Principles of Green Architecture

Principles of Green Architecture: Energy Efficiency

• Design passive solar energy facilities use energy efficient appliances, solar panels and heat pump technology

• Use of computer sensor controlled energy saving devices; like automatic dimmers for lighting and occupancy sensors to adjust air-conditioning automatically

• Centralize plumbing, insulate cold/hot water piping

• Using energy saving lighting like CFL and natural light by more use of glass

• Install Monitor Power Management Software

• Use of low power computers

Principles of Green Architecture: Water Conservation

• collect rainwater for external use i.e. garden/washing car

• use water conserving appliances including toilets, shower, taps, washing machine and dish washer eg. Low flow faucets, water saving dual flush tanks

• reduce irrigation and surface water run-off

Principles of Green Architecture: Low Environmental Impact

• include water permeable landscape features

• enhance native bush and create edible gardens

• establish home recycling bins and garden composting.

Principles of Green Architecture: Building Materials

• Certified Wood - Specify wood from certified sustainably managed forests.

• select low volatile organic compounds (VOC) and toxic-free paints, finishes and adhesives

• use materials that permit the building membrane to 'breathe'

• apply natural floor surfaces such as tile, timber and linoleum

• use sustainable solid timbers rather than processed composite sheet materials

• use inert gypsum-based wall and ceiling linings.

• Rapidly Renewable Materials such as straw, bamboo and some woods

Principles of Green Architecture: Sustainability

• think globally -act locally

• reduce CO2 production, ozone and resource depletion, rainforest destruction and erosion

• encourage environmentally-friendly technologies and sustainable solutions

Principles of Green Architecture: Waste Reduction

• select materials using recycled components

• design for re-use and recycling

• control and reduce waste and packaging

• reduce resource consumption.

Principles of Green Architecture: Health and Wellbeing

• meet the basic physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the occupants

• consider healthy lighting, colour and sound, controlled temperature and humidity and good indoor air quality to enhance the living environment

• reduce formaldehyde emissions and use pollution fighting indoor plants

• create an asthma aware home i.e. no fitted carpets, reduced ledges, low-allergen gardens

• apply an integrated wiring system for lighting, power, security, fire alarm and audio facilities

• design a safe and user-friendly space

Principles of Green Architecture: Economic Performance

• consider maintenance of the space plus initial 'running costs' pay-back period

• strive for a balance between ecological integrity and economic viability.

Principles of Green Architecture: Community Support

• use local resources, skills, labor, crafts and art

• consider local facilities and utilities