Energy Conserving Design: Study Notes

Chapter 1: Introduction

  • Topic of Module: Energy Conserving Design in Architecture
  • Importance of Architecture in Energy Efficiency
    • Approach to layout and space planning improves ventilation.
    • These strategies can reduce construction costs related to HVAC systems and mechanical systems for thermal installations.
  • Energy Consumption in Buildings
    • Buildings consume energy at various levels throughout their life cycle.
    • Approximately 50% of all non-renewable resources such as water, energy, and raw materials are consumed by construction.
    • Non-renewable Resources Definition: Resources that cannot be easily renewed, e.g., fossil fuels.
    • Renewable Resources Definition: Resources that can be replanted or regrown, e.g., trees.
  • Environmental Impact of Construction
    • Major impact on energy consumption beginning from the design phase, contributing to carbon footprint.
    • Energy consumed during the construction phase with machinery and equipment.
    • Building materials have a significant energy requirement for production and transportation.
  • Building Life Cycle Phases
    • Three Phases:
    1. Pre-Building Phase - Planning and designing.
    2. Building Phase - Actual construction.
    3. Post-Building Phase - Maintenance and demolition.
    • Post-construction phase sometimes consumes more energy than construction itself.
  • Concept of Cradle to Cradle vs. Cradle to Grave
    • Cradle to Cradle: Emphasizes recycling materials used in construction.
    • Cradle to Grave: After demolition, materials are often disposed of in landfills, contributing to waste.

Chapter 2: Post Building

  • Building Life Cycle Overview
    • Description of how a building goes through various stages from conception to demolition.
    • Energy resources are consumed at each phase.
  • Phases of the Building Life Cycle
    1. Pre-Building Phase: Planning, site selection, material choice, layout.
    • Emphasizes energy-efficient design and sustainability.
    1. Building Phase: Construction and maintenance activities where energy consumption is highest (heating, cooling, lighting).
    2. Post Building Phase: The end of the building’s life cycle leading to demolition.
    • Structures can be demolished if considered inefficient or hazardous.
    • Sustainable approaches encourage recycling and minimizing waste.

Chapter 3: Building Height Limit

  • Importance of Building Height Limit (BHN)
    • Involves understanding how tall buildings can block sun exposure and ventilation for surrounding structures.
    • Incremental Setbacks:
    • For buildings exceeding four stories, each level retreats by 300 mm to allow sunlight and ventilation for lower levels.
  • Building Geometry and Climate Response
    • Compact forms minimize heat loss, while elongated forms maximize ventilation.
    • Thermal Zoning: Places buffer spaces on cooler sides to optimize energy efficiency.
  • Importance of Building Envelope in Design
    • Consideration of technology and materials in walls, roofs, windows, and doors for thermal performance.
    • Examples of energy-efficient materials: double glazed glass, structural framing, insulated panels, weather-resistant barriers.

Chapter 4: Building Envelope

  • Building Envelope Overview
    • Critical to ensure energy efficiency and comfort.
    • Key materials: double glazed glass, insulation, weather protection layers.
  • Key Features in Building Envelope Design
    • Use of local, recycled, durable materials in construction.
    • Landscape design including trees for shading and windbreaks to reduce energy demand.
    • Considerations of sun shading devices (vertical, horizontal, brise soleil) and the structure's orientation.

Chapter 5: Building Phase

  • Building Phase Overview
    • Involves all energy consumed during construction and operations.
    • Manufacturing, transporting, and assembling materials consumes significant energy.
  • Energy Consumption Statistics
    • The operational phase accounts for 35% to 60% of total energy use.
    • Focus on critical areas like heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation.
  • Importance of Maintenance in Sustainability
    • Regular upkeep is necessary, including potential upgrades (e.g. LED lighting, insulation).
    • Long-term investment in sustainable materials pays off through reduced energy costs.
    • Comparison between initial high-quality investments and low-cost, short-term solutions.

Chapter 6: Conclusion

  • Summary of Building Life Cycle
    • Highlights the importance of managing energy and resources at each stage.
    • Emphasizes the significance of adapting sustainable practices in architectural design and construction.
  • Closing Remarks
    • Links concepts of energy conserving design to broader themes of sustainability and circular economy principles.