1. Introduction:
Because of the importance of sustainable technologies in this day and age, I have researched the topic of sustainable technology as it pertains to residential architecture. Many new innovations in this field have surfaced in the last few decades, and many more emerge every day. It is important to note, however that I believe the subject of primary concern in our society is the role of the individual and their responsibility in the home. In other words, I will talk about the role of the homeowner in advancing the availability and frequency of energy efficient systems in the average home .
The market for sustainability is growing all the time. This does not mean however that the technologies are already affordable and available for everyone. We need here in the United States a plan to implement green technologies and to make them more available and affordable for everyone.
2. The costs of active solar systems:
Solar panels have become the poster child for sustainable and green technology. Whenever someone says they have a solar system in their house, your mind most likely jumps to the image of solar panels. But solar panels are a very small portion of the technology available to offset our carbon footprint. Sure they are great for “getting off the grid,” but even with the latest technology, the costs can be prohibitive. In 1980, the price for producing one watt of power from solar was $100 . In 1999, that number dropped to $4, and it continues to drop at a rate of about 4% per year . In addition to the price drops induced more efficient technology and by supply and demand, there is a 30% federal tax cut on the purchase of a solar system . In spite of all these positive sides, the average consumer would sti...
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...ohd Hafizal Mohd, Xudong Zhao, and Hiroshi Yoshino. "Preliminary Study of Passive Cooling Strategy Using a Combination of PCM and Copper Foam to Increase Thermal Heat Storage in Building Facade." Sustainability 2.8 (2010): 2365-381. Print.
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Okwo, A., and W.O. Soboyejo. "An Alternative Holistic Approach to Affordable Housing: Homes of Foam." Perspectives on Global Development and Technology 5.1 (2006): 1-30. Print.
Wang, Xinhao, William Shuster, Chandrima Pal, Steven Buchberger, James Bonta, and Kiran Avadhanula. "Low Impact Development Design—Integrating Suitability Analysis and Site Planning for Reduction of Post-Development Stormwater Quantity." Sustainability 2.8 (2010): 2467-482. Print.
LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a certification program for green buildings with stringent requirements for building energy efficient and environmentally responsible structures. Some requirements of this program include specific building materials, smart grid capable, gray water reclamation systems, green space minimums, high levels of insulation and low thermal transfer glass (US Green Building Council). Green buildings are a must if we are to sustain our current level of growth. Despite the higher initial cost of these buildings, the long term energy savings make these buildings a smarter choice for
Turchi, Craig. 2010. Solar Power and the Electric Grid. edited by National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
After several years of use and abuse of natural resources, humanity begins to awaken from its stunned by the advances of technology, to understand the magnitude of the impact caused by its presence in the environment. At present, trends in various aspects of human activity seek to achieve a harmonious relationship with nature; one of them is the practice of interior design. The main reason because the construction industry, in particular, has incorporated especially such attention, is the result that it has proved to be one of the main sources of pollution in water, air, and noise
Although Passive House demands very energy efficient buildings and appears to be one evident architectural solution to the D.R. environmental improvements plan, it has not been studied in this environment yet and represents a high risk. In most locations, there are no qualified workers available to install or maintain them, making it an economic and liability issue.
Preview: Today I will discuss the potential that solar power has to become this country’s main supply of energy and the latest research that can make solar power more efficient and cost effective. I will also present the environmental benefits that come with using solar power over other and more harmful forms of energy.
Seeing environmental sustainability is a defining issue of the 21st century, Penn is dedicated to promoting a sustainable culture and implementing environment conscious policies. Penn believes that higher education can play a leadership role in addressing global climate change, through its research, teaching and operational practices. The use of green roof technologies is one of a number of these sustainable development strategies.
Wilmeth, M. (2008, October 1). Green Roof Study Finds Big Variation in Stormwater Retention - EBN: 17:10 . BuildingGreen.com . Retrieved December 1, 2010, from http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/2008/9/25/Green-Roof-Study-Finds-Big-Variation-in-Stormwater-Retention/
Despite the fact that novel technologies are continuously under development to complement existing practices in coming up with greener buildings, the universal intent is that such structures are designed to diminish the general effect on the built environment on health of the humans in addition to the natural environment via: Diminishing environmental degradation, pollution and waste, improving productivity of the employee and guarding occupant health, efficient usage of water, energy, in addition to other resources.
Santamouris, M., Cooling the cities – A review of reflective and green roof mitigation technologies to fight heat island and improve comfort in urban environments. Solar Energy, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2012.07.003 (2012)
The effectiveness of climate responsive architecture is evident over the course of its life, in lessened costs of utilities and maintenance. A poorly designed structure which doesn’t consider environmental or vernacular factors can ultimately cost the occupant – in addition to the environment – more in resources than a properly designed building. For instance, a structure with large windows on the south façade in a hot, arid climate would lose most of its air conditioning efforts to the pervading sun, ultimately increasing the cost of energy. By applying vernacular strategies to modern design, a structure can ideally achieve net zero energy use, and be a wholly self-sufficient
The wedge-shaped home, is situated in a residential area between numbers of multi-storey buildings, which date back to the 1950s. During this cultural time, the public became aware of the energy crisis, following in the wake of the oil crisis in the 1970s, thus there was a brief setback to the use of glass. Which introduced the use of glass architecture, where architects and engineers, were experimenting on making glass adaptable and releasing its full potential in structures. The use of glass was to capture solar energy, and hence the use of natural sources of energy, in an environmentally compatible way. In addition to these passive measures, there are also active systems, which are used. Such as solar collectors ...
The beginnings of today's green revolution can be traced back to the environmental awareness of the 1960s and European design. New construction techniques have lead to the development of innovative materials and design concepts. Green buildings are designed, constructed and commissioned to ensure they are healthy for their occupants. Successfully designed green projects can involve an extensive array of factors, ranging from the resourceful use of materials, to careful consideration of function, climate, and location.
Why the world need to go green? The reason is the world is getting contaminated by people’s own hands. Therefore, governments are trying to change the environment by planning on using renewable energy, recycling, and eco-friendly laundry detergents. However, even though government’s effort the results were very disappointing. The problem is that people do not take this situation seriously because they think go green is unnecessary and there are not enough reasons to change. Even though they believe there is no serious reason to go green, there are terrifying reasons, such as climate change, greenhouse gas, and pollution.
Zero drafts – Spray foam insulation can prevent inefficient air flow into and out of the house.
In today’s building construction and operations, there are direct and indirect impacts on environment, society and economy and sustainable design seeks balanced between these three by approaching a win-win-win design solution. Sustainable design aims to minimize the negative environmental impact on site by increasing energy efficiency and development of spaces; prevent environmental degradation caused by facilities and infrastructure and create superior interior environments that are comfortable, safe and productive. Instead of ignoring the natural environment, the qualities are harnessed to benefit and complete today’s design solution having in mind to have a positive and lasting effect. ("Sustainable," ) My research title