The new view on sustainable design
View PDF | Print View
by: cavinleejacobs
Total views: 125
| Sustainable designs and green designs are used interchangeably. They are complementary terms and usually cover all aspects of building green. However there is a general confusion in the understanding what sustainable design means. The closest analogy in understanding what a sustainable design implies is to view the design as a self driven bio sphere. Sustainable designs do not tax the environment, are able to recycle most of the products used and help better the living conditions. This involves holistic planning in the use of natural sunlight and wind. The most optimum use of solar energy to reduce electricity consumption and wind flow patterns to reduce the CFC producing air conditioners are some of the aspects of sustainable design. A sustainable design looks at conserving water by harvesting rain water. It includes recycling bathroom water for watering the gardens. It looks at converting organic waste products into manure for use in the buildings kitchen garden. Other aspects of sustainable design include conservation and pooling of resources such common swimming pool, common rainwater harvesting plants, common solar panels to cut down the costs and reduce the environmental load. Why, even car pooling by residents of a green community is part of sustainable design movement. Locally used material which can be replenished are encouraged in a sustainable design. Thus, long distance transportation of material required for repair is not required. Such initiatives need government aid to succeed. Thus there are sustainable design standards which have evolved. The most common sustainable design standard is the LEED standard adopted by USA and some other countries in the world. The scientists too have chipped in by providing life cycle calculations for sustainable designs in the field of architecture and building green infrastructure projects. These life cycle calculations include life cycle energy analysis and use of modern technology to complement the ‘sustainability of the designs. These include inventing better solar panels, better interface with indigenous building practices with modern equipment and optimum utilization of powerful computing available to arrive at simulations for a truly sustainable design. Sustainable designs strive to achieve the holism expressed in the Greek concept of ‘Gaea’ or living earth, where everyone is in perfect harmony with the nature. |
Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote