- Natural Light and Skylighting
Modern green buildings rely on sunlight and natural light instead of electricity as a way to light up a building’s interior during the day. Not only does this make the building more energy-efficient, it creates a natural and healthier environment closer to what our body’s circadian rhythm demands. A good example of a building utilizing natural lighting is Harvard’s Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) Building. Utilizing numerous atria and floor to ceiling windows on all four sides of the building, natural light floods in at all times of the day.
- Solar Power
Many buildings, both commercial and residential, have installed solar panels in order to cut down on electricity demand and ease the strain on centralized power grid. For example, Apple Park is powered entirely by renewable energy resources, with its main source being solar energy from the solar panels that cover the entire rooftop surface. At peak daytime hours, the solar panels can provide up to 75% of the electricity demand of Apple’s corporate headquarters. My building will look to incorporate solar power and other renewable energy sources to power itself and potentially feed energy back into the power grid.
- Natural Airflow
Instead of stuffing a building with HVAC systems, many modern buildings are opting for architectural designs that promote airflow throughout the entire interior space. Not only does this create a cooler, more comfortable environment (especially in summer months), this decreases the demand for electricity and strain on the building’s HVAC system, which can be significant when it comes to large and taller buildings. A perfect example is the Y2E2 building in Stanford University, which utilizes 3 atriums to promote airflow and circulation and keep the temperatures constant (reducing localized cold or hot spots) throughout each floor and area of the building.
