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Sustainable Design
Definition of Sustainability :
Sustainability is expressed as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The goal of sustainable design is to provide the desired ends but use methods and materials
that are direct from nature, rapidly renewable or that come from nature with the least
environmental impact.
Below are some materials that we can continue to use and still leave the resource for future generations.
Metals-Steel studs can have a very high recycled content and offset the cutting of trees for this same use. Cooper has one of the highest embodied energy content of all metals with aluminim not far behind. These two are low on the sustainable list.
Concrete- has a very high embodied energy but high durability. Efficient use of concrete helps to reduce the impact of its use. Adding
flyash reduces the amount of cement without reducing strength.
Wood- Although bamboo is a rapidly renewable
material, it is often cut from native stands in third world countries by people who are
trying to make a living and haven't the concept of sustainable farming of the resource.
Wood harvested in America from operations that subscribe to the Forest Stewardship Council
take only the lumber that is presently being replaced with planned growing.
Appliances- Most appliances today won't last as long as the building, be it planned
obsolecsence or just wearing out. The best way to have sustainable appliances is to choose
models that can be maintained rather than just replaced.
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