Green Architecture Principles Manifesto

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Questions and Answers

What is the main goal of the 4-point water wise strategy?

To ensure water sources are exploited for maximum profit

To develop new water sources without environmental considerations

To safeguard future water supplies through sustainable practices (correct)

To increase pollution for better water filtration

Which of the following is not considered a common contaminant of water sources?

Nitrates (i.e. fertilizers)

Heavy Metals

Vitamin C (correct)

Chlorine & chlorinated substances

What is noted as a short-term measure for managing water contamination?

Using water filters for drinking & shower water (correct)

Promoting the recycling of waste water

Implementing stricter regulations on herbicides

Altering the physical form of the environment

What aspect of development is emphasized in relation to water pollution?

Development can either help or hinder pollution accumulation Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial action to take to prevent water pollution as stated?

Eliminate all polluting activities affecting water sources Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of designers in construction projects?

To protect local and global planetary systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is encouraged in construction to enhance local job opportunities?

Implementing labor-based processes Signup and view all the answers

How should vegetation loss due to development be addressed?

By planting an equivalent number of trees and other plants as offset Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial for maintaining biotic diversity according to sustainable practices?

Preserving virgin land and existing natural vegetation Signup and view all the answers

Which process is essential for soil protection during construction?

Implementing practices to minimize soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

What role does natural vegetation play in the environment?

It helps generate oxygen and regulates the climate Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid disturbance to ecologically sensitive areas?

They support biodiversity and ecosystem health Signup and view all the answers

What is a major benefit of supporting locally manufactured products?

Greater circulation of funds within the local economy Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential source of positive ions that can lead to static buildup?

Electrical appliances Signup and view all the answers

Which design feature is beneficial for neutralizing excess static charges?

Flowing water elements Signup and view all the answers

What health issues are associated with prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs)?

Leukemia and brain cancer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to alleviate static charge buildup?

Design with excessive steel Signup and view all the answers

What accumulative effect does exposure to EMFs reportedly have?

Manifestation of illness after exceeding a threshold Signup and view all the answers

What type of lighting is associated with being poorly lit and can contribute to discomfort?

Old types of fluorescent lights Signup and view all the answers

Which of these practices is aligned with reducing the effects of EMFs in design?

Employing natural building materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a negative ionizer?

To neutralize excess static charges Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of ozone-depleting substances usage is associated with the building industry?

50% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials should be avoided due to their production involving CFC or HCFC?

Plastic foamed materials Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire extinguishers should be avoided to help phase out ozone-depleting substances?

Halon-based extinguishers Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal greenhouse gas contributing to global warming?

Carbon Dioxide (C02) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with existing air-conditioning systems that use CFCs?

They should be upgraded and old refrigerants must not be released. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of materials utilized in refrigeration systems is often still lined with CFCs despite claims of being ozone-friendly?

High-density foamed insulation materials Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is recommended for urban and landscape design to promote energy conservation?

Creating attractive and safe cycle and footpath systems Signup and view all the answers

How can planting trees help combat global warming?

By absorbing excess carbon dioxide and improving air quality Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about new fridges and air-conditioning systems?

They have simply replaced CFCs with HCFCs. Signup and view all the answers

When dealing with plastic foamed products, what should be a priority concern during specification?

The use of a blowing agent Signup and view all the answers

What construction strategy is recommended to conserve energy?

Adaptive reuse of existing buildings and materials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following refrigerants is mentioned as less damaging but still ozone-depleting?

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a goal of creating dense belts of planting in urban areas?

Enhancing local urban microclimates Signup and view all the answers

What role does life cycle costing play in building design and construction?

It evaluates the total costs associated with a material or product throughout its life span. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of high-embodied energy materials?

They contribute significantly to energy use during production. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is suggested for urban development to enhance energy conservation?

Integrate buildings for multi-layering uses Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a key aspect of a holistic approach to design?

Making beneficial connections between components Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the current state of wastefulness and pollution?

Disconnection from environmental impacts Signup and view all the answers

What needs to change in attitudes towards land ownership to promote sustainability?

Viewing land as a shared resource Signup and view all the answers

What role do government statutory structures need to adopt for sustainable development?

Establish mechanisms to promote sustainability Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is essential for designers to adopt in their approach to sustainability?

