Activity 2.3.
2 Green Building and Sustainable
Design
Introduction
Green building design and sustainable architecture are reshaping the practices and
products of modern construction and are providing solutions that balance
environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Climate change concerns and a sense of stewardship for the earth are motivating
the use of green building products and sustainable techniques. Energy use in
buildings is increasing and could continue to rise. By using new sustainable
methods, materials, and mechanical components, architects and engineers are able
to create structures that can curb that trend. A sustainable building design reduces
pressure on the environment by decreasing energy use, reducing the consumption
of water, and conserving and preserving natural resources as well as reducing
pollution during the life cycle of a building.
In addition to incorporating sustainable features, designers should also address
occupant needs and comfort when planning a building. Desirable work space and
living environments allow users to be more productive and comfortable. Careful
consideration must be given to natural light and interior temperatures as well as
materials that emit low levels of toxins.
In this activity you will learn about green and sustainable practices in preparation for
the design of your Affordable House. During the design process, continually consider
incorporating sustainable features into your home design.
Equipment
● Engineering notebook
● Computer with Internet access
Procedure
In groups of two to three, you will learn more about green and sustainable practices
and then respond to the questions. For each statement below, describe a
reasonable action. Use the US Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) and the
US Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov) sites to begin your search, but
seek out reliable information on each topic from at least one other website source.
Be sure to cite each additional reference.
1. Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one
method that could be used to collect this natural resource.The method we could
use to collect this rainwater is a gutter system. This water can be
continuously collected as the water is falling from the sky. This water could
© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Civil Engineering and Architecture Activity 2.3.2 Green Building and Sustainable Design – Page 1
be filtered as it is falling through the gutter system so when it gets to the
ground it can be put into a storage tank for water and be reused in the
house.
Website: http//www.rainxchange.com
2. Describe a landscape design technique that benefits the environment. Green
landscaping or eco-landscaping is a method to design, create, and
maintain your landscape to save time, money, and energy. Green
landscapes nurture wildlife; reduce air, soil, and water pollution; and make
healthy recreation spaces.
Website: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-
basics/green-landscaping/
3. Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a building designer do to
reduce energy consumption in a building? Use high-performance building
envelopes; select walls, roofs, and other assemblies based on long-term
insulation, air barrier performance, and durability requirements.
Website:https://www.wbdg.org/design-objectives/sustainable/optimize-energy-use
4. Describe a design feature for a residential structure that would likely result in
reduced water use. Water-efficient plumbing fixtures (ultra low-flow toilets and
urinals, waterless urinals, low-flow and sensored sinks, low-flow
showerheads, and water-efficient dishwashers and washing machines)
Website:https://www.wbdg.org/resources/water-conservation
5. Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the
environment. Eco friendly design methodology can further reduce energy
consumption by minimising energy inputs for heating, cooling and light,
and incorporating energy efficient appliances.
Website:
http://www.sustainablebuild.co.uk/ecofriendlyconstructionmethodsmaterials.html
6. During the construction cycle of the building, materials and components are
delivered to the site. List a strategy that you will use to recycle the waste
produced during the construction phase. Reduction, recycling, and reuse of
wastes. Sorting
a. – Collection & Hauling
– Tipping
– Picking
– Sorting
– Containerization & Transport
© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Civil Engineering and Architecture Activity 2.3.2 Green Building and Sustainable Design – Page 2
– Diversion or Disposal
Website: http://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/law/regulations/recycling-
construction-materials-important-part-construction-process
http://www.wbdg.org/resources/construction-waste-management
7. Describe a feature you could incorporate in a home design that would improve
indoor environmental quality. Consider a building design with a natural
ventilation or hybrid component to both reduce energy consumption and to
make some provisions for ventilation even if external power were not available
(a measure of resiliency).
Website: https://www.wbdg.org/design-objectives/sustainable/enhance-indoor-
environmental-quality
8. Building sites offer natural resources that can be utilized for the life of the
building. Describe a method to use a site’s natural resources in the construction
of the structure. Earth can be pounded into forms to create massive walls to
form a house. While utilizing minimal resources, it can be very labor intensive.
Website: https://www.dancingrabbit.org/about-dancing-rabbit-ecovillage/eco-
living/building/natural-building/
© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Civil Engineering and Architecture Activity 2.3.2 Green Building and Sustainable Design – Page 3
Going Beyond
9. (Optional) Select a company name and design a logo that you might use if you
opened your own architectural design firm that illustrates a commitment to green
and sustainable design.
Conclusion Questions
1. Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that
is not currently in use as far as you know.
You could use an indoor gym equipment to keep electricity flowing throughout
the house and you if you work more power than needed, it can be used as A/C or
heating.
10. Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where
you live to make it greener. Explain why it is an improvement.
We could use energy efficient lights in the house to make it greener. We can use
energy efficient lights where the lights are motion sensored so they know when
you leave or enter a room. This is good because it will cause less energy to be
used throughout the house.
© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Civil Engineering and Architecture Activity 2.3.2 Green Building and Sustainable Design – Page 4
