Architectural Design 1-8 – Topic 6: Green Architecture

Green Building
1. A building can be considered as a green building in its design, during construction,
or operation that reduces negative impacts towards the climate and the natural
environment.
Principles and Features
1. Efficient use of energy, water, and other resources
2. Use of renewable energy, such as solar energy
3. Pollution and waste reduction measures, and the enabling of re-use and recycling
4. Good indoor environmental air quality
5. Use of materials that are non-toxic, ethical, and sustainable
6. Consideration of the environment in design, construction, and operation
7. Consideration of the quality of life of occupants in design, construction, and
operation
8. A design that enables adaptation to a changing environment
Basic Considerations
1. Community and Site Selection
a. Protection of sensitive sites
b. Site preservation and restoration
c. Protection of natural features
d. Heat island reduction
e. Site waste management
f. Transportation issues
g. Minimizing light pollution
h. Site strategies and energy use
2. Building Considerations
a. Floor Area
b. Surface Area
c. Orientation
d. Overhangs and awning
e. Solar Panels
f. Building Façade
g. Rainwater Harvesting
h. Use of the roof
Sustainable Design
 1. Sustainable Design refers to the development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In
short, it is different from Green Architecture, as sustainable design is more broad.
2. Green Architecture focuses more on the environmental aspect.
3. It is composed of three pillars: economic, social, and environmental.
Green Building Rating Systems
1. Rating systems are a type of building certification system that rates or rewards
relative levels of compliance or performance with specific environmental goals and
requirements
2. Examples:
a. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
b. Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE)
c. Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
(BREEAM)
3. The Philippine Green Building Code are performance standards of the Code that
include energy efficiency, water efficiency, material sustainability, solid waste
management, site sustainability, and indoor environmental quality.