BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

TEN BASIC DESIGNS FOR GREEN ARCHITECTURE, ITS BUILDING MATERIALS; EFFECTS TO ENVIRONMENT

ENGL 105

Bartolome, Joyce Ann B. Cayabyab, Earl BSAR-2A

Mrs. Angela Mendoza Asso. Prof. 2

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Green architecture, or green design, is an approach to building that minimizes harmful effects on human health and the environment, the Green architect or designer attempts to safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices. Green buildings shall use the materials that are non-toxic, reusable, renewable, and/ or recyclable wherever possible. Locally manufactured products are referred so that the collective material environment of the locality remains a constant and moreover the fuel for the transport of materials is saved. Designing a building is a complicated task. It has to meet the desired standard and comply with environment care. As the technology advance, architectural design follows. The demand for building design makes architecture challenging. Thus, noble reason to have ten basic design for green architecture: its building material and effects to environment is very timely to be conceptualized. The guest for the latest green architectural building design will ever exist in the field as the market seeks not only technology compliant but to be friendly with the environment. To design out of the generated fresh ideas thru collaboration and research is helpful but to make it environmentally safe for all beings is another thing. Lots of options, precautionary measures and intervention should be done before during and after to ensure that the architecture design is not only a safe shelter, business, offices and surrounding as well. In designing, choice of material matters significantly. The assurance of its quality must be guaranteed, economy of price and the test of its endurance to stand even the most inclement weather are worthy to consider. Hence, there are three important things to consider in having architectural building design: environment, compliant, practicality, and aesthetics.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK:

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

DEPENDENT VARIABLE

1. Ten basic designs for Green Architecture 1.1 Historical origin 1.2 Cost estimate 1.3 Popularity 1.4 Structural endurance
2. Building materials

Effects to environment

PARADIGM OF THE STUDY The figure illustrates the conceptual framework showing the independent and dependent variables. The independent variables are the ten (10) basic design for green architecture and their building materials. The first independent variable includes the historical origin, cost estimate, popularity, and structural endurance. The arrow pointing to the dependent variable which is the effects to environment means that it is relying on what the independent variable can offer. Research wise, the independent variables are the predictions on what would be their effects to environment.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The general problem of the study is How Do the Ten Basic Design for Green Architecture and their Building Materials Affect the Environment? Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions: 1. What is the profile of the ten basic designs for Green Architecture, in terms of? 1.1 Historical origin 1.2 Cost estimate 1.3 Popularity

2. 3. 4. 5.

1.4 Structural endurance What building materials are the ten basic designs for Green Architecture made of? How may the effects to environment be described? What are the effects of Green Architecture to human health? What are the different features of Green Building?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY To produce wonderful works of art that causes no harm to environment is truly beautiful. In a civilization modernized by technology , the construction of skyscrapers, towers, and condominiums has been subjected to aesthetics and safety standard . This study provides information on the basic designs and building materials that pose no threats to environment. There are many benefits that can be derived from this study and the expected beneficiaries are:

Investors will have factual idea on what architectural designs and building materials deserve their investment. Building planners and civil engineers will be informed on what design and materials will render no harm to the environment. Structural engineers will generate information on what materials are safe to be used for Green Architecture. Architects will be more responsive in creating designs that are both aesthetically worthy and safe. Researchers will be updated as to how Green Architecture will be developed for future use.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY:

This study governs the top most basic designs of structures houses, buildings and such that indicates the said structure are environment friendly and are products of Green Architecture. This study does not cover complex designs and plans of further Green Architecture nor its principles and techniques.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS:

Building Materials- the materials being used are non toxic, renewable, sturdy, and recyclable, and are not harmful to the environment and human health. Building Structure- composition and materials are used for the building construction. Cost Estimate- affirmation of the cost of a program, project, or operation. Design- the arrangement of elements or details on a structure such as buildings or houses with a given purpose of something to be pleasing to the eyes. Environment Friendly- the building materials and the way we build them has low impact to the environment. Green Architecture- philosophy of architecture that advocates sustainable energy sources, the conservation of energy, the reuse and safety of building materials, and the siting of a building with consideration of its impact on the environment. Green Building- is an approach to building that seeks to reduce the impact on our environment of the thing we build and the way we build them. Renewable Materials- natural materials that can rapidly replaced in the environment. Quality Control- the inspection, analysis, and other relevant actions taken to provide control over what is being built, so that a desirable level of quality is achieved and maintained.

