sustainability assessment:eeel (energy. environment. experimental learning.)

sustainabilityin the built environment

course manager: tang lee, university of calgary

assignment 2june 26, 2009dan morrissey, nicole muzechka

part 1: Examining Sustainability and Ourselves

concept of sustainabiltiy

_sustainability is more than maintaining a stasis

_we cannot live as we are now

_humans are a part of nature and must recognize this to see integrated solutions

_live within and inspired by nature

_look to a re-conceptualization of values, ideals and methods to provide a sustainable path

what does sustainability need?

_we must change perceptions and practices

_high quality of life with minimal impact

_reduce and eventually eliminate consumerist and disposable society mindset

_reduce, reuse, recycle

_interdisciplinary cooperation to derive solutions

_systems theory approach to modelling and feedbacks

applicability of sustainability

_sustainability must be applied unilaterally to work

_costs must be subsidised to provide incentives to make it attractive to everyone

_governments need to apply legislation to push for sustainable actions and practices

problems and barriers tosustainabiltiy

_sustainability is hampered by attitudes and ingrained societal values

_sustainability is good, but making money and having ‘stuff’ is better

_North American sense of entitlement and concept of the ‘American Dream’spreading globally

_rampant consumerism

_long term ROI a hard sell

_do we lose or gain humanity through sustainability?

_will place survive?

approaches to sustainability

_status quo

_minimal impact _small steps _change values as long as they are profitable

_medium impact _conservation and reduction _efficiency and environment more important

_extreme _legislation _paradigm shift _net zero _live completely in balance with nature

sustainability and architecture

_more efficient and ecologically friendly design

_lower impact development

_viable for multiple generations

_building performance programs _LEED _builtgreen _R-2000

our approach to sustainability

_awareness is key

_informed decision making

_lower impact

_as efficient as possible

_limit use of new raw materials

_use only what we need

_responsible development

_design with sustainability in mind

_look at the past as we design the future

examples of sustainability

_solar initiatives _ABENGOA Solar _SOLUCAR project _powers small town _eventually will power Seville

_masdar city _zero waste, net zero city in persian gulf _automobile free

examples of sustainability

_electric transportation

_tesla motors _all electric vehicles _proven viability

_daimler _electric smart car _commuter vehicle

_guided light rail _translohr GLR _electric mass transit _lower impact than traditional light rail

examples of sustainability

_CMHC Equilibrium _net zero demonstration homes _EcoTerra _Eastman, Quebec _modular factory construction _solar energy and heat _80% more efficient than standard home

examples of sustainability

_solar decathlon _international showcase of net-zero and zero waste technologies

_team alberta _2009 entry _aims to be self sufficient

part 2: EEEL Building Examination

Insert info here

exterior view

EEEL

Energy

Environment

Experimental Learning

building emphasis

_pedestrian access

_learning by visualization

_flexible design layout

_day lighting

_innovative design: mechanical system

pedestrian access

_encourage use of stairs

_learn from landscape

_interdisciplinary interactions encouraged

_visual connection from the promenade to the labs

flexible design

_easily adapted to accommodate growth and future changes.

_to limit the amount of ‘down’ time required to reconfigure

_reusing existing resources

daylighting

_reduce energy costs

_increased productivity

_increased learning ability

_for most spaces that are frequently occupied

material selection

_glass curtain wall system

_rundle stone

_douglas fir

_glass storefront walls are easily relocated

_complex analysis for selecting materials

mechanical system

_earth tubes

_heats or cools the outdoor air to +4 degrees Celsius

_heat or cool the air to the appropriate temperature via mechanical system

_pump to rest of building

_saves the energy required to heat (-30 air) or cool (+30 air)

LEED

_NC New Construction and Major Renovations

_CI Corporate Interiors

_EB Existing Buildings

_CSCore and Shell

_H Homes

_ND Neighbourhood Development

LEED

26 – 32 points = Certified

33 to 38 points = Silver

39 – 51 points = Gold

52 + = Platinum.

LEED

scorecard

_gold certification with hopes of platinum

sustainable sites

_limit pollution to water and air supply

location of development

developing on a previously developed site

providing native plant vegetation

providing pervious paving

reducing storm water runoff

treating storm water

reducing heat island effects

eliminating light pollution

providing easy access to transit facilities

selection of site materials to eliminate heat island effects

water efficiency

_reduce the amount of potable water used for irrigation or disposal

collecting storm water for irrigation

provide low flow faucets, shower heads

prevent ground water consumption

energy & atmosphere

_reduce the amount of energy consumed

_production of energy creates green house gases

select energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, receptacles,

use onsite renewable energy systems to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels

commissioning ensures that the building systems are operating as projected

help to reduce the ozone depletion and use of renewable power systems

materials & resources

_reduce the impact of material selection on the environment

location of the manufacturing process

energy required for manufacture, transportation

product durabilityoff gassing during manufacture and during installation

recyclability after its use

purchase costs

raw material renewability

materials & resources

_chart used by architects to determine the sustainability of the products selected

_used Athena EcoCalculator to help

indoor environmentalquality

_reduce the amount of pollutants in the indoor environment

monitor indoor air levels

ensure the air supply is clean

ensure mechanical systems are working properly

eliminate moisture problems

provide views of the outdoors from the interior

provide daylighting accessibility

provide thermal comfort

specify materials with low VOC’s or little off gassing effects

optimizing the fresh air intake

innovation & design process

_reduce the amount of pollutants in the indoor environment

earth tube system

heliostats bring in daylight to areas that are not adjacent to the building shell

use ‘green housekeeping’ that does not produce toxic gases

use 100% green power

areas of improvement

_stormwater management, onsite treatment beneficial to the environment

a great visual learning experience for university students

Sidwell Friends Middle School in Washington, D.C. designed a wetland in a central courtyard that treats storm water runoff and waste water on site.

areas of improvement

_EA controllability of systems

Perimeter Spaces and Non-Perimeter Spaces to be controlled by users.

Because EEEL is an institution, providing control of heating or cooling systems to students may be misused.

areas of improvement

_non LEED suggestions

photovoltaics

extend lifespan of buildings to more than 75 years

implement more passive mechanical systems that can be used year round

building to relate to the site – shape, form, size, materials, color

green roof

salvage materials from other locations

alternative construction techniques

conclusion

we need to be the first to change. others will follow

we realize that we are not very conscious about how much natural resources we use or how we impact the natural environment by pollution

EEEL is the future of building practices

LEED is only a minimum standard

= lower operating costs and increased productivity

conclusion

“To move the world, we must first move ourselves’ — Socrates.”

“If we think of providing sustainable workplaces as a service, rather than as a commodity, we will build what is most economical for us to maintain and operate, and easiest for occupants to comfortably and productively use.” –William McDonough.

"The world will not evolve past its current state of crisis by using the same thinking that created the situation."- Albert Einstein