Abu Dhabi University

College of Engineering
MSc in Sustainable Architecture
ARC625 – Indoor Sustainable Spaces
Fall 2017-2018

Sustainable Design Principles

Final Essay Paper

Yara Mazen Anbar

1028794
12-Dec-2017
Abstract:
In recent decades, the rapid growth of construction developments around the world has become a critical
issue which needs to be highlighted. The random use of scary amounts of limited resources found on earth,
aside from the harm produced by those developments into the environment has led to start discussing the
need for finding long-terms solutions which guarantee the continuing of human existence and well-being in
this planet along with providing design strategies which has minimal effect on the environment and future
generation. Sustainable design principles were introduced to minimize the harm on the environment beside
helping to create environmentally friendly designs.
This paper aims to discuss some of the main sustainable design principles which are implemented in a
variety of successful sustainable projects around the world. Sustainable approaches and principles are
being used in the design process towards creating a sustainable & efficient design solution. This paper will
discuss around six major principles of sustainable developments and it will link those principles into some
case studies which implemented those principles in a successful way.

Keywords:
Sustainable Design, energy efficient lighting, energy management system, Sustainable Sites, Water
Efficiency, gray water, green buildings, Thermal Comfort, Daylighting, natural ventilation, re-
cycling, sustainable building, Orientation, Passive Heating & Cooling, Insulation, Materials, Recycled
Materials, Indoor Environmental Quality.

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INTRODUCTION
Sustainable design principles have been recently introduced to the architectural business practice where it
is helping in several ways whether economic status of the business itself or even for environmental issues
creating a healthy atmosphere for the users having an overall better experience. There are several factors
that contributes in developing a sustainable building.

A sustainable building is always valued through the environmental integrity of the building scheme, strategy
and operation. Several architects and designers are appreciating the sustainable design principles thus
they are integrating them within their designs in order to improve the quality of life and minimizing unsafe
impacts on our health and environment.

Clients also tend to see the reimbursements that occur after applying sustainable design tactics which is
noticeable through the reduced operating expenses, and comfort and health benefits. Therefore, more
sustainable architecture projects are being introduced seeking to decrease the negative environmental
impact by the adeptness and balance in the usage of resources, energy and expansion space.
The three main characteristics of having a sustainable project would focus on having an environmentally
friendly building materials, energy and resource efficiency, and efficient use of space. The most desirable
materials that are those that are recycled, renewable and manufactory energy efficient materials. As for the
energy efficiency some practical steps are taken regarding the design taking into consideration wind,
geothermal and solar. Indoor environmental quality is highly important for users, focusing on features that
will improve their experience of the space such as ventilation, temperature control and many more.
(Sustainable architecture principles, 2015)
Into the bargain, many building have been labelled under the term of sustainable buildings though the term
is very vague. Understanding the term sustainable design requires a better understanding regarding the
principles of sustainable architecture that could be interpreted in practice of both architecture and interior
design, which are;
1. Sustainable Sites
2. Building Design
3. Energy Efficiency and Atmosphere
4. Materials and Resources Efficiency
5. Water Efficiency
6. Indoor Environmental Quality

This paper aims to discuss some key points of effective sustainable design principles which are
implemented in various projects aiming towards achieving a sustainable design solution and environmental
evaluability.

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I. Sustainable sites

Designing a project that is sustainably adequate must start with a logical process of selection for the
appropriate site. A suitable sustainable site should have a limit expansion over advanced zones and
preserve ecologically productive plots. For instance, developing projects in sites that have existing
infrastructure rather that Greenfields or even redeveloping brownfield plots. (Council, 2009)

Transportation is an important site factor that should be taken in consideration as a sustainable design
would focus on decreasing the emanation and land development impacts from automobile usage.
Therefore, public transportation access possibilities in the site will help in reducing vehicle use. In addition,
cycling storages and pathways must be inferred in the design. As for the vehicles, creating parking for fuel
efficient cars as well as constructing the minimal zoning requirement of a parking space including
pedestrian’s access, vehicle barriers and boundary lightings. (Council, 2009)

Reduction in pollutants and straining on substructure for example, decreasing storm water quantity will
definitely improve the quality of the site such as wetlands and vegetation filtrations. Increasing open areas
in the site will improve the air quality having a better user experience. Another factor will be protecting
existing habitats and respecting the territories while designing. (Council, 2009)

