In this article we will take a look at the elements of a sustainable design, and what makes a building sustainable.
1. USE ENOUGH INSULATION
The more insulation you incorporate into the structural elements of your home (such as the walls, roof and floor), the more heat it will retain and the more efficient it will be in use; don't forget to consider using insulation with good acoustic properties too.
2. DESIGN WITH OPENNESS VENTILATE RIGHT IS THE MANTRA
Good air ventilation maximizes the efficiency of insulation and reduces fuel bills. Ventilation can be passive, mechanical or both; this will need to be part of your design.
3. USE THE BUILDINGS THERMAL MASS TO BEST EFFECT
Materials such as masonry, brick and concrete create 'thermal mass' in a building which can absorb warmth from the sun's rays (or other heat sources) during the day and release it into the home as external temperatures drop - helping to maintain a comfortable internal environment.
4. MAKE THE BEST USE OF NATURAL LIGHT
Maximizing the amount of natural light in your home - through good use of windows, roof lights, sun pipes, and other such methods - will help to reduce your need for artificial lighting.
5. CHOOSE GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
There are various ways to ensure the products and materials you use are as green as possible, as the building becomes more energy efficient and demands less power.
6. STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS - CHOOSE YOUR SYSTEM EARLY IN THE DESIGN PROCESS
All construction systems can be adapted to meet good levels of energy efficiency, but some lend themselves more immediately to hitting the highest standards. Eco merchant support a fabric first approach to building where the Getting the choice right early on is critical.
7. DEPLOY RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES ONLY AFTER YOUR SHELL DESIGN IS COMPLETE
Eco-minded self builders and renovators have led the way in terms of adopted renewable technologies, and their efforts could help you pick the right options for your home: the golden rule here is design `the building to do the work'.
And thus, we've discussed the elements of sustainable design. Hope you found this article both informative and entertaining!