Sustainable Architecture & Renewable Technologies

In this lecture students will understand the LEED rating, and how it factors into the design process. Students will identify GREEN-washing and understand that materials and systems are never "LEED-Certified", only buildings are.

In this lecture students will learn about how a building envelope is the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building including the resistance to air, water, heat, light, and noise transfer. Students will recognize "Integrated Design" and how this approach differs from the typical, linear design approach.

In this lecture students will learn the controlled distribution of daylight in buildings is a cornerstone of environmental design. Daylighting is a key to good energy performance, as well as occupant satisfaction, productivity, and health. Students will be able to identify the potential materials or systems that can impact Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ).

In this lecture students will learn about heating in buildings and some strategies on how to minimize dependency on mechanical equipment. Students will also recognize "Integrated Design" and how this approach differs from the typical, linear design approach.

In this lecture students will learn about cooling and the most effective method to lessen energy use for mechanical cooling is to eliminate the need for it through climate-adapted design. While this is not always possible, climate-based design strategies can reduce the run-time and/or the size of mechanical cooling systems. Students will also recognize "Integrated Design" and how this approach differs from the typical, linear design approach.

In this lecture students will learn about on-site energy production and how it can further reduce environmental impact. Selecting the best strategy for on-site generation will depend upon factors such as type and location of the project, regional and micro-climates, utility rates, and possible tax and financial incentives for clean and/or renewable energy. Students will recognize the concept of "Greenhouse Effect" and how solar energy and the atmosphere effect climate change.

In this lecture students will learn how reduction of water use requires the implementation of strategies at both the building and site scales. Students will recognize "Integrated Design" and how this approach differs from the typical, linear design approach.

In this lecture students will understand how Adaptive reuse is the process of repurposing buildings for viable new uses and modern functions, other than those originally intended to address present-day needs. Students explain the fundamentals of sustainable environmental design practices. The student will gain the necessary skills to discern, analyze data from various sources, and be able to formulate knowledgeable opinions that can lead to multiple solutions with varying criteria sets.

In this lecture students will learn about New Urbanism and Mixed Use Development and some effective design strategies to keep in mind as we continue to develop existing and new urban and suburban communities.