II. Building design

Sustainable design solution focuses on the relationship between the site and the building design and how
they are responding to each other where it is taken into consideration the philosophy that be in favor of
sustainable energy sources including the 3 basic energy sources; wind, geothermal and solar. Learning
how to locate, orient, and shape the building stirring the specifics for your architectural design creating a
sustainable design. Starting with identifying the right orientation and allocation of the building can increase
the energy efficiency through taking a full advantage of the seasonal changes. For instance, the suns
position can help in having a significant idea of where light and other appliances must be installed.
(Sustainable architecture principles, 2015)

Figure 1: Building design Responding to site Conditions

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One of the most effective examples of how the site conditions could directly influence and affect the design
decisions towards creating a sustainable design is the EDGE office building located in located in
Netherlands, situated in the center of Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district. According to BREEAM the
Edge is considered as the greenest building in the world, according to British rating agency, which gave it
the highest sustainability score ever awarded: 98.4%. (Fytrou-Moschopoulou, 2017)
The building’s orientation is based on the path of the sun. The atrium is located in a way to allow the
northern daylight to penetrate through the building while the solar panels are located on the southern
facade shield the workspaces from the sun exposure. (Fytrou-Moschopoulou, 2017)

Figure 2: Form Evolution

Referring to figure 02 we can see the evolution of the building form and the design decisions has been
taken very sensitively to respond to the existing site conditions and at the time achieving a powerful design
solution.
Another Successful example of how building design should respond to site conditions and interact with the
context of the site is the first project in the UAE with LEED Platinum certificate and 5 pearls Certification
from Estidama, Shiekh Zayed Desert Learning Center.
the building main concept was to grow out of the landscape and adapt to the harsh, rugged surroundings
and the context of the site. The architects designed a sculpture submerged into the ground one-third of its
cubic content lies below ground level to reduce the heat gain and ensures to have better indoor comfort
levels. (Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center Al Ain, n.d.)

Figure 3: Form Evoultion – Shiekh Zayed Desert Learning

Center
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III. Energy Efficiency and Atmosphere
Optimizing energy performance by reducing energy consumption which reduces pollution and the main
goal of this reduction is decreasing the fossil fuel consumption. Energy conversation can occur in several
methods and strategies each will be discussed briefly:

Energy Deliberate Site Planning

Planning wisely in relation to energy conversation will allow designers to exploit the use of natural
resources. For instance, passive solar heating is increased by having the southern façade exposed
therefore, trees tend to provide shade in summer and gain solar heat during winter. Another example would
be planning the building location in relation to onsite water features to provide natural cooling in summer.
(Jong-Jin Kim, 1998)
The Edge office building design have achieved a successful energy deliberate site planning strategy which
helps towards taking the design into a sustainable and efficient development.
For example, the edge treated its southern façade in an efficient way by covering it up with solar panels to
get use of the southern sun and produce electricity . The electricty produced by the solar panels on the
southern façade are enough to supply electricity to power all smartphones, laptops and electric cars.
(Fytrou-Moschopoulou, 2017)
Moreover, Load bearing walls & louvers are added to the south, east and west façade to optimize the
efficiency levels. The load bearing walls have smaller openings to provide thermal mass and shading, and
solid openable panels for ventilation where the Louvers on the south facades are designed and located
according to sun angles and provide extra shading for the office spaces in order to reduce solar heat gain.
(Fytrou-Moschopoulou, 2017)

Figure 4: Solar Panels on the Southern Facade

Passive Heating and Cooling

There are basic requirements in order to achieve a well passive heating and cooling system. Introducing a
passive solar design scheme will help in controlling the flow of solar radiation through the usage of building
structure and used later on throughout the day when needed. Another important element is implementing
shading devices either by plants and vegetation or by overhangs preventing heat gain during summer

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controlling the indoor temperature of the building. A major factor that would contribute to conserving energy
would be prevailing winds as they are a benefit for both cooling and hygienic effects. (Jong-Jin Kim, 1998)
Referring back to the case study of the edge office building, the heating and cooling systems are regulated
in a sustainable way. Therefore, two groundwater sources are located 130 meters underground: one for
cold water and one for warm water. These so-called aquifer thermal energy storage pumps, depending on
the inner and outer climate, pump warm or cold water in to or out of the building. The installation pumps are
driven by self-generated solar power. As such, The Edge cleverly and optimally uses all sustainable
possibilities. (Fytrou-Moschopoulou, 2017)

Figure 5: Thermal Aquifer – The EDGE

Another successful example worth mentioning is the Vancouver Convention Center in Canada, the heating
and cooling are controlled by high-efficiency seawater heat pumps system powered by renewable
hydroelectricity. (AIA,Vancouver Convention Centre West, n.d.)
A radiant piping system is added into the flooring which helps to absorb the solar loads and it provides
heating in the winter to enhance the comfort levels. This system is used in the bulk of the program spaces,
creating superior air circulation with minimum energy use. (AIA,Vancouver Convention Centre West, n.d.)