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE: (LOCAL)

DE PABLO, RHIA in her article Green Architecture: More than just a fad from The Philippine Star stated that: Green Architecture is about sustainability. It is not just about using green materials but it is the proper use of integrated designing where in you can achieve efficient. It is the use of recycled materials and the careful study of the natural system. A combination of natural system. A combination of a natural and artificial factors to lessen consumption, Ignacio discussed.
2

PDDCP (PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES) in its article from the website http.pddcp.gov.ph LEED ( LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN) building in Philippines stated that Green Buildings have interior space that maximize natural light and outdoor views; they employ highly efficient HVAC (HEATING , VENTILATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING) systems; utilize low VOC (VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND) paints, sealants, carpets, and furniture; and provide filtered outside air for superior indoor air quality . These features have proven to increase productivity and employee satisfaction.

DE JESUS, AMADO in his article : What is Green Architecture from the Inquirer stated that in Green Architecture there are primary principles that include the sub principles of this vast discipline. All topics related to Green Architecture fall under at least one of these. ENERGY EFFICIENCY The green house/ building has reduced dependence on electricity for its basic needs. The design allows for passive and active cooling, the maximum use of daylight and reduced need for Energy Guzzling Building System. INDOOR AIR QUALITY The physical well being of the occupants is the primary concern of this principle. Its area of concern is the general atmosphere within a house/ building. GREEN MATERIALS This is directly concerned with the environment . After all , energy is not only measured by the electric meter but records power consumption. It also consider the use of material that will not waste energy in its production. GOOD DESIGN

Good design consider many aspects of Green Architecture. It is designing buildings which are easy to use. Easy to convert for other uses, safe to use for children and the elderly. It can also have an influence on energy usage , repair and maintenance, and inevitably , on the propertys value.

BALANA, CYNTHIA in her article Green buildings to help mitigate effects of flood from The Philippine Daily Inquirer stated that Green Buildings, Green Roofs, and Green Walls are the architectural and engineering strategies that the country needs to adopt. In order to mitigate the impact of storms and floods, according to former Senator and Environment Secretary Heherson Alvarez. By, Green Building , Alvarez means an efficient and environmentally friendly building that uses a minimum of energy, glazed solar or wind panels can be installed to minimize the use of electricity and air conditioning. A GREEN ROOF is a rooftop garden or rain garden . That is partially covered with plants. It is equipped with a drainage and irrigation system that can store a large amount of water that can be recycled to flush toilets or do the laundry. The roof also improves the quality of air by filtering off dust particles, pollutants and carbon dioxide. A GREEN WALL has plants vertically planted to absorb the heat . Both the green roof and the green wall reduce the surface runoff.

DELA CRUZ, CHRISTOPHER , in his article occupational and skills needs in the Green Building Sector in the Philippines from the website http indepent .academia .edu wrote that:

COOLING

-replacement of CFC based refrigerants; -use of several compressors- to reduce demand charges and lower energy consumption -variable speed drivers - variable refrigerant flow system - shadow effect - orienting buildings to take advantage of shadows to reduce heat gain in buildings

LIGHTING

BUILDING ENVELOPE RENEWABLE ENERGY PASSIVE STRATEGIES USED IN DESIGN

-motion detection -led lighting -compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) -soft starters -sun shields - low-e glazing -solar collection -study of solar path -study of wind and rainfall path -proper building orientation -natural lighting -natural ventilation -double / triple piping -reed bed systems DESCRIPTION

WATER GREEN BUILDING FEATURE

FOREIGN Design for green architecture is an essential feature of building construction for the world suffers from extreme depletion of the environment. To construct building with simple and practical design becomes a necessity for builders are getting more concern on environment friendly structures. The Wikepedia states that architecture is framed by the larger discussion of sustainability and the pressing economic and political issues of our world. This attempts minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space. The idea ecological design, is to ensure that our actions and decisions today do not inhibit the opportunities of future generations. Sustainable architecture often incorporates the use of recycled or second hand materials, such as reclaimed lumber. The reduction in use of new materials means saving the environment. When older buildings are demolished, frequently any good wood is reclaimed, renewed, and sold as flooring. Any good dimension stone is similarly reclaimed. Many other parts are reused as well, such as doors, windows, mantels, and hardware, thus reducing the consumption of new goods. When new materials are employed, green designers look for materials that are rapidly replenished, such as bamboo, which can be harvested for commercial use after only 6 years of growth. In the same manner if a new structure is being constructed in a wooded area, wood from

the trees which were cut to make room for the building would be re-used as part of the building itself. According to Jackie Craven, Green architecture, or green design, is an approach to building that minimizes harmful effects on human health and the environment. The "green" architect or designer attempts to safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices. She enumerated the following characteristics of green architecture such as: Ventilation systems designed for efficient heating and cooling Energy-efficient lighting and appliances Water-saving plumbing fixtures Landscapes planned to maximize passive solar energy Minimal harm to the natural habitat Alternate power sources such as solar power or wind power Non-synthetic, non-toxic materials Locally-obtained woods and stone Responsibly-harvested woods Adaptive reuse of older buildings Use of recycled architectural salvage Efficient use of space

