Procedure

In groups of two to three, you will learn more about green and sustainable practices and then
respond to the questions. For each statement below, describe a reasonable action. Use the US
Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) and the US Environmental Protection Agency
(www.epa.gov) sites to begin your search, but seek out reliable information on each topic from at
least one other website source. Be sure to cite each additional reference.

1. Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one method that could be
used to collect this natural resource.

Rain barrels capture water from a roof and hold it for later use such as on lawns, gardens or indoor
plants.

Website: https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-rain-barrels

2. Describe a landscape design technique that benefits the environment.

BioWall is a vegetated wall that naturally filters air and removes several harmful pollutants.

Website: http://furbishco.com/biowall-vegetated-wall/

3. Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a building designer do to reduce energy
consumption in a building?

Reduce heating, cooling, and lighting loads through climate-responsive design and conservation
practices;

Employ renewable energy sources such as daylighting, passive solar heating, photovoltaics,
geothermal, and groundwater cooling;

Specify efficient HVAC and lighting systems that consider part-load conditions and utility interface
requirements;

Optimize building performance by employing energy modeling programs and optimize system
control strategies by using occupancy sensors CO2 sensors and other air quality alarms;

Monitor project performance through a policy of commissioning, metering, annual reporting, and
periodic re-commissioning; and

Integrate water saving technologies to reduce the energy burden of providing potable water.

Website: https://www.wbdg.org/design-objectives/sustainable/optimize-energy-use

4. Describe a design feature for a residential structure that would likely result in reduced water use.

Water-efficient plumbing fixtures (ultra low-flow toilets and urinals, waterless urinals, low-flow and
sensored sinks, low-flow showerheads, and water-efficient dishwashers and washing machines)

Website: https://www.wbdg.org/resources/water-conservation

5. Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the environment.

Energy Efficient Equipment: ENERGY STAR label on a piece of equipment states that particular
product has been deemed as energy efficient by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA).
Website: http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/top-15-green-home-building-techniques-and-
ideas.php

6. During the construction cycle of the building, materials and components are delivered to the site.
List a strategy that you will use to recycle the waste produced during the construction phase.

Eliminate, minimize, and reuse waste

Website: https://www.wbdg.org/resources/construction-waste-management

7. Describe a feature you could incorporate in a home design that would improve indoor
environmental quality.

BioWall is a vegetated wall that naturally filters air and removes several harmful pollutants.

Website: http://furbishco.com/biowall-vegetated-wall/

8. Building sites offer natural resources that can be utilized for the life of the building. Describe a
method to use a sites natural resources in the construction of the structure.

Passive solar heating first reduces heating and cooling loads through energy-efficiency strategies
and then meets those reduced loads in whole or part with solar energy. Because of the small heating
loads of modern homes it is very important to avoid oversizing south-facing glass and ensure that
south-facing glass is properly shaded to prevent overheating and increased cooling loads in the
spring and fall.

Website: https://energy.gov/energysaver/passive-solar-home-design