Figure 6: : Heating and cooling mechanical systems -Vancouver Convention Center

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 Figure 7: Heating and cooling mechanical systems – Vancouver Convention Center

Insulation
The building would require a well-developed envelope considering the façade directions and having
building shell where it is required. Implementing the appropriate windows and wall insulation will prevent
heat gain and loss. Installation of suitable HVAC systems will be required taking into consideration the
requirement of the building. (Jong-Jin Kim, 1998)A successful envelope treatment which is sustainable and
efficient is the sheikh Zayed desert learning center. The massive concrete walls used in the exterior with an
insulated sandstone façade plus air gap behind) majorly plays a great role to reduce the amount of energy
needed to cool the building. Moreover, the deep window recesses and roof overhangs above the large
glass façades minimize the amount of direct sunlight entering. But enough daylight is still emitted into the
building to illuminate the interior efficiently, in conjunction with the building ‘s pioneering approach to
lighting. (Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center Al Ain, n.d.)

Figure 8: Shading overcast to reduce heat gain to the Figure 9: Recessed Windows to reduce heat gain& thick
interior spaces – Shiekh Zayed Desert Learning Center concrete walls to improve insulation levels – Shiekh Zayed
Desert Learning Center

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Daylighting
Building and glazing design can make use of natural lighting leading to preserving electrical lighting energy
reducing cooling energy consumptions. In addition, daylighting improves indoor spacing by increasing the
luminous quality enhancing the users’ psychological wellbeing and productivity levels. (Jong-Jin Kim, 1998)
The Edge office building is one of the best examples to study how did they get maximum use of the
daylight. Its 15 story northern atrium acts as a window between the work zone and the outside world, as
well as providing a social heart for the building to gather, interact, and work. Moreover, the fully glazed
atrium is serving as an environmental buffer to reduce energy use in the building. (Fytrou-Moschopoulou,
2017)

Figure 10: Daylight into the Atrium – The EDGE

Energy Efficient Equipment

Equipment and appliances tend to not only consume energy but also emit heat resulting in inefficient use of
electricity. Appliances such as refrigerators, computers that are highly efficient in heating, cooling,
ventilation might have a high initial cost, yet it helps in the long-term future saving strategy. More efficient
equipment will reduce the cost of both electricity and air conditioning. (Jong-Jin Kim, 1998)
In order to maintain a healthy atmosphere several points should be considered. Reducing refrigerants by
maintaining equipment’s avoiding leak into the atmosphere. Promoting substitute energy sources (tidal
power, solar energy, hydroelectric energy etc.). Electrical and heating requirements can be achieved by
using these systems or combination of two or more systems. (Introduction to Sustainable Design, 1998)
Vancouver Convention Center successes to achieve this point by using seawater heat pumps as an
integrated renewable energy resource, taking advantage of the stationary temperature of the harbor to
produce free cooling during summer times and free heating in winter. This system decreases the amount of
energy from the grid which is allocated for heating and cooling by two-thirds. Generally speaking, seawater
heat pumps contribute a 30% reduction in energy use. Taking into consideration the impact to marine life
from these heat exchanges is minimal, due to the harbor’s strong tidal mixing power and the availability of
deep water for inlet and discharge pipes. (Architects, LMN, 2017)

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Figure 11: Summer & Winter Cooling Systems- Vancouver Convention Center

IV. Materials & Resources Efficiency

Sustainable building would require the use of environmentally friendly building materials. Materials that ae
highly desired are those that can be recycled, renewable and those with the least energy to produce. Local
trades are highly recommended when it comes to materials in order to decrease the cost. Recycled building
materials are high in demand nowadays due to the achievement of manufacturing them and applying them
creating a sustainable building (Sustainable architecture principles, 2015). The importance of materials
efficiency depends on two major points;

• Integrate Recycled Materials

Demolished buildings tend to produce a huge amount of a well fit material that can be either
reused as it is or can be recycled to manufacture a new material in order to be used in
construction. For example, materials like wood, steel, and glass can be recycled easily yet other
materials like brick can be transferred and used in the new building construction.