Flexibility and a willingness to learn Signup and view all the answers

What is a major obstacle to Green Design mentioned in the context?

Short-term profit motivations Signup and view all the answers

In what way should development reflect on its effects?

Throughout its various life cycles Signup and view all the answers

How can tax incentives impact sustainable development?

By tying investment capital to sustainability Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A Manifesto for Green Architecture

This document outlines six broad principles for a greener approach to architecture.
The manifesto was written by Andy Horn.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Cape Town (UCT), Pr.Arch (SACAP) MIA, CIA.
The document was first published in March 1998.
It was presented at South Africa's first conference on "Sustainability in the Built Environment."
It is part of Earthlife Africa's website, known as the Green Living and Development (GLAD) files.
It is also hosted on the University of Florida's Centre for Construction and Environment’s website.

Introduction

A need exists to align development and architecture with the concept of sustainability, given global crises like population growth, resource depletion, ecological disasters.
South Africa faces the need for improved housing and development infrastructure within its society.
This paper explores Green Architecture through the following six issues:
- Socio-economic
- Land
- Water
- Energy
- Health
- Holism

Socio-economic

Development should consider the impacts and opportunities on local peoples and communities before, during, and after construction.
Sensitivity to local history and culture is essential
Consideration of local materials, skills, and vernacular designs is needed.
Preservation of old buildings is prioritized.
Development areas should ensure a sense of place and community.
Supporting environmentally responsible suppliers and contractors is vital, avoiding the support of businesses polluting.
Minimizing running costs and respecting users' finances is important.
Ensuring duty of care to local and global planetary systems is paramount.
Prioritizing local opportunities, including labor-based processes, is encouraged.
Development of local human resources and support of locally manufactured products is promoted.

Land

Disturbance to ecologically sensitive areas should be avoided (wetlands, floodplains, estuaries, natural forests).
Protecting existing natural vegetation is critical for biodiversity and environmental regulation.
Maintaining vegetation cover to offset pollution and global warming effects, is needed
Restoring degraded land through natural features and storm water management is essential.
Soils should be protected from erosion and valuable agricultural land should be preserved.
Natural watercourses should be protected from disturbance and pollution.
Locally available resources and materials must be prioritized.

Water

Protecting, conserving, and reusing water sources is vital for increasing populations.
Conserving water through efficiency and recycling is critical.
Protecting water sources from pollution is essential.
This includes reducing pollution from sewage, detergents, household wastes, and farming.
Identifying common contaminants is important, and strategies for preventing pollution must be developed.

Energy

Global warming remains a significant environmental concern. Dependence on fossil fuels needs to be reconsidered in favor of cleaner, renewable energy sources.
The construction industry must adopt a more sustainable approach to water.
Strategies include urban and landscape design: reducing motor vehicle dependence, prioritizing public transport, utilizing compact mixed-use planning, creating safe pedestrian-friendly solutions
Maximizing the use of renewable energy sources is important, including solar hot-water heaters, solar ovens, solar ponds, solar pumps, biogas digesters, and wind pumps.
Building design strategies can ensure greater energy efficiency.

Health

Green architecture seeks to minimize risks to people, construction workers, and the production processes.
Addressing global warming concerns is critical, in the context of minimizing greenhouse gasses with buildings and materials choices.
Using renewable materials and methods, and protecting rain forests, are crucial for health.
Construction must prioritize the use of non-polluting materials, while considering the effects of ozone-depleting substances, and the avoidance of these, especially in air conditioning materials and products.

Holism

Holism focuses on the interconnectedness of a system.
A cyclical approach, promoting the reuse, repair, and recycling of elements within buildings, is encouraged.
The long-term implications of decisions should be considered.
Realizing that most rules or guidelines for sustainability need to be assessed in relation to the overall design and various circumstances, is emphasized.
The emphasis rests on the meaningful relationships and interconnectedness between elements.

Conclusion

The current state of construction needs to focus on sustainability.
Solutions are explored to address the over-consumption of resources and focus on the long-term effects of development and design strategies.
Attitudes toward land ownership, resource consumption, and pollution must change.

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Description

Explore the six principles outlined in Andy Horn's manifesto for greener architecture. This document emphasizes the importance of sustainability in development and architecture, particularly in response to global crises. Delve into how these principles can guide contemporary architectural practices.