green starts with the letter 's' - robert l. rogers

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Green starts Green starts with with

the letter the letter

‘ ‘ S S ’ ’



SS

Robert L. RogersRobert L. RogersArchitectural Alternatives, Inc.Architectural Alternatives, Inc.

International Environment ForumInternational Environment Forum

ABS ConferenceABS Conference

August 14, 2009August 14, 2009



Green Made Green Made Easy Easy



Before After



Going green is getting points on a

checklist. – Good to a point.



Dilemmas and Questions

1. For a family of 4, is a 10,000 square footLEED Platinum house more green than a

1500 square foot ordinary house?2. Surprises may thwart our goals of long

term energy savings.



Four geothermal wells encountermud seams, adding $ thousands to a

church project.



Some Definitions of Green Design

• Sustainable Design

• A design, usually architectural, conforming toenvironmentally sound principles of building, materialand energy use.

• Design sensitive to environmentally-friendly, ecologicalissues.

• Using natural products and safer procedures to protectpeople’s health and well-being.

……….and, saving money in the long run!



Beyond definitions, to the real world.



How can we develop more

organic/holistic models to helpus create ‘green’ projects?

A work in progress……………..



1. Spirit (soul) - the intangible components of a project and how we mentallyorganize our thoughts, this first item mixes with all the others, and includesunderlying values and purposes behind anything that is done on a project.

Element Project Creation Project Use, Sustainability

SpiritualPrinciples

-underlying values whichgovern what we do.

-accountability methods tomake sure we do what wesay.

-on-going management ofbuilding systems to create

green operations and fulfillproject goals.

SharedValues – worldvision

-clarifying how we fit into theworld’s picture.

-verify responsible andquantifiable use of

resources – ecologicalfootprint.

-on-going increase ofunderstanding of our role inglobal warming, use ofresources, monitoring of

carbon footprint, etc.

SharedValues

– seeking towork withincommunity

-understanding and workingwith the surrounding

community on this project.-building of common goals.

-special attention to the needsof the community over time.



Spirit (soul)


Organiza-

tionalvision

-vision and mission statements –

what is the organization seekingto do?

-establishment of project teamreflecting various interests,commitments.

-commitment to use facilities

and resources to fulfillmission.

Project

vision

-goal for a project which fulfills the

mission and is attractive,functional, user friendly, etc.-create as “green” project as

possible, given all priorities.

-use of project for organizationalleadership and role incommunity.

-monitor project use and

needs over time.-incorporate green businesspractices.

Defining

theprogram

- translating vision/mission into a

list of spatial needs (now andfuture).

-adapting the program and

facility as needs change.-review of program and

future needs per facility



Spirit (soul)


Defining therules fromthe outside

- building codes, healthregulations, zoning, etc.

-AIA Guidelines; LEED,Energy Star, etc.

-requirements for businessand specialty operations.

Defining theresources

-design using materials,systems and labor in thisregion.

-grant and other funding

guidelines.-leadership team and others.

-finances for operations fromvarious sources.

-people, staff, specialists,etc., as they use the

facility.

Design

process

- use and monitor this

approach to facilitate allproject decisions.-create design procedures

which don’t use a lot of

energy.

-on-going changes reflected

in updates of documents,as a reference documentfor the future.

Constructionprocess

-organize to minimize waste,use on-site and local

-use data base for upgrades& changes.



2. Soil (Sustenance, Site) – the community systems (natural, man-made andcultural) which connect a project to its surroundings of various types. Thesesystems are a form of long-term “energy” which will allow this project to

continue and evolve.Element Project Creation Project Use, Sustainability

Message ofThe site

-what does the site “say” interms of future uses?

-what exists – understanding thevarious elements that arepresent.

-what special places needto be protected?

-coordinate with existingecosystem andanticipated futureadditions, nearbychanges, etc.

Soil systems and

undergroundecology

-what exists within 20’ of the

surface, that we need toconsider?

-identify surface “living” soilcharacteristics, uses,

and potential changes.-verify capacities for new

structures.

-coordinate with other

adjacent sites andchanges over time, forgroundwater, othersubsurface

characteristics.-protect underground

systems with

2 S il (S Si )



2. Soil (Sustenance, Site)


Other natural

systems

-identify and catalogue

natural plant andanimal systems.

-protect systems fromconstruction damage.

-continue to monitor the natural

systems and protect asrequired.

-assign responsibility forecosystem responsibility.

Undergroundman-madeInfrastructure

and energysystems

-install new utility systems,which can be used forbuilding additions and

extended for futureadjacent area use(water, sanitary sewer,other utilities).

-maintain knowledge of wherefuture tie-ins are located.

-use expansion provisions in

future.-evaluate utility options asimprovements are made.

2 S il (S Si )



2. Soil (Sustenance, Site)


Constructedsitecomponents

-as identified on site plan,including buildings, futureadditions, parking and othertransportation components,walkways, service areas, lowmaintenance landscaping,special areas unique to thisproperty, etc.