• Usage of Materials that can be Recycled

During the design and construction of a sustainable building materials that are easily recycled in
the future must be highly recommended rather than those that are hard to reclaim. Materials like
these help in preserving energy embodied in their manufacture. Sustainable architects encourage
the use of such materials in order of preventing materials manufacture pollutants that will harm the
atmosphere (Introduction to Sustainable Design, 1998).
• Use of Local Material
Considering the source of the materials used in a sustainable project is very important because
selecting a material which is available thousands of kilometers from the project location will
reduce its efficiency levels no matter how sustainable it is. Transferring those materials will require
ships, airplanes, trucks which requires more fuel and more consumption of the energy resources.
According to that, its very advisable to get benefit from the available and nearby materials to
enhance the efficiency levels of the project.
Shiekh Zayed Desert Learning Center is one of the best local examples where they used the
Omani sandstones as the main material for the façade cladding which was only about 400 KM

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 away from the location of the project which mean less transportation is required thus, less energy
consumption. (Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center Al Ain, n.d.)

V. Water Efficiency

Water efficiency and conservation methods start by reducing the water supply input, output or even both.
The water supplied to the building will eventually leave the construction site as sewage water that can be
treated by the municipal water treatment plants thus the decrease in usage will eventually reduce the
waste. The basic elements of water conservation rely on two elements;

• Reclaim Water Onsite

The reclaim process that occurs depends on the type of water, which can be categorized into two
types; gray water and sewage. The gray water is usually produced by simple activities done by
the users such as hand washing, this type of water can be treated and used for other purposes in
the building such as ornamental plants and toilets flush. The treatment done allows the water to
serve the buildings requirements yet not up to the level of making it of drinking water quality.
Another source of water that can be used for the same purposes would be collected rainwater. By
the help of the buildings envelope in particular roofs, rainwater is collected and thus used for
irrigation systems and other services. (Jong-Jin Kim, 1998)
As Mentioned Earlier, Domestic wastewater generated from washing, showering, cooking etc. is
commonly referred to as grey water. Recycling this wastewater stream can reduce the demand for
potable water supply. Grey water can be collected, treated and used for irrigation, cleaning,
firefighting top up, or for toilet flushing. It is important to consider the amount of water that can be
recycled and how it can be used so the production of this ‘treated’ grey water is equivalent to
demand therefore does not lead to wasted recycled water.
An interesting example of grey water treatment system can be installed which capture the water
from showers and baths through a dedicated drainage pipes, separate from the drainage system.
The water goes into a filtration system in order to remove fine particles from the water before it
enters into the tank. Once the shower is finished, the system automatically begins the chlorination
cycle followed by cleaning of the filter.to produce water which can be used for flushing the toilets.
This system helps to reduce the water consumption by 50% in a single bathroom. (Greywater
System, n.d.)

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Figure 12:Greywater System

• Decrease Consumption
A certain water supply system can be adapted in the building in order to reduce the consumption
of water thus decreasing the waste of water. For instance, low flow faucets as well as small toilet
tanks are highly in demand due to their low water consumption. In addition, other systems like
vacuum assisted and bio-composting toilets are even better in building of residential and
commercial use. Landscaping is a vital criterion for sustainable designs and choosing the right
plantation will add credit to the site. Local landscaping will lessen water utilization as these types
of plants tend to have well adaptation level to local rainfall levels, disregarding any non-necessary
additional watering. In sequence to maintain the bloom of the plantations additional watering
systems are required such as sprinklers and these will require a well addressed placement and
adjustment on site avoiding any unnecessary water loss that will also disturb users if reached to
the sidewalks or even the street (Introduction to Sustainable Design, 1998).

VI. Indoor Environmental Quality

“Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) refers to the quality of a building's environment in relation to the health
and wellbeing of those who occupy space within it. IEQ is determined by many factors, including lighting,
air quality, and damp conditions”. (INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, n.d.)
Since we are living in the UAE we can state that people spend about 90% of their time indoor and do most
of their life activities indoor due to the weather conditions. This emphasize on our role as designers to
ensure providing those users good indoor environmental conditions which will help them to complete their
tasks. (Environmental & Occupational Health Assessment Program, n.d.)
There are many factors which affects the quality of the indoor spaces such as: thermal comfort, ventilation,
lighting, views, noise, indoor air quality. (Environmental & Occupational Health Assessment Program, n.d.)

