5 - The Design Process—Early Stages

Abstract

The design process is the first crucial element in producing a green building. For design efficiency, it is necessary to define the objectives and criteria, including sustainable/green goals, before beginning the design to minimize the potential of increased design costs. Once designed, the building must be constructed, performance verified, and operated in a way that supports the green concept. Designers are often challenged and sometimes affronted by the idea of green design. Achieving green or sustainable design goals requires a different approach than has been customarily applied. Engineers and other designers are asked to become advocates, not just objective designers. Some have expressed the view that significant reductions in energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions will never occur by simply tweaking current practice. Both first cost and operating costs can be reduced by applying sustainable/green principles. Correct orientation and correct selection of glazing can reduce heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment size and cost as can the use of recycled materials such as crushed concrete in place of virgin stone for soil stabilization and structural fill. Modeling of green designs is made easier by the plethora of modeling tools available today. The chosen model should meet specific requirements depending on the level of accuracy needed.