Sustainable Construction Practices

A Definition of Sustainability

Sustainability requires us to live within the limits of the earth’s capacity to provide the materials for our activities and to absorb the waste and pollution that our activities generate.

What is Sustainable Design?

Appropriate use of land Use water and energy efficiently Enhance human health Strengthen local economies Conserve plants and animals Protect agricultural, cultural and

archeological resources Economical to build and maintain Nice to live in Beautiful

Building Shape Guidelines

Cold ClimatesMaximize winter heat gain Make buildings compact in

cold climates to reduce heat loss

Elongate along the east/west axis to maximize solar gain

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Solar Orientation

Building Shape Guidelines

Temperate Climates Maximize winter heat gain and

minimize summer overheating Rectangular building aligned

with the east/west axis Overhang design very

important

Building Shape Guidelines

Hot and Humid Climates Minimize heat gain through

windows Ventilation and shading maximized Building form should be elongated

on an axis perpendicular to the summer wind patterns

The plan should be open

Building Shape Guidelines

Hot and Dry Climates Minimize solar gain through

shading, especially on the western side

Promote air movement through cross ventilation

U-Shape will create a cool inner courtyard

Cracker House