Be a Hero, Strive for Zero

cirilomartineziii

Mar 6, 2019

2 min read

As the world progresses towards a future of sustainability and energy efficiency, Net Zero Energy Buildings is gaining significant relevance in the field of architecture. Buildings are the most significant consumer of energy worldwide, so it makes sense for designers, as well as developers, builders, and all involved, to move in the direction of energy efficiency. While many new buildings are being built with sustainable methods, these improvements can also be applied to existing buildings.

Net Zero Buildings improve the value of your property, mitigate market risk, and improve the health and well-being of the occupants. This is turn gives the building a competitive advantage over others and plays a key role is spreading recognition to Net Zero Buildings. Although the upfront prices can be off putting to clients, projects will save money in the long run over the lifecycle of the building. By limiting building’s dependence on fossil fuels, or even eliminating any need for them, Net Zero Buildings are creating a more resilient future that benefits us and future generations. Other methods for sustainable design are conscious strategizing for water consumption. The goal of net zero water is to preserve the quantity and quality of natural water resources with minimal deterioration, depletion, and rerouting of water by employing potential alternative water sources and water efficiency measures to minimize the use of freshwater. As Americans, we are becoming increasingly aware of water consumption and conservation, and designers are taking steps to reduce water consumption. Low flow faucet aerators, water heaters without tanks, and Energy Star rated washers help conserve water. Rainwater on the property can be collected and re-purposed for water usage. Before homes were connected to the city municipal systems, households often collected run-off in cisterns. Attained rainwater can be used to fill water features, irrigate gardens and maintain landscapes. It becomes our problem, if we very well hold solutions to them.

The first place where the reduction in a building’s energy consumption occurs during the design process. In order to effectively produce sustainable architecture, designers depart from conventional construction practice. Sunlight and solar heat, thermal mass, prevailing breezes, and the cool of the earth below a building, provide daylighting and stable indoor temperatures with minimal mechanical use. These are just a few examples of the creative strategy used to implement sustainable design. Advancements in energy sustainability requires the efforts of multiple entities. As an aspiring architect, I do believe it is our responsibility as designers to make the necessary changes for the survival of our future generations. A building's design greatly effects energy consumption so thoughtful design must be implemented into future projects, such as sustainable materials, solar energy, and recycling.