Green Building Design – What Is It And How Is It Accomplished?
While green building is a popular subject matter, it can be difficult to know what it involves, what characteristics make a building green, and how engineers and architects are continuing to improve the state of the art and lessen environmental impact. Here are some of the most important characteristics of green building, and the methods used to achieve these goals.
Energy efficiency is green building’s most crucial aspect. Not only must a green structure be built from recycled, environmentally friendly materials, but it must also reduce its impact by conserving energy. After all, most of a structure’s impact results from the energy it consumes over many years of use. What constitutes energy efficiency is open to debate, so it is essential to do individual research and arrive at your own conclusions.
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.
Be sure to evaluate your progress toward the target during the process, a step which many organizations forget. This feedback loop will result in a greener outcome that, in general, conserves water and energy while employing environmentally sound materials and construction methods.
Green building is a complex process. Taking time to understand how to accomplish this is an important step for any designer, architect, or engineer. If you’re interested in green buildings, be sure to find out more about them.
About the author: J. Dyess specializes in the Commercial Energy segment. He has published many articles on Texas Electric prices.