Teaching Sustainability in Design without Greenwashing

Teaching design incorporating a sense of sustainability to architecture students is a challenge today, primarily because of the trend to label every design as sustainable or green even though it is no different from a more traditional one. The result is a ＂green-washed＂ education in architecture. To address this issue, this paper describes a teaching methodology of architectural design with a special focus on sustainability implemented in the Graduate School of Architecture in Clemson. This method includes an analysis of the location, the climate conditions, the materials needed and the construction process. Knowing that sustainable design is generally perceived as being expensive, there is a special focus on simplicity and affordability. Rather than relying on expensive technical solutions, students are encouraged to design for the given environment and apply passive strategies. In the approach discussed in this paper, the design process is a number of logical scientific decisions rather than an intuitive draft. The goal of this pedagogy is to raise awareness about how to handle global resources carefully and to show the importance of the later performance of the project as a key to design. The teaching strategy is described here along with the successful participation by our graduate students in a number of refereed competitions.     

Efficiency of Structural Materials in Sustainable Design

The main aim of this paper is to investigate energy consumptions, CO2 emissions and costs during the production and life cycle of structural materials. The virgin and recycled metals as well as waste minerals such as fly ash, slag in concrete save energy consumption, CO2 emissions and costs. The importance and effectiveness of recycled materials will be statistically evaluated via energy consumption, carbon footprint, ultimate strength and their ratios. Embodied energy to ultimate strength or embodied carbon to ultimate strength ratios may emphasize the effectiveness of a sustainable material. The analyses in this study indicate the utilization of the recycled steel and C50 concrete with 50% fly ash or slag is the most efficient way of using sustainable materials.     

Net-Zero Energy Building Enhancement for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum Educational Facility

In the United States, university buildings use 17% of total non-residential building energy per year. According to the NREL （National Renewable Energy Laboratory）, the average lifecycle of a building in a university is 42 years with an EUI （energy use intensity） of 23 kWh/m^2/y. Current building and energy codes limit the EUI to 16 kWh/m^2/y for new school buildings; this benchmark can vary depending on climate, occupancy, and other contextual factors. Although the LEED （leadership in energy and environmental design） system provides a set of guidelines to rate sustainable buildings, studies have shown that 28%-35% of the educational LEED-rated buildings use more energy than their conventional counterparts. This paper examines the issues specific to a LEED-rated design addition to an existing university building. The forum, a lecture hall expansion of to an existing building at the University of Kansas, has been proposed as environmentally friendly and energy-efficient building addition. Comfort and health aspects have been considered in the design in order to obtain LEED platinum certificate. The forum＇s energy performance strategies include a double-skin facade to reduce energy consumption and PV （photovoltaic） panels to generate onsite energy. This study considers various scenarios to meet NZEB （net-zero energy building） criteria and maximize energy savings. The feasibility of NZE criteria is evaluated for： （a） seasonal comparison; （b） facility occupancy; （c） PV panels＇ addition in relation to double skin facade. The results of NZEB approach are compared to LEED platinum requirements, based on Rol （return on investment） and PV panel＇s efficiency for this specific educational building.     

Corrosion Study and Passive Film Characterization of 11% Cr FIM and 15% Cr ODS Steels

An ODS （oxide dispersion strengthened） steels are one of the most notable structural materials being developed for future high-temperature energy production technologies, and several studies have been devoted to the development of ODS materials for such applications. However, only little paper focuses on corrosion behavior of F/M （ferritic martensictic） and ODS steels. The corrosion behavior of 11% Cr F/M steel and 15% Cr ODS steel were evaluated using electrochemical methods in borate buffer and 1 kmol m＂3 HNO3 with or without NaCI and also in boiling 60% nitric acid. The corrosion resistance results clearly indicated the influences of steel alloys composition and chloride ions. The XPS （X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy） results of the pre-passivated surface revealed that the oxide formed were composed predominantly of Fe203 along with Cr203, and Y203 layers in ODS steel. The corrosion rate measured in boiling nitric acid for 48 h for both the steels shows high corrosion rate in boiling condition. The SEM （scanning electron microscopy） observation of the pit morphology after corrosion tests appears with shallow pit in both steel surfaces The corrosion degradation behavior in relation to the composition of the passive oxide film in different electrolytic solutions is discussed in this paper.     