-provide area for tools formaintenance, storage forclippings, compost, etc.-see also “skin”.

-adapt plans over time,recognizing changes inpriorities, materials, etc.-provide electric vehiclecharging stations.-maintain areas requiringpruning or mowing andprovide location (s) for

composting, yard waste, etc.

User andcommunityaccess,infrastructure

and resources

-provide for walkway, road,greenway and otherextensions to adjacent areas.-include bike rack and other

alternatives transportationitems.

- develop alternative meansof transportation for users.- provide incentives foralternative transportation.

3 S d ( ) th “ ti ” (bl i t) f j t f th b i f ll



3. Seed (space) – the “genetics” (blueprint) of a project form the basis for allactions, which results in space of all types, both interior and exterior.


Theoverallplan

-as indicated on site plan,showing how project ties intoadjacent areas.

-coordinate with adjacentareas as they develop orchanges are made.

Spacelayout – interior

-create functional areas whichreflect their use and otheraspects of S6.

-involve various people, groups

in design process.

-monitor program changes andadjustments which mayneed to be made tofacilities.

Interior/ ExteriorTransitions

-determine categories ofentrance – visitors, owners orstaff, service, special.

-provide transition zones andsupport elements asappropriate at each entrance.

-adjust entrances as additionsare developed.

-adjust transition zone

elements as new needs areidentified.

Spacelayout- exterior

-allocation of areas for parking,service, walkways, etc.

-design contiguous areas tomaintain ecolo .

-maintenance of areas, usinggreen products andprocedures.

3 S d ( )



3. Seed (space)


Allowance for

future buildingchange

-“generic” size rooms

which can be used forvarious functions.

-design structure to

facilitate change.

-adapt or change spaces as

needs change.

-adapt exterior spaces andexpand landscaping.

Allowance forfuture facilityexpansion

-provision for buildingexpansion in well-defined areas.

-provision fortransportationexpansion based oncurrent projections.

-review needs s for expansionand create logical futureprojects that will minimize

disruptions.-includealternative transportation asoptions evolve.

Allowance forecologicalevolution of siteelements

-create long-rangemethodology for viewingall changes, reflectingnatural habitats as wellas human areas.

-monitor ecology and itsconnections to adjacentareas.-be conscious ofnatural systems and theirneeds.

4 Sk (S t i bilit ) th f f ll t ( t l d



4. Sky (Sustainability) – the energy forms of all types (natural, man-made,etc.) which enable a project to be created and to live. These energy formsare short-term but have long-term impacts.


SolarEnergy

-key spaces orient south, utilizingpassive solar.

-use active solar as appropriate.

-review forms of day lighting forinterior spaces (light tubes,

skylights)-determine types of shading for sun

control.

-adjust blinds, add otherelements to utilize andcontrol sunlight.

- identify and reservepotential site andbuilding elements forfuture solar panels.

Windenergy

-include operable windows andreview options for natural

ventilation.-develop landscape buffers on winterprevailing wind sides.

-use operable windowsconsistent w/HVAC.

-establish clear criteria formanagement ofwindows, HVAC .

Water

energy

-incorporate rain water harvesting as

appropriate for landscape needs.-develop bioretention area or other

nature-based storm water

-maintain rainwater

systems.-update storm water

systems with emerging

4 Sky (Sustainability)



4. Sky (Sustainability)


Imported

energy

-underground power from

local utility.

-review per other energy

options, potential forgreen power, etc.

Site-generated

energy

-roof structure for current or

potential future solarpanels.

-review changing energy

technologies for logicalfuture additions toproject.

Sky-related

ecology

- review sky cover by trees

and landscape, forappropriate additions orchanges.

-long-term maintenance of

landscaping, trees, etc.-protect solar access

through maintenance oflandscape.

View from theBuilding(viewscape)

-inclusion of view corridors(windows at end ofcorridors, views throughadjacent spaces, etc.).

-create nice landscape areasadjacent to public andrivate areas.

-adaptation of views overtime.

-extend view corridors asbuilding additions are

developed.

4 Sky (Sustainability)



4. Sky (Sustainability)


The Daily

Cycle

-recognize impact of sun, etc.,

on different facades.-provide special sun control for

east and west-facingrooms.

-use north side for equipment.

-monitor differences in

weathering on varioussurfaces.

-develop arbors and otherconstructed sun-control

measures.

The YearlyCycle

-recognize wide variations inways building is used and

works throughout the solaryear.-special measures for winter

on north side of building.

-take advantage of climateand on-site energy

benefits to reduce off-siteenergy.-use low energy systems for

seasonal maintenance

(snow and leaf removal,mowing, mulching, etc.).

5 Skin (surface style) the interface between interior and exterior sky and



5. Skin (surface, style) – the interface between interior and exterior, sky andsoil, and within our space enclosures.


Vision of theskin

-general - design creativeand flexible “skins” ofall types, allowing thefacilities and site to

“breathe” and adaptover time.

