SPOTLIGHT


“It’s not Rocket Science—It’s Building Science” A Look at a High-Performance, Energy-Efficient “Green Building” from 35,000 feet


If we reduced the amount of energy our buildings use by 50%, it would reduce the nation’s carbon footprint by more than 30%.


“G


reen Building” is an over-used phrase that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Manufacturers boast about their


“eco-friendly products,” “energy efficient” and “envi- ronmentally friendly” components and “sustainable practices.” Builders tout ”green features” in the homes they construct. Appliances and new homes can achieve “Energy Star” ratings, and for construction the U.S. Green Building Council has Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification pro- grams. How does one navigate through the minefield of “green” messages to make informed decisions about which types of innovations to adopt?


“Green building” is the science of integrating architec- ture, engineering and construction to design and build the most high-performance, energy-efficient, healthy, environmentally responsible and durable building possible. Te building industry has the knowledge and systems available today to design and build structures that are “net-zero” (energy neutral) or “energy plus” (surplus energy producers), as well as buildings in which the indoor air is more healthy than outdoor air.


How a man-made structure is built will be affected by “siting” (its precise position), its climate zone, and the property owner’s long term goals. Renovations pose a


16 create | A REMODELING RESOURCE FROM NARI METRO DC


range of different challenges, but a specific set of fac- tors are analyzed to devise energy-saving solutions.


Some vital factors are: ●


Placing and positioning the building to achieve pas- sive solar design and incorporate, renewable energy,


●


Making the most use of an existing structure while minimizing waste,


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Managing water use (including irrigation) and landscaping,


● ●


Building and ensuring exterior component durability, Installing insulation and ensuring thermal efficiency,


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Meeting heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system requirements,


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Managing indoor water use, including hot water system and distribution,


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Installing well-designed and efficient lighting and appliances,


● Creating a high quality indoor environment, and ●


Evaluating various types of design and building strategies to gauge return-on-investment (ROI).


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