Existing Building Challenge and CONCERTO Project

If Europe is to achieve the planned transition to a low carbon economy by 2050, succeeding in improving the energy efficiency of the largely inefficient existing building stock will be pivotal. Certain energy efficiency retrofitting obligations have now emerged as part of the EU＇s Energy Performance in Buildings Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive. Challenges for retrofitting currently include gaps in technical skills both amongst building trades and professionals, a lack of awareness of building owners and users, concerns about compromising cultural heritage as well as a lack of viable business models, comparatively high cost and resulting long pay-back periods currently hamper the progress. Lessons can be drawn here form the EU-funded initiative CONCERTO, which helped 58 communities in 23 countries to reduce their dependence on conventional energy supply by implementing energy efficiency measures and integrating renewable energy sources not at single building scale but community scale. Almost all of these entailed retrofitting activities bad to find solutions to the issues mentioned. This paper presents a selection of conclusions regarding retrofitting to be drawn from the analysis undertaken under the project CONCERTO premium, which analysed outcomes across the 58 projects on behalf of the European Commission and focuses in particular on the political relevance of outcomes.     

Augmented Reality Applied to Building Assessment with Building Information Model Visualization

AR （augmented reality） is a technology that adds information to the real world adding virtual elements to its visualization in real time. AR used in AECO （architectural, engineering, construction and operations） can contribute in augmenting visualization during design, construction and operation of the buildings. This article presents a study that applies AR to building assessment with BIM （building information） model visualization. The use of AR on existing applications for smart phones and tablets is validated. AR proposed an adaptation of the method of POE （post-occupancy evaluation） subsidized. Traditional POE process model involves three phases： planning, conducting and applying. In order to incorporate AR, it is proposed a total restructuring of the planning phase, developing the research instruments in three steps： 3D modeling, model treatment and AR application development. It was observed that for POE studies, the 3D models are in large scale and need to be detailed for precise comparison. BIM models for facility management, representing building use situation, are of the highest level of detail. A balanced point between simplicity and representativeness was the solution adopted in this experiment for uploading and downloading performance issues. This article presents and discusses findings for the new proposition for the activity of research instruments development for the planning phase of POE with AR as well as initial tests with first results and difficulties faced.     

Cost Implications of Biodegradation of Khaya Grandifoliola （Dry Land Mahogany） by Aspergillus in Residential Buildings

Degradation of timbers in building due to microorganisms was reported to cause enormous economic loses and species of Aspergillus are among the major cause of degradation of timbers in Nigeria. This research aims at evaluating the cost of implications of biodegradations of Khaya grandifoliola by Aspergiilus spp in residential buildings empirically. Decayed Khaya grandifoliola samples were collected on residential buildings to extract, cultivate and identify the Aspergillus spp present. The cultivation went through serial dilutions and inoculations on sabouraud dextrose agar in petri dishes before incubation for 72 hours at 30 ~C. The species were identified through visual and microscopic observations. Percentage rate of degradation was determined under laboratory conditions by inoculating known weights of Khaya grandifoliola with the Aspergillus and incubating in a minimal medium for 24 weeks at 30 ~C. Weight loses and spore counts were recorded at four weeks intervals. A pattern of the degradation was forecasted. Accumulative weight loss of 16% for this period was obtained. Methods and costs of repair and replacement of decayed portions were evaluated. Residential Buildings constructed of Khaya grandifoliola experienced low cost of maintenance in this region but may not be in wetter regions where the conditions could be more favorable.     

