green-design-principles

Earth Conscious Design Principles

OVERVIEW

THE OVERALL PICTURE

PASSIVE DESIGN

BUILDING METHODOLOGY

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY GENERATION

WATER

LANDSCAPING

**Select the tabs above to find out more about the topics listed here

DESIGN

PASSIVE DESIGN

Aim: To design a structure in such a way to minimise the energy requirements of the structure and enhance the living quality at the same time

—Orientation —Window sizes & location

—Ventilation

—Roof overhangs

—Natural lighting

—Insulation

—Thermal mass

—Choice of construction materials

—Choice of building system/method: adobe, timber, strawbale, rammed earth, cob, etc

BUILDING

BUILDING METHODOLOGY

Aim:  To optimise the building process to be as sustainable   and environmentally friendly as possible

—Sustainable building process:
- minimum waste
- recycle
- water conservation
- pollution: air/water/noise

—Building process optimisation: time, public interface, —

Choice of actual building system used (linked to architectural design parameters)

EFFICIENCY

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Aim:  To minimise the energy usage within the structure

—Energy efficient appliances: fridges, washing machines, tumble dryers (IF necessary), microwaves, etc

—Gas stoves (biogas)

—Efficient lighting: CFL, LED, fluorescent

ENERGY

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY GENERATION

Aim:  To generate alternative/sustainable energy where possible

—Solar water heating:
- solar geysers
- solar pool heating
- solar under floor heating

Photo Voltaic (PV): solar electricity generation

—Biogas digester: generation  of biogas for cooking, lighting, water/space heating and electricity generation —

Wind turbines: using wind power to generate electricity

—Micro hydro: water turbine for electricity generation

WATER

WATER

Aim:  To conserve water in any way possible

—Rain water harvesting —

Storm water retention on site —

Water efficient appliances: washing machines, dish washers —

Water efficient fittings: toilet systems, low flow shower heads, aerated taps

—Grey water recycling —

Black water recycling (biogas digester) —

Wetland pools —

Creating wetlands (using grey water) —

Water efficient irrigation

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

Aim:  To minimise the water and chemical needs

—Plant indigenous

—Low water need vegetation

—Creation of wetlands

—Edible gardens (vegetable gardens)