ALEJANDRO DELGADO

2/7/2016
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION: PERMANENT FIXTURE
Society follows different types of rules which are democratically imposed by the governments and also by
democratic systems. This kind of imposed rules were created to organize and to protect citizens as well
as properties and nature. It is important that common people in most of the cases obey these laws. Some
kind of laws are created as a necessity of controlling the use of new technology devices. For instance,
smart phones are not permitted to use in banks in some countries, however this rule maybe not in the
United States. Laws have to pass a trial period in order to be accepted or denied. If the rules are impractical
the common citizen will not apply them. Is Sustainable Design practical to implement? The answer is yes
but as newcomer it will take its time.
When we talk about Sustainable Design not only we refer to buildings but it could be applied to other
activities in our life, it is our responsibility for the coming generation, to have enough natural resources
to grow and to sustain ourselves. But how is it possible that it happens. Society has the obligation to
instrument the nature protection using laws and tools and the majority of the human activities which have
an impact in nature. The goal is to consume less and protect the environment.
As it seen, the new rules will depend on the type of society, even geography is an important factor to
consider when creating rules, laws or bylaws. It is more, some rules are created in different level of the
same society and the importance of them depends on the effect that it has in the common citizen.
Different countries have different laws. Standards or Norms can be called laws but they were developed
by technical experts in order to protect society against any kind of hazards and risk.
For instance, considering the case of the food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is a very much known
institution which mission is to protect and promote public health through the regulation, supervision and
control of food and drugs. FDA is the strongest institution in the USA but in other countries which see a
guide in this agency.
In case of environmental risk and responsibility, unfortunately most of the countries do not have measures
to protect environment, even in developed countries, politicians and citizens really do not put strong
efforts to get a developed Environment Standard Systems. There have been some approaches in some

sectors such as fishing, this industry obeys regulatory institutions. Chemical Industry is trying to decrease
waste, and they are being regulated as well.
From the before said, the unique way to decrease the human activities impact in construction is imposing
a defined environment Protection Standard for buildings. On the other hand, new manufacturing methods
should be developed by Construction Standard Institution such as the AISC, American Institute of Steel
Construction and other institution to create Engineering Codes for Green Construction. Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA) would be the goal for all the new buildings.
Energy is a though issue. Engineers are trying to develop efficiency energy devices and energy generators
nevertheless at the moment is not real that home building be auto energy sustainable or zero energy, the
huge energy that a typical build consumes.
Comparing to industrial buildings, the approach can be completely different, because inside the building
a productive process is being carried out, the high level of energy consumption was already taken into
account. Moreover, in this buildings a group of engineers always have the responsibility to improve
process in order to spend less energy. Even, some industries export energy which is produced.
On the other hand, buildings for administrative uses with the current technology, it is not possible to get
a zero energy consumption building.
When an old building is demolished wreckages are sent to the landfills. The building debris should be
analyzed and sent to a municipal recycling plant. It should be done by law.
Municipalities must take responsibilities in LCA with the Building administer or responsible and to plan
environment program for different types of buildings. For instance; a few years ago the FIFA WORLD CUP
took place in Brazil and due to the massive arrives of football fans several stadiums were built, they costed
thousands of millions American dollars, and just after the world cup, these huge buildings did not have
any use. Like some very expensive white elephants. Tons and tons de material were occupied for an
ephemeral month. It seems that nor the Brazilian government neither architects, engineers and builder
took into account the LIFE CYCLE ASSESMENT. Currently these stadiums are abandoned waiting for the
next cup at home.

People are conscious that put in law Sustainable Design & Construction is hard but the but the process
to implement has started, there are a lot of institutions which are concerns about it such as the U.S.
General Services Administration (GSA).
Sustainable Facilities Tool are developed by different private and federal institutions in the United
States, an example is Sustainable Facilities Tool
This institution developed a document titled High Performance and Sustainable Buildings Guidance.
Moreover, GSA has a complete webpage explaining about Sustainable Design. This information is free for
the public. The U.S. Government has supported the interagency work. LEEDS is being applied.
It is necessary to point out that Education is the key to popularize Construction Design Methodologies
and goals. However, these new methodologies should be easier to implement into new buildings and
developments. High school, University and Educational and Professional software are called to take
responsibility in this challenge, it is the case of AUTODESK which is supported with new sustainable
design software and sponsor novel designs for energy saving. The Renewable Energy Solutions Australia
(RESA): Whisper-quiet wind power.

figure 2 an improved wind turbine (RESA) sponsor by AUTODESK

Federal institutions in the U.S. also support projects such as the U.S. Department of Energy with the
KidWin Project, they focused in students in grades from 5-8 to 9-12, they teach courses at the National
Wind Technology Center in Minesota.

Biogas is a natural fuel obtained from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste. This technology is also
being perfecting by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Green Design would include this
equipment for decreasing oil consumption.

figure 1 logo of the Kid Wind Project

Another important player about Sustainable Design is the material supplier, should suppliers exact about
eco-friendlier construction products.
CONCLUSION:
In the future green technology business will be respectful and people will be willing to protect nature and
its sources.

Bibliography
1. Gray world, green heart : technology, nature, and sustainable landscape, Robert L. Thayer, 1994
2. The HOK guidebook to sustainable design, Sandra. Mendler, William Odell, Mary Ann. Lazarus, 2006
3. http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104462
4. http://www.autodesk.com/sustainable-design/case-studies/resa
5. http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60178.pdf
6. http://www.hcisd.org/cms/lib4/TX01001784/Centricity/Domain/307/wind_turbinebladedesign.pdf
7. The Sustainable Design Book, Rebecca Proctor, 2015