A Case Study for End of Life Reuse and Recycling Survey Methodologies： The Hollentalanger Cottage

Up to now, reuse and recycling of existing buildings have not been examined widely. This paper discusses the theories, methods and practicalities of buildings＇ end of life with a main focus on planning and managing reuse and recycling of existing buildings. Our aim is the realistic modelling of theoretical scenarios for end of life based on a case study. The methods of building survey, material classification and documentation for reuse, recycling and disposal of existing constructions are presented. Investigations and calculations were done on an existing cottage in the Alps. The ecologically most beneficial disposal phase of the old wooden hut is our main objective. Critical questions arise from the quality of the material and how it can be extracted, separated and balanced in an appropriate way. A systematic survey of the building by inspection of constructions and materials in iterative steps allows a detailed material balance with condition and property information. This information is crucial for scenarios and material flow analysis of demolished and rebuilt building in environmental system analysis. For future planning, the reuse and recycling of existing buildings should be integrated quite early in the planning process so that we can use the materials in the best way.     

The Role of Architectural Considerations in Seismic Performance of Buildings： A Case Study in Iran

Experience from recent earthquakes such as Gilan, Zanjan, Bam and Lorestan earthquakes in Iran indicated that the constructed buildings are vulnerable against earthquake. Vulnerability of these structures is due to various reasons such as designing without considering seismic regulations, problems of regulations （design goals）, implementation problems, changing of the building occupancy class, increasing the weight of building stories, adding new stories to the building and changing in architecture of building without considering structural system. So the main objective of this research is to examine the features of building configuration and their effects as for the damages to buildings in past earthquakes. For this purpose, initially four occurred earthquakes in Iran are selected as case study. Then three types of buildings （steel structure, concrete structure and masonry buildings） are analyzed with details. Results showed that the most of damages are occurred in the old steel structures and masonry buildings which their ages are more than 25 years. The study showed that most of the buildings in the study area are steel structure and masonry buildings while concrete structures are infrequent which most of them had no or slight damages. Therefore, the importance and need to enhance the performance of available buildings against earthquake forces by rehabilitating methods would be more important than before. Also results indicated that the decisions related to architectural plan which have significant effect on seismic performance of buildings, can be divided into three categories： configuration of building, restrictive formal architectural plan and dangerous structural components, as these categories are not obstacle of each other, it is possible that each category has an influential effect on others. So organizing the design decisions in this way is very important so as to manage their effects and interdependencies.     

严寒地区学校建筑的被动式节能设计策略

随着经济社会的发展,人们对于环境能源的重视度逐步提高,建筑的能耗问题已经成为全社会对于节能的关注焦点。就严寒地区的学校而言,被动式节能技术远比主动式节能技术更能满足生态节能的要求及学校师生的需求。文章主要从被动式节能建筑的内涵和特点着手,简述被动式节能建筑的优点,说明被动式建筑值得在我国推广;紧接着重点论述了严寒地区学校建筑的被动式节能设计策略,最后结合当前被动式节能建筑在我国发展的阻碍因素,提出相关发展建议。     

Determination of Strouhal Numbers at High Reynolds Numbers

Leeward of natural elevations, like mountains and hills, the air flow becomes turbulent and often times damaging and hazardous to aviation and downwind populations. There is currently a trend for massive construction projects, the result of which are megastructures that behave similarly to these natural elevations and create analogous turbulence conditions. Examples five mega projects were analyzed, and it was estimated that the Reynolds number variation in these buildings, is from 6.10g and 7.109, for winds between 10 m/s and 50 m/s. In this work, the authors present a first numerical approach to this phenomenon by calculating the Strouhal numbers induced by winds blowing against large-volume bodies, in the range of high Reynolds numbers. For this study, satellite images depicting von K~irm~n cloud streets leeward of isolated islands were used. The methodology employed was based on a satellite image where streets watch von K~rnfin vortex, from NOAA-ARL （National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Air Resource Laboratory） prognosis was obtained for a grid point near the island, then determined the inversion layer and meteorological data （wind, temperature and pressure）, was measured from the satellite image the distances separating the vortices to calculate the period, the Reynolds number and Strouhal. The studied results of the cases are displayed graphically, where it is possible to observe a data dispersion as well as a rising trend of the Strouhal number as the Reynolds number increases.     

