Green Architecture

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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.

Llovera, Jordi, Xavi Potau, Marc Medrano, and Luisa F. Cabeza. "Design and Performance of Energy-efficient Solar Residential House in Andorra." Applied Energy (2010). Print.

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.

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