Sustainable buildings Flashcards
Describe the key properties of a sustainable building.
They provide…
specific functions and services with high quality and reliability
Healthy and comfortable indoor environments and minimize the exposure to toxic materials
A low life-cycle environmental footprint
Are constructed such as to minimize resource depletion, and conserve non-renewable energy and rare materials
An aesthetically pleasing external/internal shape and design/layout
Meet required social need and criteria
Operate at an overall cost considered attractive/acceptable to all stakeholders involved, and have high real estate value
Describe the key benefits of a sustainable building.
Benefits of recourse efficient buildings
Lower life-cycle resource consumption and related emissions, and lower impact on local communities
Lower operating and maintaining costs and related overheads - greater profitability
Greater real estate values
Better indoor thermal climate and air quality
Icreased occupant comfort, health and satisfaction
Increased worker productivity, and decreased absenteeism
Better image/profile
Dereffed investments
Access to economic/market incentives
For what key applications do we need energy in buildings?
Thermal control (heating/cooling, thermal balance)
Indoor air quality management (ventilation, filtration, air handling unit)
Hygienic requirements (domestic hot water, sanitation)
Energy distribution
Building operation and control
Transport systems (elevantors etc)
Appliances/Equipment (kitchen, laundries, pool)
Explain the concept of “Trias Energetica”
The three steps of energy/resource efficient system development
The “Trias Energetica” is a concept and design philosophy used in sustainable building and energy management. It provides a framework for achieving energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment.
Reduce energy demand
Utilize Renewable energy
Select energy source
Describe key challenges in trying to achieve greater sustainability in buildings and the built environment.
Lack of standards
Definitions vary a lot worldwide. The lack of standardized and universally accepted criteria for what countries need to do can lead to confusion and inconsistency.
Existing housing blocks
Renovation and making all existing houses fulfill the criterias for sustainable buildings is one of the biggest challenges.
Initial costs
The process and implementation of sustainable techniques and designs often involves higher initial costs. The initial investment can be a barrier for developers and property owners, especially if the long-term benefits are not immediately apparent.
Lack of Awareness and Education
Limited awareness and understanding of sustainable building practices among developers, architects, and the general public can hinder the adoption of eco-friendly design and construction methods.
What is a “Smart Building” according to IEA ERC Annex 81?
A smart building is when a building adaptively responds to changing conditions to achieve a good indoor climate and promote health, well-being and productivity of its occupants.
What is a “Data-driven Smart Building” according to IEA ERC Annex 81?
A category of smart buildings that adapts after live and historical data from sensors, IoT equipment or AI.
Describe key challenges to utilizing smart technologies in buildings.
- Maintaining a keen focus on what we as users and society need and want rather than what markets want us to think we need and want
- Defining and implementing lagom
“Lagom” is a Swedish term meaning “just the right amount” or “balanced.” Achieving the right balance in the implementation of smart technologies is challenging, as overcomplexity or insufficient integration can hinder effectiveness. - Cyber-security
With the increasing connectivity of devices, cybersecurity is a significant concern. Smart buildings are vulnerable to cyber threats. - User integrity and safety
Ensuring the integrity and safety of users in smart buildings is paramount. - User (citizen) ability and willingness to engage
Users may vary in their technological literacy and willingness to engage with smart building technologies. - Initial costs and return on investments
The initial costs of implementing smart technologies in buildings can be significant. Demonstrating a clear return on investment (ROI) and cost-effectiveness over the long term is essential. - Lack of standards
Not having clear rules that everyone follows and devices that can work together easily can make it difficult to smoothly connect different smart devices and systems.
Discuss the differences between the terms “Sustainable” and “Regenerative” with relevance to buildings.
While sustainable buildings focus on reducing negative impacts and resource consumption, regenerative buildings take a step further by actively contributing to the restoration and improvement of ecosystems. Regenerative design sees the built environment as an opportunity to enhance rather than just mitigate its surroundings, creating a positive impact on both the environment and communities.
Regenerative Buildings:
Definition: Regenerative design goes beyond sustainability by actively seeking to restore, renew, and revitalize ecosystems and communities. It aims not only to minimize harm but also to contribute positively to the environment and society.
Sustainable Buildings:
Definition: Sustainability focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the context of buildings, sustainability aims to reduce the environmental impact and resource consumption over the building’s life cycle.
While sustainable buildings focus on reducing negative impacts and resource consumption, regenerative buildings take a step further by actively contributing to the restoration and improvement of ecosystems. Regenerative design sees the built environment as an opportunity to enhance rather than just mitigate its surroundings, creating a positive impact on both the environment and communities.
Regenerative Buildings:
Definition: Regenerative design goes beyond sustainability by actively seeking to restore, renew, and revitalize ecosystems and communities. It aims not only to minimize harm but also to contribute positively to the environment and society.
Sustainable Buildings:
Definition: Sustainability focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the context of buildings, sustainability aims to reduce the environmental impact and resource consumption over the building’s life cycle.
