High Performing Buildings - Fall 2008 - (Page 7)

there are ways to be green without spending the green. Although many green building options have lower construction and operational costs than conventional approaches, the designers that pursue higher degrees of sustainability are challenged by initial costs. To achieve the highest level of sustainability within budget, begin the design by implementing strategies, systems, materials and products that have a lower initial cost. Typically, the following strategies cost less than conventional, nonsustainable strategies. However, under certain circumstances, some may cost slightly more. community For schools, desig n pedestrian walkways and bike paths so that they provide easy, safe access from the residential areas of the community to the campus. This allows students to walk or bike to school instead of riding the bus or being driven by parents. To facilitate this, analyze the surrounding neighborhoods within one mile from the school site, the necessary road crossings and the sidewalk system to better understand where key links can be made. If pedestrian access is improved, car-stacking lanes become less critical and the number of school buses can be reduced. site Design Take advantage of the site by properly orienting the building to maximize the southern exposure and minimize east and west glazing. Use existing trees, landscaping and natural berms. Vegetation and berms can serve to protect against winter winds. Trees can reduce unwanted solar gain and decrease cooling loads. Incorporate or retain indigenous vegetation to minimize water needs. Xeriscape planting strategies initially cost less than nonnative plants and save on life-cycle water use. retain site features that can later serve as teaching tools and enhance experiential learning. For example, wooded areas can serve as interpretive spaces. Locate the building on the higher part of the site to take advantage of natural slopes for drainage. Keep parts of the site natural. not planting grass saves on first costs and eliminates the need for continual mowing and watering. Use on-site ground cover and mulch from existing vegetation for landscaping. When using a prototype design, make sure it makes sense for the site, particularly in relationship to orientation and contours. Use properly graded bioswales in lieu of storm water piping. Balance cut and fill to reduce the need for trucks bringing fill in and out of the site. This is particularly beneficial with increasing fuel costs. Use the pavement that is part of secondary fire lanes as hard-surface play areas such as basketball courts. opposiTe The rain that falls on the roof at Heritage Middle school in Wake Forest, N.C., flows into a rainwater harvesting tank. The rainwater that lands on the balance of the site flows into a constructed wetland. The result is less storm water piping leaving the site and, in turn, less combined cost. fa l l 2 0 0 8 HigH Performing Buildings 7

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Fall 2008

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2008
Contents
Lessons Learned
Green on a Budget
ASHRAE Sets Example: ASHRAE Headquarters
The Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life
Spectral Services Consultants Corporate Office
Advertising Index

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2008