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A holistic approach to achieve a sustainable, zero energy building design.

Number: pap. 601

Author(s) : SOEBARTO V.

Summary

Constructing a zero energy building has been the main aim of many projects in recent years. Architects and engineers have a major responsibility in achieving a zero energy building through thorough design, implementation and careful operation. This paper presents a course that has been running for a number of years in an undergraduate program of architecture and architectural engineering, which explores the concept of sustainable, zero energy building design. In this course, sustainability is understood to include environmental, social and economic aspects. While the main task for the students is to design a zero energy building, they are also exposed to a number of related topics such as water sensitive design, energy efficient lighting, on-site waste management, embodied energy and materials, on-site power, user issues, and life-cycle costing. It is argued that considerations of other relevant environmental aspects are necessary in achieving a sustainable, zero energy building. The course includes introducing students to various tools, such as a building simulation and energy rating tool, embodied energy calculator, rain water collection and solar power calculators, and a life-cycle cost analysis tool. Examples of student work are presented to show that, even though each design is different, it is all based on the same principles. Student evaluations of learning and teaching indicate that they have gained a better understanding of sustainable design, and that a zero-energy design can only be a sustainable design if all interrelated aspects are holistically considered and carefully implemented in the design decisions.

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Format PDF

Pages: 10 p.

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Details

  • Original title: A holistic approach to achieve a sustainable, zero energy building design.
  • Record ID : 30009391
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Environment
  • Source: Clima 2013. 11th REHVA World Congress and 8th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation in Buildings.
  • Publication date: 2013/06/16

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