Green Building Design – What Is It And How Is It 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.
The most important criteria when evaluating a green structure is energy efficiency. Use of environmentally friendly and recycled materials is certainly important, but the majority of a structure’s environmental impact will arise not during its construction, but rather during its years of use. Just what constitutes energy efficiency is a subject of great debate, so individual research is required to decide what is most important to you.
One helpful scale for measuring energy efficiency is an established hundred-point scale by whose ratings similar structures can be compared. Furthermore, if structures rate at above 75 on this scale, they can qualify for the EPA’s Energy Star rating more commonly associated with appliances. One helpful tool in this process is the Target Finder, an EPA guideline for both constructing energy efficiently as well as improving efficiency later.
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.
Evaluation during the process is also key. By checking on progress, designers create valuable feedback loops that help ensure green outcomes. Evaluations should ensure that the structure conserves water and energy, is using environmentally friendly materials and methods, and does so in a way that does not needlessly waste money over time.
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: Jerry Dyess has been writing about the Texas Commercial Electricity market segment for many years and written articles on Business Electric prices.
categories: green energy,home building,design,engineering