While most green buildings do not have all of these features, the highest goal of green architecture is to be fully sustainable. Catherine Drucker cited five basic elements of green architecture which should be the practice of designing buildings while taking into consideration sustainable development and environmental growth. It aims to minimize environmental impact of buildings through moderation in the utilization of energy and development space as well as building materials. These five elements are: Small space Solar energy Water conservation Renewable energy Natural and local materials

In the research conducted by Mcdermott, Richard (2010) titled, A Green Building -The Good , the Bad and the Neutral, he emphasized that it was good to be green. In the stampede to sustainable design, there are probably some Green features that have not received a lot of scrutiny, and some that may not apply to all projects. The author happens to have joined an

institution with one of the larger Green office/classrooms buildings in the U.S. The University of Texas Health Science Center--Houston School of Nursing (SON) building in the Texas Medical Center is a U.S. Green Building Council Gold Level LEED award winner. The SON has been in operation for about five years. It's easy enough to measure how well this Green Building is performing. In this article, the author describes the School of Nursing building which shed some light on which features are good, which are bad, and which didn't make a whole lot of difference. Further, the study of La Vista, Daniel (2010),on Designs for Success: Massive Building Project Makes LACCD a Leader in Green Facilities, he found out that after a 35-year building hiatus, the nine colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) needed a major facelift. Facilities on LACCD campuses were antiquated and had fallen into disrepair. For years, students voiced dismay, saying their campuses resembled high schools rather than colleges. Inadequate infrastructure drove many students to neighboring campuses with more resources and better facilities. To upgrade, the district took a nontraditional design path. Though the LACCD sought to construct modern, sustainable buildings, its top priority remains providing students with a quality education, a healthy learning environment, and good academic resources. At the nine-campus LACCD, planners are taking advantage of a major LEED-certified construction project to cultivate a new sense of pride among students and faculty. Where LACCD once lacked curb appeal, today the nine colleges are bustling with some of the finest contemporary architecture and green technology. New buildings district wide have had a positive impact on students, who linger around campus longer and have expressed enthusiasm about the improvements Similarly the investigation of Brown, Julie Paul; Hillman, Luce R.(2010) with the tile Truly Green: A Look at the Advantages of Maintaining Historic Campus expounded that most colleges and universities have taken great strides in recent years to embrace "being green." As part of this process, many institutions have established an Office of Sustainability or similar department to implement these practices and foster the image of environmental consciousness that the universities want to project. Institutions are realizing that being green is not only better for the environment, but it makes fiscal sense as well. The idea of "green building" is not a new concept, having taken root in the 1970s, but in the last few years, it has finally become what its early promoters have longed for: accepted. No longer does the argument need to be made as everywhere one looks, buildings, cleaning supplies, shoes, appliances, etc., are being marketed as green. This flooding of the market tends to water down what really constitutes being green, and the general inclination tends to be that all things green must therefore be new. The problem with that is people lose sight of what is right in front of them: historic buildings are green by their very nature. In this article, the authors discuss how historic buildings contribute value to campuses and explore the advantages of maintaining historic campus buildings. On a similar note the study on Green Era Should Herald Smarter Buildings authored by Carlson, Scott (2008) stressed that in the past two decades, the most elite and ambitious

