Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Although the definition of
sustainable building design
is constantly changing,
six fundamental principles persist.
1. Optimise site potential: Creating sustainable buildings starts with
proper site selection, including consideration of the reuse or rehabili-
tation of existing buildings. The location, orientation and landscaping
of a building affects local ecosystems, transportation methods and
energy use. It is important to incorporate smart growth principles into
the project development process, whether the project is a single build-
ing, a campus or a military base. Siting for physical security is a criti-
cal issue in optimising site design, including locations of access roads,
parking, vehicle barriers and perimeter lighting. Whether designing
a new building or retrofitting an existing building, site design must
integrate with sustainable design to achieve a successful project. The
site of a sustainable building should reduce, control and/or treat storm
water runoff. If possible, planners should strive to support native flora
and fauna of the region in the landscape design.
2. Optimise energy use: With the continually increasing demand on
the world's fossil fuel resources, concerns for energy independence
and security are increasing, and the impacts of global climate
change are becoming more evident. Therefore, it is essential to find
ways to reduce energy load, increase efficiency and maximise the
use of renewable energy sources in federal facilities. Improving the
energy performance of existing buildings is important to increasing
our energy independence. Government and private sector organisa-
tions are increasingly committed to building and operating net zero
energy buildings as a way to significantly reduce our dependence on
fossil fuel-derived energy.
3. Protect and conserve water: In many parts of the country, fresh
water is an increasingly scarce resource. A sustainable building
should use water efficiently and should reuse or recycle water for
on-site use, when feasible. The effort to bring drinkable water to our
household faucets consumes enormous energy resources in pump-
ing, transport and treatment. Often potentially toxic chemicals are
used to make water potable. The environmental and financial costs
of sewage treatment are significant.
4. Optimise building space and material use: The materials used in
a sustainable building minimise life cycle environmental impacts
such as global warming, resource depletion and human toxicity.
Environmentally preferable materials have a reduced effect on
human health and the environment and contribute to improved
worker safety and health, reduced liabilities, reduced disposal costs
and achievement of environmental goals.
5. Enhance indoor environmental quality: The indoor environmental
quality (IEQ) [2-4] of a building has a significant impact on occupant
