Dense + Green Cities by
In which ways does a "green building" contribute to the ecology of its surroundings? And how can ecologically designed urban districts, with their green and blue networks, link up with the elements and technologies of building design? All dimensions of "green building" are investigated in this book in an effort to understand and evaluate some of the most recent and innovative Dense+Green Cities in Asia, the Americas and Europe.
Sustainable Architectures by
As buildings are responsible for fifty per cent of CO2 emissions, their design has become the focus of intense technical scrutiny. Knowing how to build more technically efficient, or ecologically responsible, buildings, and being able to assemble the social resources to do so, requires different forms of knowledge and practice. There is wide contestation over the optimal pathways to greener buildings design and great diversity in practices of sustainable architecture. This volume brings together leading researchers from across the European Union and North America both to illustrate the diversity of practice and to provide a critical commentary on this key debate. The reader is provided with an introduction to competing perspectives on the sustainable architecture debate, international exemplars of differing practice and an overview of new theoretical and methodological resources for understanding and meeting the conceptual, social and technical challenges of sustainable architecture.
Environment and Architecture by
"Brian Edwards explains the new responsibilities and opportunities for architects emanating from environment laws and directives." "The practice of architecture is increasingly constrained by new legislation aimed at protecting the enviromnent and the consumer, mainly the result of directives from the European Commission. The broadening of environmental controls means that questions of environmental assessment, impact on ecosystems or heritage sites, energy use, safety requirements and environmental audits have become part of the daily life of architecture. The effect of the legislation is to create a new architectural order where low ecological impact and minimum energy use generate the form and style of building." "In this essential reference book, Brian Edwards and a team of expert contributors set out the important principles which may help in the practice of architecture. As fresh controls are enacted, new skills and knowledge are needed which this book outlines through principles and case studies."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Sustainable Architecture and Urbanism by
Since the mid-1980s, and in particular the 1992 environmental summit in Rio de Janeiro, sustainability has become a global issue and the subject of international debate. In the context of architecture sustainability implies the use of intelligent technology, innovative construction methods, ecologically friendly materials and use of environmentally-friendly energy resources. This book begins with an overview of the various approaches and developments in sustainable architecture, followed by an in-depth section on urbanism looking at several European towns. In the third section the technologies, materials and methods of ecological architecture are examined. Concluding the volume are 23 sophisticated and innovative European case studies. The author and architect Dominique Gauzin-Müller has specialised on energy and environmental issues and ecological architecture for over 15 years.
Mediterranean Green Buildings and Renewable Energy by
This book highlights scientific achievements in the key areasof sustainable electricity generation and green building technologies, aspresented in the vital bi-annual World Renewable Energy Network's Med Green Forum.Renewable energy applications in powergeneration and sustainable development have particular importance in the Mediterranean region, withits rich natural resources and conducive climate, making it a perfect showcaseto illustrate the viability of using renewable energy to satisfy all energyneeds. The papers included in this work describe enabling policies and offerpathways to further develop a broad range of renewable energy technologies andapplications in all sectors - for electricity production, heating and cooling,agricultural applications, water desalination, industrial applications and forthe transport sector.
Making buildings more environmentally friendly is becoming essential to fighting climate change. Many resources go into the creation and maintenance of a building, so it is important to choose the right resources that will not further damage the environment.
Did you Know?
40% of total EU energy consumption is used by the building sector
36% of total EU greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings
The EU has implemented the Green Buildings Pact which aims to create and make more climate friendly buildings by improving insulation and energy efficiency. The pact's overall goal is to double the rate of building renovations by 2030, meaning 35 million buildings will be renovated across the EU.
Legislation
In 2015, France's parliament passed a law that requires new buildings in commercial zones to be partially covered in solar panels or plants.
https://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/france-green-roofs/
Examples of Green Buildings across the EU
Sonnenschiff (Sun Ship), Germany - a mixed-use residential and commercial building which produces 4 times the energy it consumes.
Cube, Germany - Considered one of the smartest buildings in the world, the Cube uses a double skin façade which helps maintain a steady internal temperature. The Cube also uses natural air ventilations systems and a heat reclamation system.
1 Angel Square, UK - A building with a double skin façade that minimizes heating and cooling throughout the year. Has features including a rainwater collection system which provides water to the building, geothermal earth tubing which circulate fresh air, and a heat recovery system which harvests heat from IT systems to heat the building.
Green building - A collection of articles related to green building. The articles discuss various aspects of green building practices and policies, such as energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and sustainable construction materials.
Green Building Companies (Environmental Management) in Europe - A directory of Green Building companies in Europe on the Environmental Expert website. The directory includes a list of companies offering environmental management services related to Green Building practices, such as sustainable design, energy efficiency, renewable energy, green building materials, and indoor air quality.
Green! Architects - Green Architects is an architectural firm based in Italy that specializes in sustainable architecture and eco-design. The firm's philosophy is based on the principles of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation.
European Policy - The Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) provides information about European policies and regulations related to green building and sustainable construction. The IGBC is a non-profit organization that aims to promote sustainable and low-carbon building practices in Ireland.
World Green Building Council - The Europe Regional Network page of the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) is a global network of national Green Building Councils (GBCs). The WorldGBC is a non-profit organization that aims to promote sustainable and green building practices worldwide.
The EU green buildings plan aims to slash emissions - but this European country isn’t happy
Green Architecture - An approach to building design and construction that focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of buildings and promoting sustainable living
Energy efficiency - The practice of designing buildings and systems that use less energy to perform the same functions.
Renewable energy - Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower.
Green roofs - A roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation, which can help reduce energy consumption, absorb rainwater, and improve air quality.
Solar power - Energy generated from the sun, which can be converted into electricity through the use of solar panels.
Passive design - A design strategy that focuses on using natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, and natural ventilation, to regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption.
Biophilic design - A design strategy that incorporates elements of nature, such as plants, water features, and natural materials, into the built environment to improve the health and well-being of occupants.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) - A rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings.
Net-zero energy - A building or system that produces as much energy as it consumes over a specified period of time.
Sustainable materials - Materials that are produced using environmentally friendly processes and are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment.
Natural ventilation - The use of natural air movement to regulate temperature and improve indoor air quality.
Daylighting - The use of natural light to illuminate the interior of a building, which can help reduce energy consumption and improve the health and well-being of occupants.
Geothermal energy - Energy derived from the heat of the earth, which can be used to heat and cool buildings.
Sustainable site design - The practice of designing outdoor spaces in a way that preserves natural resources, promotes biodiversity, and minimizes environmental impact.
Life cycle assessment - A comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact of a product, process, or building throughout its entire life cycle.
Cradle-to-cradle design - A design philosophy that emphasizes the use of materials that can be reused or recycled indefinitely, with no waste or pollution.
