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Sustainable Design Solutions

There is a growing awareness among people everywhere of the critical environmental issue facing our world: global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, depletion of natural resources and the destruction of entire eco-systems, to name a few. The solutions to these problems are far from simple and will require the efforts of many people over a long period of time.

One solution which is coming into focus among environmentally conscious individuals involves the design and construction of buildings. Most of us by now have heard the expression "Green Architecture," "Eco-Architecture" or "Sustainable Design." Architects and builders around the country are beginning to take a closer look at how buildings impact the environment and vice versa.

New materials are available which are made from recycled materials or from "renewable resources." Natural products are replacing synthetic, toxic ones and indoor air quality issues are leading many design decisions.

In residential construction designers are seeking new solutions to create homes that use less energy, produce less waste and provide healthier environments.

Home owners spent $110 billion on energy bills in 1993. A least a third of that money was wasted due to poor construction, inadequate insulation and inefficient mechanical systems. further, burning fossil fuels is polluting (adding to global warming and ozone depletion), expensive and ultimately unavailable as we tap out the last of the earth’s reserves.

Design solutions are available now which use fossil fuels more efficiently or not at all. It is in fact possible now to build houses that are completely self sufficient in terms of energy use. Although the cost to do this is prohibitive to most, there are many middle ground solutions.

The utilization of solar energy in homes is making a comeback after a decade of relative dormancy. Popular in the ’70s because of high fuel prices and government subsides, today it is becoming attractive more for environmental reasons.

In solar design there are “active” and “passive” strategies. Active solar systems utilize mechanical equipment to function whereas passive systems rely more on building design and site orientation. Most successful solar homes use a combination of both. Solar domestic hot water systems are the most common and can supply up to 80% of a family’s needs. Solar heated water can also be used in conjunction with a “radiant” floor heating system. The warm water is pumped through a series of tubes either embedded in a concrete floor or attached to the underside of a wood floor. The whole floor acts as a heating element. The heat is kept low where it is needed making it ideal for high ceiling spaces.

Another technology which is seeing dramatic improvements and decreasing costs is photovoltaics. Photovoltaic panels look like water heating panels from a distance. P.V. panels convert sunlight into electricity. The energy is either stored in batteries or used directly with excess power being sold back to the utility. There are two innovative new photovoltaic products soon to come on the market. Both were developed in Europe and may revolutionize home energy production. One is a roof shingle which is also a photovoltaic cell. The other is type of clear glass which acts as P.V. cell. Applied to conventional windows, all windows as well as the roof could provide energy to the home without generating any pollutants.

Energy efficient design is crucial to any successful solar strategy. Using a well insulated structure, high performance windows, tight construction and highly efficient appliances and lighting are some of the methods. Of course as homes get tighter, indoor air quality issues become more critical. One solution to this is to provide adequate mechanical ventilation. Whole house ventilation systems are now available that use "air to air heat exchangers." Indoor warm air is exhausted outside but preheats the incoming cold air. Also, combustion equipment such as gas stoves, hot water heaters and wood burning stoves are equipped with fresh air intakes.

Material selection is also important in an energy efficient home. Many carpets and wall finishes contain adhesives and other chemicals which give off gases slowly and can make certain chemically sensitive people sick. Those with allergies are particularly prone to certain construction materials. Formaldehyde is considered a major contributor of indoor air pollution. Used in carpeting, particle board, plywood, insulation and paints, formaldehyde can cause headaches, asthmatic attacks and depression. Natural alternatives are available now for healthier home construction.

Many individuals and organizations are working to promote energy efficiency and healthy environmentally sound construction practices. Large utilities are encouraging energy efficient construction as part of their “demand side management.” Northeast Utilities has a program in Massachusetts called The Energy Crafted Home. They train architects and builders in these techniques and then come in to certify the houses they build. The program is currently being planned for Connecticut.

In 1990 the American Institute of Architects (AIA) formed the Committee on the Environment (COTE). Its purpose is to coordinate and promote efforts by architects around the county as they begin to bring sustainable architecture into the mainstream. They also publish the subscription based “Environmental Resource Guide (ERG).” The ERG is the first comprehensive publication focusing on environmental issues as they relate to buildings.

Sustainable design is a growing trend that will and must continue if we are to reverse the environmental degradation our society has created and perpetrates. It offers solutions that work and that satisfy our desire to live peacefully with the earth. It is ironic that many of these "new" solutions are not really new at all. People around the world have learned to build efficiently using natural indigenous materials. Much can be learned from the vernacular architecture of various regions. Combined with a little technology, the solutions are endless.

John Rountree AIA, is the founder and chairman of the AIA/CT Committee on the Environment.