Building Systems Integration for Enhanced Environmental Performance


Book Description

Looks at the issues of sustainability and environmental impact in the field of building design and architecture. This book addresses sustainability in building design through development of a series of examples presented as three dimensional models of well-integrated building systems.




The Power of Existing Buildings


Book Description

Your building has the potential to change the world. Existing buildings consume approximately 40 percent of the energy and emit nearly half of the carbon dioxide in the US each year. In recognition of the significant contribution of buildings to climate change, the idea of building green has become increasingly popular. But is it enough? If an energy-efficient building is new construction, it may take 10 to 80 years to overcome the climate change impacts of the building process. New buildings are sexy, but few realize the value in existing buildings and how easy it is to get to “zero energy” or low-energy consumption through deep energy retrofits. Existing buildings can and should be retrofit to reduce environmental impacts that contribute to climate change, while improving human health and productivity for building occupants. In The Power of Existing Buildings, academic sustainability expert Robert Sroufe, and construction and building experts Craig Stevenson and Beth Eckenrode, explain how to realize the potential of existing buildings and make them perform like new. This step-by-step guide will help readers to: understand where to start a project; develop financial models and realize costs savings; assemble an expert team; and align goals with numerous sustainability programs. The Power of Existing Buildings will challenge you to rethink spaces where people work and play, while determining how existing buildings can save the world. The insights and practical experience of Sroufe, Stevenson, and Eckenrode, along with the project case study examples, provide new insights on investing in existing buildings for building owners, engineers, occupants, architects, and real estate and construction professionals. The Power of Existing Buildings helps decision-makers move beyond incremental changes to holistic, results-oriented solutions.




Integrated Buildings


Book Description

An "anatomical" study of building systems integration with guidelines for practical applications Through a systems approach to buildings, Integrated Buildings: The Systems Basis of Architecture details the practice of integration to bridge the gap between the design intentions and technical demands of building projects. Analytic methods are introduced that illustrate the value, benefit, and application of systems integration, as well as guidelines for selecting technical systems in the conceptual, schematic, and design development stages of projects. Landmark structures such as Eero Saarinen's John Deere Headquarters, Renzo Piano's Kansai International Airport, Glenn Murcutt's Magney House, and Richard Rogers's Lloyd's of London headquarters are presented as part of an extensive collection of case studies organized into seven categories: Laboratories Offices Pavilions Green Architecture High Tech Architecture Airport Terminals Residential Architecture Advanced material is provided on methods of integration, including an overview of integration topics, the systems basis of architecture, and the integration potential of various building systems. An expanded case study of Ibsen Nelsen's design for the Pacific Museum of Flight is used to demonstrate case study methods for tracing integration through any work of architecture. Visually enhanced with more than 300 illustrations, diagrams, and photographs, Integrated Buildings: The Systems Basis of Architecture is a valuable reference guide for architecture and civil engineering students, as well as architects, engineers, and other professionals in the construction industry.







The Costs of Climate Change Mitigation Innovations


Book Description

The notion that humanity may be too late to alter climate change could potentially lead to fear and therefore the advocacy of implementing radical strategies and/or hastening the execution of certain measures to the extreme. There is evidence that extensive and intensive implementation of some climate change solutions can significantly alter the environment and ecosystems in unintended ways. For example, the microclimate of a field in the proximity and downstream of a closely packed array of wind turbines can be noticeably altered by the modified lower atmospheric fluxes caused by the turbines, which can then negatively affect crop yields. Additionally, some studies have found that large-scale solar fields can result in the modulation of atmospheric circulation, leading to changes in regional precipitation. The Costs of Climate Change Mitigation Innovations: A Pragmatic Outlook provides a forum for discussion on the long-term consequences of various climate strategies. It promotes our striving toward minimizing the potential negative impact of new interventions by performing objective, holistic analyses. The bottom line is that we do not want today's solutions to become tomorrow’s problems.




