While green building is becoming increasingly popular, it isn't something which many of us know how to accomplish. For instance, what qualifies a building as being green, and how are engineers and architects improving the state of the art to be more environmentally friendly? Here are some key aspects of green building, and how to accomplish them.
The most important criteria when evaluating a green structure is energy efficiency. Use of environmentally friendly and recycled materials is certainly important, but the majority of a structure's environmental impact will arise not during its construction, but rather during its years of use. Just what constitutes energy efficiency is a subject of great debate, so individual research is required to decide what is most important to you.
One helpful scale for measuring energy efficiency is an established hundred-point scale by whose ratings similar structures can be compared. Furthermore, if structures rate at above 75 on this scale, they can qualify for the EPA's Energy Star rating more commonly associated with appliances. One helpful tool in this process is the Target Finder, an EPA guideline for both constructing energy efficiently as well as improving efficiency later.
By entering an estimated energy consumption, a performance rating on the system's construction is generated. Excellent examples of green design are eligible for special recognition by the EPA.
Of course, if you're interested in green building, it's important to have an effective policy to create these structures. A good green building policy needs to use simple, standardized metrics for measuring energy use in every phase of the design, construction, and operation of the building. New buildings need to be designed to meet local energy codes, but shouldn't stop there. Instead, designers should try to get them to meet aggressive energy targets and be much more efficient.
Evaluation during the process is also key. By checking on progress, designers create valuable feedback loops that help ensure green outcomes. Evaluations should ensure that the structure conserves water and energy, is using environmentally friendly materials and methods, and does so in a way that does not needlessly waste money over time.
Green building is an interesting, but complex area. Taking the time to understand how to accomplish this is an important step for any designer, architect, or engineer. If you're interested in green buildings, be sure to find out more about them.
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About the author: Jerry Dyess specializes in Commercial Energy news and Texas Electric prices.