-approach this as if thiswere the skin of one’s

body, understandingthe complexmechanisms at work.

-create simple ways ofmonitoring the skin and itsparts.

-determine appropriate mix of

mechanical and human-powered actions tomodulate the skin.

Created naturalsystem skin (soft) -include mix of surfaces(lawn, landscaping,etc.), per landscapeplan.

-develop more organic meansof maintaining lawns,shrubs, etc.

5 Skin (surface style)



5. Skin (surface, style)


Created site

skin (hard)

-coordinate with “soil”

elements, with specialattention to surfaceswhich must bemaintained, such as

parking lots andwalkways.

-maintain created skin with

biodegradable or other greenproducts.

-re-surface parking areas withmore green coatings than

currently available.

Building skin

(visible outerlayer)

-use sustainable and low

maintenance finishes.-create aestheticallypleasingcombinations of

materials, roof pitch,green roof options,etc.

-maintain exterior surfaces on

regular basis (painting, re-roofing, etc.).- purchase greener products in

future as changes occur.

Building skin

(inner layers)

-incorporate high

insulation values,emphasis on sealingopenings and

-monitor joints and sealed areas

for damage and repair.

5 Skin (surface style)



5. Skin (surface, style)


Building skin

(openings)

-use window types which

include sun controlmeasures,

or provide separate system.-use insulated door and

framesystems with thermal

breaks.-design for replacement w/in

20-year period.

-consider improvements as

new systems (windows,etc.) are available.

-replace doors and otheropenings as needed.

Sensoryelements-

touch, taste,smell, sight,sound

-create sound separation forkey areas.

-incorporate various typesand safe textures forsurfaces.

-provide attractive universaldesign elements and

signage.-maintain landscaping toprotect visual corridors.

Room and other

spaceenclosures

-understand the differences

between rooms and theirspecial enclosure needs.

-incorporate low or no-VOC

-re-coat with same or better

materials.-use natural cleaning

materials.

6 Systems (support) the elements within the skin that are needed to enable



6. Systems (support) – the elements within the skin that are needed to enablethe seed to come into being. These include all of the typical architecturaland engineering systems that enable a building to function.

Element Project Creation Project Use, SustainabilityVision of thesystems

-create efficient systemsthat meet needs andallow change.

-approach this withunderstanding of thehuman body and theinterconnection of allsystems.

-maintain systems.-evaluate schedule for change.-seek to understand the organic

nature of the building andone’s role in managing it andkeeping it “fit”.

Structuralsystems

-structural concepts usingsustainably harvested or

recycled contentmaterials.

-use similar materials for futurechanges, but newer

generation.

Architecturalsystems

-use locally-producedmaterials where feasible.

-use high recycled contentproducts. -developschedule of materials.

-use consistent products whenchanges and expansion

occur.

6 Systems (support)



6. Systems (support)


Material flow

systems

-defined storage areas for

various functions andneeds, both interior andexterior.

-explore ASAM (adaptable

storage and activitymodules).

-create clear means of

managing material flow inand out of building.

-maintain recycle locations(all materials recycled).

-compost of food waste.

Interior design

elements

-cabinetry – use low-VOC

products from local sources.-paints, finishes – use low orno-VOC products.

-renovations – use higher-

grade products as available.-use green techniques forcleaning.

Human Comfort

Systems

-systems as part of hybrid

core area, reflecting use& human patterns at various

times of the day and year.-include appropriate types

of geothermal and solarconditioning.

-on-going cleaning of filters,

monitoring of systems.-control of shades, windows,

etc.

6 Systems (support)



6. Systems (support)

Element Project Creation Project Use,Sustainability

Water-utilizationsystems

-systems as part of hybrid corearea.

-develop means of sorting graywater and capturing heat.

-maintain systems.

Illumination -combine day lighting with highefficiency lighting.

-include motion sensors,photocells w/ timers, etc.

-change and adjustlighting as required.

-replace bulbs inappropriate manner.

Electricity-utilizationsystems.

-incorporate Smart Technologyitems as appropriate forbuilding types.

-means to omit phantom energy.

-upgrade systems asneeded.

Specialtysystems

-develop specialty items in cost-effective manner and toexpress sustainability goals.

-review options forequipment aschanges occur.

User installedEquipment

-purchase” green” (Energy Star)items (high recycled material

-monitor purchasingpatterns for new



Transforming

S6into

Design

H b id S t i bl H



Hybrid Sustainable Home

H b id S t i bl H



Baha’i (and universal) principles we hope

would be included:• Honesty

• Detachment

• Purity

• Truthfulness

• Integrity

• Accountability

• Justice

• Unity

• Loving kindness

• Wholeness

• Perspective about creation



• How do I (and we) break out of our daily

routines?• What can give us strength and courage to

change the way we do things?• How can we together create holisticenvironments?



“Be ye the embodiments of justice and

fairness amidst all creation”Beha’u’llah



Thank you! Thank you!

green starts with the letter 's' - robert l. rogers

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