Wood Preservative Solutions for Creative and Sustainable Bridge Design and Construction

Timber bridges can provide an economical alternative to concrete and steel structures, particularly in rural areas where vehicle traffic is light to moderate. The wooden components of bridges have historically been preserved with either an oil type or waterborne preservative system to protect the wood from decay in order to maintain required performance standards for an extended period of time. The focus of this paper is to describe some of the key preservatives, research and case studies that support use of preserved wood, and some important steps to follow for the appropriate and safe use of preserved wood when the planned application will be in or over aquatic and wetland environments. A wealth of scientific information has been collected and analyzed that clearly suggests the use of preserved wood does not present a significant adverse effect on aquatic and wetland environments. This conclusion is based on two decades of empirical research and case study evaluating the environmental fate and effects of preserved wood, level of migration of contaminates into aquatic and marine environments, and the preserved wood environment. This is particularly true when risks are properly assessed on a project site, the appropriate preservative is selected and the wood is preserved to the Western Wood Preservers Institute＇s BMPs （best management practices）, along with properly installing and maintaining the preserved material. To assist with the assessment process, peer-reviewed risk assessment models for 11 commonly used preservatives have been developed that provide for streamlined data entry by users and allow for evaluation of a structure above and below water. A companion preliminary screening level assessment tool is also available. When these measures are properly utilized engineers, biologists and other responsible officials can be confident that the service life of the preserved wood components will more than likely meet the required performance standards in an environmentally safe manner for up to 50 or more     

夏热冬暖地区被动式建筑节能设计探讨

被动式建筑节能,是通过利用自然气候资源的生态建筑设计原理,赋予建筑本身节能自然特性而实现的建筑节能,因而更为绿色环保,更有利于人类生存环境的可持续发展,成为建筑节能积极倡导的方向。本文就夏热冬暖地区被动式建筑节能,从设计原理、应用技术、设计实践及节能效应进行分析总结,提供相关的设计实践经验与思考。     

Faults and Claims about Thermal Environments in Relation to Energy Saving Measures in Smaller Office Buildings

Building equipment, energy-saving systems, and claims of inappropriate indoor thermal environments were analyzed in relation to the floor area using responses to a questionnaire survey of service managers of 157 buildings built in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures in Kinki area of Japan. Results show the following： （1） In smaller buildings （〈 5,000 m2）, setting temperatures are higher in summer and lower in winter, effects of ＂uncomfortable radiation from windows＂ are greater, energy-saving systems decrease indoor thermal comfort, but claims of ＂hot＂ and ＂cold＂ are fewer; （2） Claims of ＂hot＂ and ＂cold＂ are unrelated to the setting temperature and whether the air-conditioning control system is central or local; （3） The adoption rates of mitigation of dress codes （＂COOL-BIZ＂ and ＂WARM-BIZ＂） are higher than those of temperature mitigation of air conditioning.     

绿色建筑在中国——国内绿色建筑发展的现状与趋势

本文回顾了绿色建筑在中国发展的历程,阐述了目前国内绿色建筑的发展现状,对比了国内通行的两种主流的绿色建筑认证体系,提出促进与制约绿色建筑发展的因素,并对未来绿色建筑的发展方向进行了展望。     

Planning Strategic Sustainable Development in Malaysia by Incorporating the Concept of Low Carbon Society

Malaysia has undergone rapid urbanization and economic growth for past decades and is expected to continue to have an average economic grow at 5%-6% per annum in the next five years. This phenomenon of growth and pursuit of socio-economic progress has great impact not only on the economy but also on community life style and environment. The concept of sustainable development was adopted by Malaysia government as early as mid 1990s to address some of the emerging environmental issues and more specifically on climate change issues recently. Malaysia government announced a commitment of voluntary 40% reduction in CO2 emission intensity by 2020 during the Conference of Party （COP15） meeting in Copenhagen in 2009. In parallel to this commitment of CO2 emission reduction, the concept of sustainable development in urban planning should incorporate a more comprehensive and quantitative approach in the preparation of development plan as well as in exercising the routine development control practice at the local planning authority. This paper prepares a quantitative scenario study on the establishment of low carbon society in Iskandar Malaysia.     

