6/9/2023 0 Comments Building envelope examples![]() It should meet or exceed applicable energy performance standards. Optimize Energy Use-A sustainable building should rely on efficiency and passive design measures rather than fossil fuels for its operation. Consider reuse and retrofit of available existing buildings before deciding to build new. It is usually more sustainable to renovate an existing building than to tear it down and construct a new one. Optimize Site Potential-Creating sustainable buildings starts with proper site selection, and the location, orientation, and landscaping of a building affect the local ecosystems, transportation methods and energy use. ![]() While the definition of what constitutes sustainable building design, construction and operation is constantly evolving, there are six fundamental principles that nearly everyone agrees on. The main objectives of sustainable design are to avoid resource depletion of energy, water, and raw materials prevent environmental degradation caused by facilities and their infrastructure throughout their life cycle and create built environments that are accessible, secure, healthy, and productive. This "sustainable" approach supports an increased commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation, and results in an optimal balance of cost, environmental, societal, and human benefits while meeting the mission and function of the intended facility. ![]() Because of the varied and sometimes competing functions associated with the building envelope, an integrated, synergistic approach considering all phases of the facility life cycle is warranted. The prime functions of the building envelope are to provide shelter, security, solar and thermal control, moisture control, indoor air quality control, access to daylight, and views to outside, fire resistance, acoustics, cost effectiveness and aesthetics. The building envelope is comprised of the outer elements of a building-foundations, walls, roof, windows, doors and floors. As the economy and population continue to expand, the design, construction and operation community will face increasing challenges to meet the new demands for facilities that are accessible, secure, healthy, and productive while minimizing their impact on the environment.įor the design, construction and operation of a facility, there is an especially important interface between the indoor and outdoor environments, that of the building envelope. It is no secret that building construction and operation have an enormous direct and indirect impact on the environment in terms of energy use, atmospheric emissions, use of raw materials, waste generation, water use, and many other factors. Since the early 1990s, sustainability has become an increasing priority for facilities projects.
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