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| the connections that humans subconsciously seek with the rest of life. |
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| process of ensuring that system are designed, installed, and functionally tested for effective operation/maintenance for an owner’s operational needs. |
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| systematic investigation process applied to existing buildings to improve an optimize operating/maintenance. |
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| provides a tool for determining long-term costs for the total building. |
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| something organic (wood fiber, paper, cotton, etc.) that mold can use as an energy source. Mold cannot eat inorganic materials like concrete, brick, or gypsum (but it loves the paper on drywall!) |
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| measure of heat transmission where a Low U-value has a slow heat loss or gain (brick wall) and a High U-value has a rapid heat loss or gain (window) |
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| measure of thermal resistance in a component. (U-Value = 1/R-Value) and typically the opposite of an U-Value. Used to define level of insulation. |
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| ability of a material to store heat (concrete/masonry walls store heat in an arid climate and release it slowly at night) |
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| the average temperature that a mechanical system is designed for, either for heating (how cold it gets) or cooling (how warm it gets) |
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| Design for Climate - Hot & Dry |
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Definition
| minimize sun exposure and effects of wind. Use small windows. Optimize thermal mass for large temperature swing during the day, and closely cluster buildings for the shade the offer each other. |
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| Design for Climate - Hot & Humid |
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| minimize sun exposure, maximize natural ventilation. Use lightweight construction to minimize radiation of heat and space buildings far apart for breezes |
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| Design for Climate - Temperate |
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| maximize solar gain in the winter, minimize in the summer. Maximize breezes in the summer, minimize in the winter. Take advantage of daylighting opportunities |
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| Design for Climate - Cold |
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| orient buildings/openings for maximum protection from cold winds and use small windows/compact shapes to minimize heat loss. Use south facing windows to maximize solar gains. |
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| Create Healthy Indoor Environments: |
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Definition
• Ample daylight and proper ventilation lead to greater satisfaction, more comfort, and increased productivity.
• Supply fresh outdoor air, use passive ventilation or “Mixed-mode” systems in larger buildings that supply a mix of fresh/mechanical air.
• Offer natural light and views to the outdoors with windows, skylights, light shelves, and the use of light colors
• Control temperature and humidity with passive and mechanical technologies that are individually controlled by occupants.
• Prevent moisture build up. |
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Definition
• Reduce potable water use in irrigation and fixtures by using drip-irrigation or low-flow/ graywater appliances
• Use local vegetation that requires minimal or no irrigation
• Compost
• Catch rainwater for flushing fixtures, irrigation
• Treat backwater through an on site living machine so it can be reused
• Use few impermeable surfaces |
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| Use environmentally preferable building materials |
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Definition
• Build to the size that is needed and no larger
• Use materials/systems engineered for maximum efficiency
• Use durable materials that last longer and with fewer maintenance resources
• Avoid irreplaceable/engaged resources
• Use renewable/well managed resources
• Use recycled/recyclable resources and avoid anything that’s toxic
• Avoid materials that general pollution during manufacturing, building, use, or disposal
• Use materials with low embodied energy (how much fossil fuel was used to make it?)
• Use materials the help conserve energy (thermal mass for energy, light reflective surfaces, radiant barriers, insulation) |
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