colleges have commissioned buildings by "starchitects" for notoriety. However, people live in a green era now and there is a need for a new kind of star architecture to go with it, one in which the building is a star for its efficiency as well as its elegance. The new star architecture would strive for "living building" status, a grail for the architecture profession. It would be made of recycled, nontoxic, and renewable materials. It would produce more energy than it uses. It would recycle rainwater and waste in a closed loop. It might even provide microhabitats for animal and plant life. Moreover, it would be a building that teaches about natural systems, building systems, and a groundbreaking style of design--lessons that should be part of every college curriculum these days. If the best colleges and universities want to be in the vanguard of design and research, they might start by setting examples with their buildings--making the way they work as sexy as how they look. The study on, Developing and Applying Green Building Technology in an Indigenous Community: An Engaged Approach to Sustainability Education written by Riley, David et al. (2006) identifies the need for sustainability education in fields related to construction and describes an interdisciplinary course at Penn State that addresses this need. The paper addresses the need for sustainability education in construction-related disciplines by detailing an innovative course developed at Penn State to raise environmental and social awareness among architecture and engineering students. The engaged approach utilized in the course is replicable in any discipline and promises to have a significant impact on the commitment of today's students to creating a tomorrow in which sustainability is the norm rather than an anomaly. A Building like a Tree, a Campus like a Forest: Sustainable Design Comes to New England Higher Education is a research conducted by McDonough, William; Braungart, Michael (2002) and they posited that in New England, the University of Rhode Island, is trying to mend the fracture between forward-thinking new development and the historic campus. Though pencils have not yet been put to paper, planners foresee the new buildings as the foundation of a sustainable academic community, a model of "green design" that will project the values of environmental responsibility while enhancing the traditional assets of New England campus life. This melding of sustainability with strategic planning is not only the shape of things to come in campus architecture but the signal of a deeper cultural shift that may well change one's understanding of literacy. The aforesaid foreign studies though not exactly similar to the study being conducted showed resemblance in the desire to promote building construction which is not hazardous to the environment.

CHAPTER 3

I.

PROFILE OF THE TEN BASIC DESIGNS A. Historical Origin As early as 1970s, the concept of green building has been marketed as a dynamic scheme to be environment-friendly in building infrastructure without sacrificing the durability and stability of the structure. 1. Local Since time immemorial, the Philippines Nipa Hut is an ideal example of Filipinos architectural ingenuity. It has undergone series of evolution, reflecting the influence of modern technology ye concept remains a product of traditional architecture. In spite of the attacks earned by the Marcos era, the completion of the so called Coconut Palace has placed the Filipino architects in world class category. This Coconut Palace models a complete architectural design that has passed the challenge of time. Recently the Coconut Palace has undergone repairs as initiated by the current state administration. 2. International The 18th century marked the significant awareness ushered in by the environmentalists and conservatives in the society. Scott(2008) mentioned how architecture concepts started to be screened as to their compliance to environmental standards by utilizing recycled, non-toxic and renewable materials. B. Cost Estimate Green architecture is only expensive in concept but not in reality. Planning takes time and needs a lot of heads to be put together to ensure that the price is economically-sound. 1. Local Rehabilitating the building by using some of its parts has proven to be cost- efficient. Instead of discarding used materials, some of them are still worthy to be incorporated in the renewed structure. 2. International Daud et al. (2006) stressed in his study the sustainability in the fields of construction. He testified how much savings had been incurred after adhering to the principles of green architecture. Since not all

materials would be purchased, builders investors and capitalists would generate additional cost-cutting measures.

C. Popularity 1. Local Green architecture has gained popularity in the local market as evidenced by permits to be secured from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) before the structure is built. The wellknown benefits of environment compliance certificates testify to the popularity of environment-friendly architecture. 2. International A 35-year old building had been rehabilitated as influenced by ge=reen building advocacy. This building is specifically the Los Angeles Community College which has gained popularity after having a major facelift. Today the college tales pride in its finest contemporary architecture and green technology. D. Structural endurance Infrastructures raised and built using the principles of green architecture have proven to pass the challenge of times. Some of these buildings still exist today amidst environmental threats and natural calamities which are beyond mans control.

II. BUILDING MATERIALS A. Recycled Materials Building materials taken from demolished structures can still be utilized to raise infrastructure provided they still passed safety qualification standard. 1. Environmental impact Use of recycled materials is environment friendly since no raw material will be used. This also saves the environment from further damage and degradation. If the second hand wood, steel and other essential construction materials will be maximized, this makes natural resources intact and preserved. 2. Economic Impact

Recycled are much cheaper than brand new materials. A lot of savings will be derived by the investor due to cost- cutting. The amount of second hand materials is expected to be discounted and the savings can be diverted to other important expenditure that will further improve building structure.

