The New Art Of Sustainable Design

Green designs or sustainable designs are often used in place of each other. They are complementary terms and usually cover all aspects of building green. Confusion however exists in the exact meaning of the term sustainable design. Sustainable design means a design which is more or less self sufficient like a self actuating biosphere.

The important aspects of sustainable design is that the design places the least load on the environment, is able to regenerate most of the resources required for its sustenance and helps improve our way of living. To translate that into practical measures, it involves designing buildings or townships in a holistic fashion utilizing the elements of nature such as sunlight and wind intelligently. These include the use of solar arrays and natural air to reduce consumption of electricity and polluting air conditioners which produce CFCs. A sustainable design looks at conserving water by harvesting rain water. Recycling of water used for bathing for the kitchen garden is yet another aspect. It looks at converting organic waste products into manure for use in the buildings kitchen garden.

A range of initiatives such as sharing a common swimming pool, common rainwater harvesting plant, solar panels all add up to the conservation aspects in a sustainable design. Car-pooling can also be considered as part of sustainable design as it helps conserve natural resources. Locally used material which can be replenished are encouraged in a sustainable design. So if repairs are required of the building, material need not be hauled over long distances but be utilized from around the environment. Converting all these ideas into practice requires government help. 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.

Renewable & Alternative Energy Resources: http://www.alternativeenergybase.com

For more on green design, goto aia.org.

Sustainable Building In Environmentally Friendly Dwellings

Sustainable building is a concept which is fast catching up with urban dwellers. The concepts involved in sustainable building or construction primarily reflect the principals of sustainable development i.e. environmental protection, economic development, and social development, in design, building, maintenance and occupation of buildings. These buildings are designed and constructed keeping in mind the environmental standards.

Sustainable buildings will help minimize energy requirements and help reduce water consumption, use materials which are of low environmental impact e.g. low embodied energy and resource efficient, reduce wastage, conserve and enhance the natural environment and safeguard human health and well-being too.

While constructing a green home building, you must keep in mind certain factors:

Environmental factors: It is advisable to give due consideration to conservation and enhancement of the site ecology or biodiversity.

Look into how much energy is consumed: If suitable measures are taken to minimize energy consumption, high levels of insulation are adopted, it can help minimize energy consumption. Maximizing daylight and using energy efficient lighting and appliances can also help achieve the goals.

Transportation facilities: If the site of construction is nearby, it can help minimize the expenses. One should give due consideration to transport routes, proximity to amenities and places of work, space for home working also.

Water consumption: The quantity of water consumed, reusing rainwater, water efficient appliances, minimizing and attenuating surface water run-off to prevent flooding and pollution can all help save water.

Affordability: If it is proving very expensive, the cost of ownership can be minimized.

This can also help curb down the degradation of the environment to a large extent. The choices made now will influence the quality of life of the next generation. This can also enhance the look of the house. Sustainable building is not only eco friendly but also less expensive. Usage of natural, non-industrial materials, will also improve the energy equation when building.

Following certain green home building guidelines can help construct an environment friendly building. Apart from houses, architecture and design firms, construction and development, hospitality, and other service providers too have incorporated these guidelines. Such buildings are environment friendly. As compared to commercial sector, the residential sector has lagged behind.

Going in for such houses will help save a substantial amount of money too. Since, the products used for construction of houses are natural, they will be less expensive. You can make your contribution by opting for eco friendly houses. Looking online for information on construction of such houses can help get the required details about green home building. One can get all the required information about sustainable architecture and natural building.

About the Author:

Sadhna D, Expert author, Platinum status. Green building advice and tips: Green Home Building Guidelines


Free guide or assistance on Eco Homes: Eco Homes for Sale

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Environmentally Conscious Building

Today there are more and more people who are interested in going green, and this is affecting the commercial real estate industry as well. Green building is becoming more and more popular as people begin to think more about environmental consequences when starting new commercial buildings. Those who are investing in commercial real estate today need to learn more about green building so that they have commercial properties that are attractive to buyers and tenants who want to go greener, even with their buildings. So, let's take a look at environmentally conscious building and some of the benefits out there today for investors that cater to this movement.

Things to Look for in a High Performance Commercial Building
First of all, you'll want to know what to look for in high performance real estate, or green buildings. You'll find that these types of commercial buildings are great for the environment by being very energy efficient. They also have low long term and short term life cycle costs. These buildings are also healthy for the people that occupy them and they have very little environmental impact as well. Because they offer all these things, they also attract tenants that are very desirable, which can provide investors with excellent returns.

The Cost Factor
While there are many investors that think that green building is going to be expensive, you'll actually find that the cost can often be about the same or even lower than other types of building. Research has shown that buildings that are built without a high environmental impact, and that are LEED-certified, actually are built with no additional costs. In some cases, these buildings are even constructed with lower costs than standard buildings. So, actually, you can save money when you decide to go with green building.

Green Building Features
There are a variety of different green building features that you should be aware of. This way you can include them in the buildings you are planning or the buildings that you invest in. First of all, you'll find that there are features for energy conservation, including efficient lights and insulation. Also, many buildings feature solar energy utilization as well. Water conservation is also featured in many of these commercial real estate properties that are built green. They often use recycled materials and material selection that will provide great indoor air quality. Other features include avoiding environmental destruction on the site, reducing waste during construction, avoiding the use of compounds that damage the ozone, and even a recycling provision for those in the building.

Incentives Given to Builders
Green building is becoming very popular among investors in commercial real estate, and one reason is that great incentives are given to builders today by the government. In many cases, fast track and financial incentives are given out if builders meet the LEED standards. So, it really can pay off to care about environmental consequences of commercial building.

Buyers Support Going Green
You'll also find today that more and more buyers support going green. Green building is very popular today and buyers in the United States and even buyers around the world are very supportive of environmental protection. In fact, they support it enough that they are willing to pay a bit more money for it. So, not only are the green buildings better for the environment, and often cheaper to build, but they can also sell for more money to buyers who find it important to protect the environment.

As the popularity of going green begins to rise, it is time that commercial real estate investors get on board. Green buildings are a great way to go that not only help to save the environment and make the world a better place to live, but also to bring savvy investors more profits as well.

Sustainable Living Articles @ http://www.articlegarden.com

About Tony Seruga, Yolanda Seruga and Yolanda Bishop:
Tony Seruga, Yolanda Seruga and Yolanda Bishop of Maverick Real Estate Investments, Inc. work with builders, developers and other players in the commercial real estate industry to acquire and develop properties. They use progressive investment strategies that have proved extremely profitable. In addition to their own deals, they teach both seasoned and inexperienced investors how to be big players in the game. Visit the website for more info