The Greening of the Rooftop Module 2 Basic Principles of Green Design

The Greening of the Rooftop Sustainable Design The art of designing the built environment in accordance with sustainable principles A growing force in: –architecture & landscape architecture –urban planning and development –engineering –Industrial & interior design Source: Wikipedia (

The Greening of the Rooftop Principles of Sustainable Design 1.Low Impact Materials 2.Energy Efficiency / Clean Energy 3.Quality & Durability 4.Reuse, Renewal, Recycling 5.Measurement & Assessment 6.Management Control Source: Wikipedia (

Green Design Principle #1 Low Impact Materials

What are the Key Impacts? Impact: (1) Global Warming Ozone Depletion Photochemical Oxidants Acidification Eutrification Human Health Toxicity Eco-Toxicity (1)From EPA Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other Environmental Impacts (TRACI), and as recommended by USGBC LEED LCA Working Group A, December, 2006 Caused By: Greenhouse Gasses Ozone Depleting Chemicals Ozone Producing Chemicals Acid Rain Gasses Oxygen Depleters in Water Long-Acting Toxic Chemicals Long-Acting Pesticides & Herbicides

Reduce Embodied Energy Eliminate Toxic Components Achieve Sustainable Production Eliminate Unnecessary Steps Design with the End in Mind Low-Impact Materials Low-Impact Design Strategies

Green Design Principle #2 Energy Efficiency / Clean Energy

Produce Clean Energy –Solar / Geothermal / Wind / Biomass Reduce Embodied Energy –Raw Material Extraction / Manufacturing / Transportation –Increase Durability / Recycling Reduce Operating Energy –Heating / Cooling / Lighting / Equipment Energy Efficiency / Clean Energy Global Energy Strategies

Why is Operating Energy So Important? Operating Energy versus Embodied Energy Operating energy accounts for over 85% of total energy usage in buildings Source: US DOE 2006 Buildings Energy Data Book O Energy (GJ/m 2 ) Building Life (Years) Operating Energy Recurring Embodied Energy (Repair & Maintenance) Total Energy Initial Embodied Energy

Why is Operating Energy So Important? Clean Energy versus Fossil-Fuel Energy Global Energy Supply: 1980 – 2030 (2) (Billions of Tons of Oil Equivalents) Coal Oil Gas Other (1) Biomass Hydro Nuclear (1)Solar, Wind, Geothermal (2)International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook, 2006” (Reference Scenario) Reducing operating energy will be the best opportunity for many years

Energy Efficiency / Clean Energy Roofing Strategies Reduce peak energy demand with cool roofs (Module 6) Reduce total energy demand with increased roof insulation (Module 7) Generate clean rooftop energy using PV, daylighting, or wind (Module 8)

Green Design Principle #3 Quality & Durability

Increase Quality –Improve function & value Improve Durability –Extend service life Green Building Design Quality & Durability Increased Quality = Enhanced Function Improved Durability = Expanded Life Cycle

Enhance & Combine Functions –Multifunctional spaces –Multifunctional products & systems Anticipate Extreme Conditions –Storm (wind / rain / hail) –Traffic & abuse Quality & Durability Quality & Durability Strategies More to follow in Module 7 - High Performance Roofs

Green Design Principle #4 Reuse, Renewal, Recycling

Planned Reuse Planned Maintenance Planned Removal & Recycling Green Building Design Reuse, Renewal, Recycling The Key is Planning

Life Cycle Planning –When should maintenance & repair be anticipated? –What is the best combination of initial durability and periodic service? Design with the End in Mind –How can eventual removal be simplified? Reuse, Renewal, Recycling Strategies More to follow in Module 7 - High Performance Roofs

Green Design Principle #5 Measurement & Assessment

Quantify the Impacts / Benefits –Identify the impacts –Measure the impacts –Weigh and combine the impacts Assess the Impacts Over the Life Cycle –Compare alternatives –Look for opportunities for continuous improvement Green Building Design Measurement & Assessment

The Measurement & Assessment Process: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) More to follow in Module 3 - Life Cycle Assessment

Green Design Principle #6 Management Control

Environmental Management System –A long-term, ongoing plan for managing environmental impacts Project Commissioning –The starting point for long-term environmental management Environmental Management Control Key Elements More to follow in Module 7 – High Performance Roofs

The Principles of Sustainable Design Summary & Review 1.Low Impact Materials 2.Energy Efficiency / Clean Energy 3.Quality & Durability 4.Reuse, Renewal, Recycling 5.Measurement & Assessment 6.Management Control