Design of Dissipative Braces for an Existing Strategic Building with a Pushover Based Procedure

The research presented in this paper deals with the seismic protection of existing frame structures by means of passive energy dissipation. An iterative displacement-based procedure, based on capacity spectrum, to design dissipative bracings for seismic retrofitting of the frame structures is described, and some applications are discussed. The procedure can be used with any typology of dissipative device and for different performance targets. In this work, the procedure has been applied, with both traditional pushover （load profile proportional to first mode） and multimodal pushover, to an existing RC （reinforced concrete） frame building. In the application, the buckling restrained braces have been used in order to prevent damages to both the structure and non structural elements. The use of multimodal pushover proves to be more effective than pushover based on single mode in case of medium rise RC frame building （higher than 30 m） but, once this building is retrofitted, and therefore regularized, with a bracing system, the difference between using monomodal or multimodal pushover becomes insignificant.     

A Study for the Environmental Design Supporting an Intellectual Activity

Japan is facing a demographic challenge of a falling birthrate coupled with an aging society that is already adversely affecting the economy. The situation is only expected to worsen as the working-age population continues to decrease. Well aware of this situation, businesses and offices are seeking ways to enhance the intellectual productivity of their workers. This paper explores environmental elements of work spaces that might stimulate intellectual activity. Using a CAD （AutoCAD） miniature garden program, subjects were asked to design a project room that is optimized for creative work using a certain number of elements--11 types of walls, 14 types of floors, 4 types of scenery, 3 types of furniture and 3 types of plantings--but the subjects were free to position and arrange these elements any way they want. The subjects were then interviewed using the evaluation grid method. Based on the results, we created an evaluation structure diagram by analyzing key words and phrases emphasized by subjects in the interviews. The overall evaluation structure represents a summary overview of all 30 subjects who participated in the experiment. This approach captures all the key elements of the office environment that might be used to stimulate intellectual activity of employees.     

基于BIM的小型节能建筑生命周期环境影响和成本分析

被动式超低能耗建筑通过被动式设计策略、高性能的围护结构和高效的设备体系降低其使用阶段能耗。零能耗建筑在此基础上,采用太阳能光伏发电等可再生能源系统,进一步降低不可再生能源消耗。这两类节能建筑的材料和设备系统的隐含能耗、环境影响和成本通常高于一般建筑,同时对构件的后期维护和替换提出了更高的要求。因此,有必要从生命周期的范畴分析其环境和经济效益。建筑信息模型（BIM）能够为建筑项目的建造、运行和拆解等阶段提供多专业共享的数据平台。本文基于BIM,通过LCA和LCC方法对一座小型住宅建筑在不同节能目标情景下的生命周期全球变暖潜势值（GWP）、一次能耗（PE）和成本（LCC）进行分析和比较。结果表明,零能耗乃至正能源建筑在降低一次能耗和GWP方面具有明显优势,被动式超低能耗建筑也具有良好的环境效益。在经济效益方面,由于住宅建筑能源价格较低,如果按近年的价格指数计算,零能耗建筑和被动式超低能耗建筑的初建成本和后期构件替换成本增量将抵消其使用阶段节约的能耗成本,因此生命周期成本高于普通节能建筑。如果未来50年能源价格涨幅超过建筑安装价格涨幅,那么零能耗建筑在生命周期成本方面将具有优势。