toilets, feed washing machines, water plants

graywater recycling—collecting & reusing waste water from showers, baths, washbasins & washing machines—can reduce water comsumption by 30%; used to flush toilets or water non-edible plants

blackwater recycling—far more drastic & desirable for only specific projects; filtering & treating wastewater from toilets, dishwashers & refuse chutes

water

flood protection—incorporate in long-term projects in areas prone to flooding; raised entrance thresholds, water-resistant flooring & baseboards, plinths for electrical appliances

water assessment—can help designers understand the impact of choices & convince clients of potential water savings