the amazing architecture adventures: sustainability is...

1) What is sustainability and how does it relate to your field and
interests? Name some instances.

sus-tain (s

-st

)
tr.v. sus-tained, sus-tain-ing, sus-tains

To keep in existence; maintain.
To supply with necessities or nourishment; provide for.
To support from below; keep from falling or sinking; prop

Sustainability in Architecture means considering the long-term effects of a given project. It means supplying a client with his/her needs while maintaining a respect for nature and society. What does this mean? Natural lighting and ventilation systems, water and energy conservation, specific material selection, etc.

2) What are the problems that need to be solved with my team topic
and sustainability?

Construction waste is the single largest component of landfills (around 50%) in the United States. Most buildings are built to be cheap and for a certain use instead of being built to last with flexible spaces. Sustainable building materials include using materials that are easily recycled and natural materials that are easily renewable. It also includes minimizing energy and water consumption while contributing some of its own.

3) What solutions are currently out there? (you may need to contact
companies and ask about their products, if needed)

One major solution is an incentive from the US Green Building Council called LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Enviornmental Design). A building can become LEED Certified by meeting a certain number of goals set forth by the USGBC. Among these goals include using renewable or recyclable materials, using local materials (to cut down on transportation), reusing old structures, on-site water management, low power and water consumption and many others. Many cities and states offer tax incentives to become LEED certified, and a few LEED buildings exist that provide more energy than they use, which would help alleviate many power problems in the nation.

Wood products are now being stamped with a certificate that is has been 'selectively harvested,' meaning that instead of clear cutting forests, few trees are cut down and replanted over the same area multiple times.

Concrete and windows are much more insulated than before.

New solar cells are cheaper and more effecient, and are able to be incorporated directly into windows or roofing membranes.

4) What areas need more exploration around your team topic?

Many LEED buildings use materials that are familiar to construction, but there are many new exciting materials waiting to be fully implimented.

5) What conclusions have you found, specifically that you would like
to take on personally?

I would like to investiage these new materials much further and how they can be integrated into modern construction and rennovation to further sustainability and also propose a few of my own.