Practice Exercise - Module 3

GOAL 01 - Material Sustainability

• Design Goal - utilize durable and sustainable materials that reduce the overall carbon footprint of the building’s construction.
• Measure - CO2 emissions (tons), an LCA based on a building with traditional building materials. Potentially also reducing other hazardous pollutants such as particulate matter
• Targets
• Minimally acceptable value: a 50% reduction of CO2 compared to a building built with traditional materials
• Desired/target value: a 75% reduction of CO2
• Strategies
• Utilize locally-sourced materials when possible to minimize CO2 from transportation
• Incorporate materials such as fly-ash concrete that utilizes waste product from burning coal into a stable, long-lasting, structurally sound material
• Use renewable building materials such as mass timber, that also stores CO2

GOAL 02 - Operational Sustainability

• Design Goal - I want to maximize on site generation of energy, mainly through PV. Could potentially include geothermal energy, site permitting. Ideally the building will utilize energy efficient designs to minimize energy consumption in the first place. Additionally, should the building generate excess energy, the neighboring community could get their energy bills reduced for social sustainability.
• Measure - Energy generated (kWh)
• Targets -
• Minimally acceptable value: a 50% reduction of on-site energy consumption through renewable sources, utilize 50% of available roof/site space for PV
• Desired/target value: a greater than 100% energy generated to meet building requirements, utilize 100% of available roof/site space for PV
• Strategies
• Minimize heating and cooling loads
• Maximize daylighting
• Radiant heated and cooled floors
• High thermal mass to store solar gains
• Large central atrium to facilitate stack effect and natural ventilation

GOAL 03 - Public Usage

• Design Goal - I want the building to be integrated with the community it exists in. It should be inviting, and serve as a “third space” where people can gather.
• Measure - occupant comfort and experience
• Targets -
• Minimally acceptable: 60% of the spaces are daylit and have access to views. Double-height exhibition spaces, central atrium is visible from 30% of the building
• Desired goal: 90% of the spaces are daylit, triple height exhibition spaces, central atrium is visible from 70% of the building
• Strategies
• Integrate local flora and fauna into the building/urban context
• Make a natural transition from the site context to the interior of the building (ramp, a more porous opening than just doors, an entryway without a “paywall” to make the space more welcoming)
• A covered arcade/street, building cantilevered over the street / sidewalk
• Large central atrium where people can gather
• Accessible spaces, elevators, ramps