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Thermal Comfort
Creating comfortable indoor conditions to please all users in one space is considered as one of the biggest
consumers of energy in buildings and it is also critical for phycological impact on users and it plays a huge
role in improving their productivity levels within the space. Often factors such as airflow and heat gain are
usually overlooked in the design stage, leading to take decision to reduce the energy use and improve the
occupancy satisfaction. (Ocuupant Comfort, n.d.)
To keep the users comfortable while using the spaces the design solution needs to provide the right and
balanced mixture of temperature, humidity, radiant temperature and air speed. The right level of these
variables depends on what activity is occurring in each specific space, how active the people are, and what
they are wearing or doing. Each individual has different criteria for their comfort levels, so comfort is often
measured by the percentage of occupants who report they’re satisfied with specific conditions in the space.
(Ocuupant Comfort, n.d.)

Visual Comfort
Maintaining visual comfort in a space is about making sure that the users of this space have enough light to
complete their activities comfortably, which means the light has the correct quality and balance, and people
have good views to the outdoor. All of the above-mentioned strategies can be optimized by designing a
good façade strategy which responds to the environment, context of the building, and the function and
activities which will occur inside the space. (Ocuupant Comfort, n.d.)
Integrating the natural daylight within the space helps to achieve a happy, healthy, and productive
environment for the users of this specific space. Natural light is a free source which can be integrated and
used rather than trying to create this environment with artificial lighting systems which consumes energy.
Having good views and sight-lines gives users a sense of control of their environment and provides a sense
of well-being. (Ocuupant Comfort, n.d.)
Integrating openings and windows in the design such as high or clerestory windows, light shelves, and well-
placed skylights can help integrating daylight within the space. Artificial lights, are needed at some point
and however, the energy use can be reduced by using efficient fluorescents or LEDs lamps, with
daylighting dimming controls, effective fixtures, and good lighting design. A good design creates a balance
of natural and artificial lighting. (Ocuupant Comfort, n.d.)

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Conclusion

In Conclusion, Sustainable design principles can help to design and create a sustainable and efficient
building design which responds effectively to its context, environment and its function with minimum impact
on the environment. Sustainable Principles are promoting to create a built environment which is more
livable, environmentally friendly, comfortable, and productive while at the same time they try to utilize the
energy use and improve the energy, water efficiency levels in the design.
This paper tackled six different sustainable design principles starting from the selection criteria of a
sustainable site, Building Design, Energy Efficiency and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources Efficiency,
Water Efficiency, along to achieving a good Indoor Environmental Quality within the space. Implementing
all the above-mentioned principles in a thoughtful way ensures creating a sustainable and efficient design.
Some successful sustainable examples were mentioned on this people where those project successes in
implementing those principles which helps them to get the highest levels of sustainability certificates. The
EDGE office building, Vancouver Convention Center, and Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center were the
main case studies mentioned on this paper due to their high efficiency and sustainable design approaches.

The sustainability requirements are to a greater by time due to the high attention levels towards creating
developments & designs which will not harm the environment and yet function efficiently during its lifecycle.
The challenge for us as architects and designers is to bring together these different sustainability principles
in innovative ways. The new design approach must recognize the impacts of every design choice on the
natural and cultural resources of the local, regional and global environments. These sustainability principles
will be applicable throughout the different stages of the building life cycle, from its design, during its useful
life, up until management of the building waste in the demolition stage.

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References

(n.d.). Retrieved from Environmental & Occupational Health Assessment Program.

AIA,Vancouver Convention Centre West. (n.d.). Retrieved from The American Institute of Architects:
http://www.aiatopten.org/node/105

Architects, LMN. (2017). How Vancouver Greened Its Waterfront. Retrieved from LMN Architects:
https://lmnarchitects.com/case-study/vancouver-greened-waterfront

Council, T. U. (2009, july 31). Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/jmwmaria/sustainable-design-

principles

Fytrou-Moschopoulou, A. (2017, Jan). The Edge: Amsterdam office building with highest BREEAM score
to date. Retrieved from The European Portal For Energy Efficiency In Buildings:
http://www.buildup.eu/es/node/51248

Greywater System. (n.d.). Retrieved from Water Collection system:

http://www.climateincorp.com/product-catalog/greywater-systems/grey-water-systems/

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. (n.d.). Retrieved from NIOSH:

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/

Jong-Jin Kim, B. R. (1998, December). Introduction to Sustainable Design. p. 28.

Ocuupant Comfort. (n.d.). Retrieved from Sustainabillity Workshop :

https://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/buildings/occupant-comfort

Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center Al Ain. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.chalabi.at/de/architektur/projekte/sheikh-zayed-desert-learning-center-al-ain/

Sustainable architecture principles. (2015, August 26). Retrieved from RISE:

https://risedesignstudio.co.uk/blog/index.php/2015/08/26/sustainable-architecture-principles/

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