Quiz 12: Sustainable Architecture = Green building
Summary and what you need to know

Sustainable architecture or green building includes some or all of these elements:

• the practice of increasing the energy efficiency of buildings [for example, (1) by building smaller buildings, (2) by using natural light, (3) by using natural ventilation and shade, (4) by using renewal sources of energy such as solar energy and wind energy, and (5) by planting gardens and yards with plants that require little water.]
• creating buildings that are healthy for people (for example, using low VOC materials = Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and avoiding other dangerous chemicals)
• reducing, reusing and recycling building materials
• building with materials from sustainable sources and sources that don't hurt the environment (for example, using wood that grows fast and can be re-planted)
• building so that storm runoff doesn't pollute soil and water
• building without cutting down trees, disturbing wildlife, and damaging the soil
• building homes that are economical to purchase and maintain
• building in places where people can walk, bike, or use public transportation
• building so that social links between people are healthy (for example, designing neighborhoods that encourage people to talk to each other and help each other)

These elements are important is building "green":

• location
• size
• design
• energy
• materials
• cost

Sustainable architecture is important because ...

• Constructing and maintaining buildings of all kinds (homes, offices, factories, etc.) uses a large percentage of the total energy in developed and developing countries.
• In addition, traditional buildings are often unhealthy places to spend time because of chemicals and lack of social interaction.

LEED

• In the United States, there is a voluntary rating system for green buildings: the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
• The model home we saw at Pringle Creek Community is one of the only "platinum" LEED homes in the U.S. (the highest level)
• Kaneko Commons will probably be a gold LEED building, the second highest level.

Solar

Solar Panels: General term for a group of photovoltaic units ( solar power technology that changes light from the sun directly into electricity). This is a form of active solar.

Passive solar involves, for example, special windows to collect warmth or barrels of water to hold warmth. There is less "technology" involved.

"Footprint"

"Footprint" refers to the amount of land a building uses. A small building has a smaller footprint.

"Carbon footprint" refers to how much fossil fuel a building or a person uses and how much greenhouse gas a building or a person emits.