B. Locally Manufactured Products Locally-manufactured products are more competitive in price and are easily resourced as the need arises 1. Environmental Impact Products which are manufactured locally serve as eye-opener to the community to take care of the environment upon discovering the benefits derived from it: Green Architecture promotes the use of local product as vehicle to harness the potential of locally- available materials. 2. Economic Impact Obviously, locally manufactured products are less expensive and reasonably priced. This gives the capitalist the opportunity to save investment and expedite returns due to discounted expenses. C. Non-Toxic Green architecture supports the use of non-toxic materials. Aside from being environment friendly, it poses no threat to human health. 1. Environmental Impact Regular use of non-toxic materials shields the environment from decay and pollution. This also guarantees that the structure will not be a cause of hazard that will endanger both structure and human lives. 2. Effects to Human Health Non-toxic materials are essentially healthy. They do not pollute the air that humans breathe and do not risk the safety of the users of the building. D. Energy Efficient Materials Green architecture promotes the use of energy-efficient material designs that allow the use of natural energy. 1. Energy Efficient

To be green in the context of building construction means saving energy. Construction of structure that permits the passage of solar power and natural air lessens the use of artificial energy which is expensive. 2. Environmental Impact Materials in green architecture are having less impact to the environment. Since most of them are recycled and non-toxic the environment is safeguarded from further forceful sourcing of materials. 3. Economic Impact Naturally, energy efficient materials are less expensive as well. The y will not drain investment for the price is more affordable for business and entrepreneurship endeavor.

III.

Effects to Environment A. Water

Green roofs serve several purposes for a building, such as absorbing rainwater, providing insulation, creating a habitat for wildlife, and helping to lower urban air temperatures and mitigate the heat island effect. There are two types of green roofs: intensive roofs, which are thicker and can support a wider variety of plants but are heavier and require more maintenance, and extensive roofs, which are covered in a light layer of vegetation and are lighter than an intensive green roof. Green roofs are used to:

Reduce storm water run off see water-wise gardening Filter pollutants and heavy metals out of rainwater With green roofs, water is stored by the substrate and then taken up by the plants from where it is returned to the atmosphere through transpiration and evaporation. Green roofs not only retain rainwater, but also moderate the temperature of the water and act as natural filters for any of the water that happens to run off. Land Efficient technologies: Green buildings incorporate energy and water efficient technologies that are not as readily available in traditional buildings. These technologies create a healthier and more comfortable environment as they

B.

utilize renewable energy, reduce waste, and decrease heating and cooling expenses. Easier maintenance: Green buildings typically involve less maintenance. For example, green buildings generally do not require exterior painting every three to five years: this simple method helps saves the environment, as well as a consumer time and money. Improved indoor air quality: With green buildings, the indoor air quality is improved via natural and healthy materials: green buildings utilize clean energy sources such as solar and wind power, rather than burning coal. Energy efficiency: Green building methods make the most out of energy, resources, and materials. As enforced by The Department of Energy (DOE), builders and design professionals must adhere to energy code requirements.

IV.

Green Building Features A. Cooling a) Thermal Chimneys and Evaporative Cooling

In hot, dry climates, thermal chimneys and evaporative cooling are effective and have been used for thousands of years in the Middle East. A thermal chimney uses solar energy to heat air, which rises and is exhausted out the top of the chimney, causing a natural convection loop as cooler air is drawn into the building (sometimes through a cool underground duct) to replace the exhausted hot air. Evaporative cooling draws heat from the air to vaporize water, making the resultant air cooler and more humid. This works in dry climates, where it may be desirable to add humidity. b) Thermal Mass Cooling

Earth sheltering and earth coupling take advantage of the vast thermal mass of the ground, which remains a constant temperature at a certain depth below grade (the depth depending on the climate). Earth sheltering can also protect the building from inclement weather, such as strong wind.

In a climate with a large diurnal temperature swing, thermal mass cooling can be accomplished by allowing cool nighttime air to flow across a large indoor building mass, such as a slab. The cool thermal mass then absorbs heat during the day. c) Radiant Cooling

