The new art of sustainable design

Green designs or sustainable designs are often used in place of each other. They are complementary terms and usually cover all aspects of building green. Confusion however exists in the exact meaning of the term sustainable design. The closest analogy in understanding what a sustainable design implies is to view the design as a self driven bio sphere.
Sustainable designs do not tax the environment, are able to recycle most of the products used and help better the living conditions. This involves holistic planning in the use of natural sunlight and wind. These include the use of solar arrays and natural air to reduce consumption of electricity and polluting air conditioners which produce CFCs. A sustainable design looks at conserving water by harvesting rain water. It includes recycling bathroom water for watering the gardens. It looks at converting organic waste products into manure for use in the buildings kitchen garden.
A range of initiatives such as sharing a common swimming pool, common rainwater harvesting plant, solar panels all add up to the conservation aspects in a sustainable design. Car-pooling can also be considered as part of sustainable design as it helps conserve natural resources. Locally used material which can be replenished are encouraged in a sustainable design. So if repairs are required of the building, material need not be hauled over long distances but be utilized from around the environment. Converting all these ideas into practice requires government help. Thus there are sustainable design standards which have evolved. The LEED standard evolved by USA is the most common one being used all over the world. The contribution of the scientific community in providing life cycle calculations for sustainable designs have been an important factor.
These life cycle calculations include life cycle energy analysis and use of modern technology to complement the ‘sustainability of the designs. These include inventing better solar panels, better interface with indigenous building practices with modern equipment and optimum utilization of powerful computing available to arrive at simulations for a truly sustainable design. The Greek concept of ‘Gaea’, which epitomizes a perfect harmony between Earth and all beings living and non-living, is a final ideal that proponents of sustainable design strive to achieve.

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