Sustainable Development of Water and Environment


Book Description

This book focuses on water resources and the economic, financial, social and environmental impacts (ICSDWE) of global warming and climate change. It discusses the links between these aspects and presents cutting-edge research, technology, and practice in these fields. The book is a valuable resource for students and researchers at government organizations, academic institutions, and NGOs.




The Environmental Brief


Book Description

The built environment is responsible for an estimated forty-five per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. As the greatest opportunities for reducing these emissions occur during the briefing and design processes, the pathway to better design lies in preparing environmental briefs, and using these to drive building design and produce buildings of high environmental performance. This process-driven book looks at the theoretical issues involved in an environmental brief, and outlines methods by which architects can approach the writing of a brief that considers all aspects of the natural and the built environment, and relates these concepts to a number of case studies from around the world.




Building Systems for Interior Designers


Book Description

Written in a straightforward, nontechnical style that maintains depth and accuracy, this landmark reference is the first text on building systems for interior designers. From heating and cooling systems, water and waste, electricity, lighting, interior transportation and communication systems, all of the mechanical and electrical systems that interior designers need to know are covered in a clear and accessible way. The technical knowledge and vocabulary presented here allow interior designers to communicate more effectively with architects, engineers, and contractors while collaborating on projects, leading to more accurate solutions for problems related to a broad range of other building considerations with an impact on interior design New to this edition are chapters on structural systems and building components, and how they are integrated with the other systems. Illustrated with over 100 photographs and drawings new to this edition, Building Systems for Interior Designers is sure to be constantly at the fingertips of designers.




Climate Resilience And Innovation


Book Description

“Climate Resilience And Innovation “ extensively explores the interplay between climate resilience and innovation, emphasizing the importance of nature-based solutions, advanced technologies, community engagement, and global cooperation to build sustainable, resilient communities capable of addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The driving idea behind the book is to examine specific areas of focus related to building a more sustainable and resilient future, offering in-depth insights and practical recommendations. Each chapter delves into different aspects such as climate technology, the science of climate change, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and renewable energy innovations, aiming to provide comprehensive knowledge and actionable solutions for mitigating the impacts of climate change. Key Takeaways: - **Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)**: Utilizing natural processes and ecosystems to enhance climate resilience and provide multiple environmental and socio-economic benefits. - **Technology and Innovation**: Emphasizing advancements in carbon capture, energy efficiency, and intelligent climate prediction models alongside renewable energy integration and climate-resilient infrastructure. - **Community Engagement**: Highlighting the importance of local leadership, stakeholder collaboration, education, and participatory decision-making in fostering climate resilience. - **Global Collaboration**: Stressed the need for international agreements, multinational corporate involvement, technology exchange, financial mechanisms, and overcoming cultural differences to address climate challenges. - **Successful Case Studies**: Detailed examples of innovative climate actions in urban renewal, agriculture, water management, transportation, and conservation showing real-world applications and outcomes. - **Monitoring and Evaluation**: Importance of rigorous methods to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of climate initiatives, underpinned by adaptive management. - **Strategic Recommendations**: Advocated for strengthening international dialogue, investment in technology transfer, financial alignment, performance tracking, and inclusive global cooperation for resilient futures.




Construction Health and Safety in Developing Countries


Book Description

The global construction sector is infamous for high levels of injuries, accidents and fatalities, and poor health and well-being of its workforce. While this record appears in both developed and developing countries, the situation is worse in developing countries, where major spending on infrastructure development is expected. There is an urgent need to improve construction health and safety (H&S) in developing countries. The improvement calls for the development of context-specific solutions underpinned by research into challenges and related solutions. This edited volume advances the current understanding of construction H&S in developing countries by revealing context-specific issues and challenges that have hitherto not been well explored in the literature, and applying emergent H&S management approaches and practices in developing countries. Coverage includes countries from the regions of sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe. This book, which is the first compendium of research into construction H&S issues in developing countries, adds considerable insight into the field and presents innovative solutions to help address poor H&S in construction in developing nations. It is a must read for all construction professionals, researchers and practitioners interested in construction and occupational H&S, safety management, engineering management and development studies.