Though not a passive technology, radiant cooling is more efficient than conventional systems that circulate conditioned air. Typically, radiant cooling involves running cool water through floor slabs, or wall or ceiling panels. In a hot dry climate, the water can be cooled evaporative and radioactively by spraying it over a building roof at night, then collecting and storing the cooled water for use the next day. In a humid climate, dehumidification is needed in addition to cooling, but lowering humidity and providing airflow can enable people to be comfortable at temperatures up to nine degrees warmer than they otherwise would be. B. Lighting Daylighting: Designing buildings for optimum use of natural light. Daylighting can save 40%60% of energy costs compared to conventional design practices. It involves strategies to avoid glare and excess heat gain, while reflecting light into the building. Using lower wattage lamps in existing or new fixtures, providing the illumination is adequate for the task, purpose, and users. Replacing lamps with new ones of a more appropriate (lower) wattage, smaller tungsten halogen lamps, or CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) is one method. New fixtures with lower wattage lamps can be a better solution, since they are likely to be more efficient and reliable over time. Controlling the amount of light and the time lights are on through devices such as dimmers, occupancy sensors, photocells, or timers (clock or crank timers), or encouraging users to turn lights off when they are not needed. Occupancy timers are well-suited to spaces used infrequently and are effective as a security measure. Dimmers can be used with both incandescent and fluorescent lamps. They prolong the life of incandescent lamps, but reduce their lumen output, making them less efficient. Fluorescent lamps must have dimming ballasts and lamp holders that accommodate dimmers, but are no less efficient with dimming. Proper maintenance: Keeping fixtures dusted and cleaned, and replacing yellowed lenses. Maintaining wall and ceiling finishes also increases light efficiency, since dirt decreases light reflection on the walls.

C.

Building Envelope Control air, heat, and moisture transfer across the building envelope to increase durability Achieve control by minimizing loads Reduce air leakage Improve insulation Optimize glazing Optimize solar shading Involving them early in the design process improves the opportunity to minimize loads before HVAC is sized

D.

Strategies in Design 1. Study of Solar Path Southern hemisphere: The movement of the sun is east to west through north. Northern hemisphere: The movement of the sun is east to west through South India falls in this hemisphere. High intensity sun fall is received in the South & South west directions. North is exposed to very low solar radiation. 2. Study of Wind & Rainfall Data A wind rose, which shows the direction and strength of wind at the site, can be used to design natural ventilation into the house. It is surprising that most houses are deigned without regard to cross-ventilation. For many designers, windows are primarily architectural features rather than functional elements that have the potential to reduce energy use and increase comfort. Deciding where to install a wind turbine on the site to generate electricity is impossible without accurate wind records. Rainfall records are important in two respects; first, when designing a water catchment system, and second, when determining which plants, vegetables, and fruits are appropriate for the site, Ideally, outdoor plants should be native to the area; they'll need a minimum of care and very little additional water. Moreover, backyards can be converted into gardens that provide food.

3.

Proper Building Orientation The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West, no matter where you are in the world. The Sun is higher in the Summer sky and lower in the Winter sky. Also of importance is that the rooms most used must be on the side of the house orientated towards the Sun, i.e. the kitchen, lounge, etc. Also put the least used rooms on the side of the house in shade, i.e. garage, laundry.

4.

Natural Lighting The science of daylighting design is not just how to provide enough daylight to an occupied space, but how to do so without any undesirable side effects. Beyond adding windows or skylights to a space, it involves carefully balancing heat gain and loss, glare control, and variations in daylight availability. For example, successful daylighting designs will carefully consider the use of shading devices to reduce glare and excess contrast in the workspace. Additionally, window size and spacing, glass selection, the reflectance of interior finishes, and the location of any interior partitions must all be evaluated.

5.

Natural Ventilation Operable windows provide natural ventilation in administrative, educational, and support spaces Computational Fluid Dynamics study determined optimal window location for natural airflow An expanded upper comfort temperature set point of 78F instead of a typical 75F thermostat set point maximizes the number of hours of natural ventilation Reduces HVAC system fan energy usage Notification system alerts building occupants when conditions are appropriate to open the windows

E.

Water 1. Waste Water Treatment

Wastewater treatment is the process of taking wastewater and making it suitable for discharge back into the environment. Wastewater can be formed by a variety of activities, including washing, bathing, and using the toilet. Rainwater runoff is also considered wastewater. No matter where it comes from, this water is full of bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants. Wastewater treatment reduces the contaminants to acceptable levels so as to be safe for discharge into the environment. 2. Rainwater Collection Rainwater collected from the roof is a free source of landscape irrigation water. These systems can reduce outdoor water usage, thereby reducing the homeowner's water consumption. Rainwater can also be harvested from soil surfaces and outdoor paved surfaces. These systems are designed to provide water for irrigation and are not intended for potable (drinking) use. A rooftop rainwater collection system consists of a suitable roof and guttering system, a storage tank(s), and a simple filtration system. Cistern or tank storage is sized for the rainfall amount and roof size, with appropriate overflow devices. Cisterns can be made of concrete, ferrocement, stone, or prefabricated metal, plastic, or fiberglass and use only watertight, opaque materials.