SELF SUFFICIENT BUILDINGS SELF SUFFICIENT BUILDINGS:
Ushma Nichani
SELF SUFFICIENCY: Self‐sufficiency refers to the state of not requiring any outside aid, support, or interaction, for survival; it is therefore a type of personal or collective autonomy The term self‐sufficiency is usually applied to varieties of sustainable living in which nothing is consumed outside of what is produced by the self‐sufficient individuals. SUSTAINABILITY: Sustainability is the capacity to endure. In ecology, the word describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. Healthy ecosystems and environments provide vital goods and services to humans and other organisms. There are two major ways of reducing negative human impact and enhancing ecosystem services, they are via environmental management; and management of human consumption of resources. HISTORY OF SUSTAINABILITY: This history of sustainability is characterized by the increased regional success of a particular society, followed by crises that were either resolved, producing sustainability, or not, leading to decline. In earlyy human history, y, Agrarian g communities emerged g which depended p largely g y on their environment and the creation of a "structure of permanence. The Western industrial revolution of the 17th to 19th centuries tapped into the vast growth potential of the energy in fossil fuels. Coal was used to power ever more efficient engines and later to generate electricity. In the mid‐20th century, a gathering environmental movement pointed out that there were environmental costs associated with the many material benefits that were now being enjoyed. enjoyed And by the late 20th century, century energy crises demonstrated the extent to which global community had become dependent on non‐renewable energy resource. In the 21st century, there is increasing global awareness of the threat posed by the human‐induced enhanced greenhouse effect, produced largely by forest clearing and the burning of fossil fuels.
ECOVILLAGE: Ecovillages are intentional communities with the goal of becoming more socially, economically and ecologically sustainable. They vary in population between 100 to 2,000, the larger ones exist as networks of smaller. Ecovillage members are united by shared ecological, social‐economic and cultural‐spiritual values. An ecovillage is often composed of people who have chosen an alternative to centralized electrical, water, and sewage systems. They see small‐scale communities with minimal ecological impact as an alternative. However, such communities often cooperate with peer villages in networks of their own. DONGTAN: Dongtan is a plan for a new eco‐city on the island of Chongming in Shanghai, China. The cities are planned to be ecologically friendly, and complete self‐sufficiency in water and energy, together with the use of zero energy building principles. Energy demand will be substantially lower than comparable conventional cities due to the high performance of buildings and a zero emission transport zone within the city. Waste is considered to b a resource and be d mostt off the th city's it ' waste t will ill be b recycled. ECO‐MUNICIPALITY: An eco‐municipality, is a local government area that has adopted ecological and social justice values in it charter. its h t In I this thi system t th municipal the i i l governments t acceptt varying i principles i i l off sustainability t i bilit in i their th i operations ti as well as community‐wide decision making processes. AUTONOMOUS BUILDING: An autonomous building is a building designed to be operated independently from infrastructural support services such as the electric power grid, gas grid, municipal water systems, sewage treatment systems, storm drains, communication services, and in some cases, public roads. The advantages of using such a structure include reduced environmental impacts, increased security, and lower costs of ownership.
ZERO NET ENERGY BUILDING: Such a building has zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions annually. ZeroNet Energy buildings can be used autonomously from the energy grid supply – energy can be harvested on‐site usually in combination with energy producing technologies like Solar and Wind while reducing the overall use of energy with extremely efficient HVAC and Lighting technologies. The ZeroNet design principle is becoming more practical in adopting due to the increasing costs of traditional fossil fuels and their negative impact on the planet's climate and ecological balance. PASSIVE HOUSE: The term Passive house refers to the standard for energy efficiency in a building, reducing its ecological footprint. It results in ultra‐low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling.
THE LIVING SKYSCRAPER: Blake Kurasek The urban environment and the resulting high‐rise buildings need to play a more important role in the city. The new skyscraper y p will be able to p produce commodities to support pp its occupants p and surroundingg urban p population. p Functions of hydroponics, urban farming, and urban community food production will result. A large portion of the tower consists of residential apartments/condos interspersed with areas of commodities such as fruits, vegetables and cash crops. The ground levels of the tower combine a “Farmer’s Market”, marina and shipping dock where the fresh produce grown in the tower would be for sale to the general public and for distribution back into the city of Chicago. Chicago
KEY COMPONANTS OF STRUCTURE: 1. The Solar Panel Most of the vertical farm farm’ss energy is supplied by the pellet power system . This solar panel rotates to follow the sun and would drive the interior cooling system, which is used most when the sun’s heat is greatest. . 2. The Wind Spire . An alternative l i (or ( a complement) l ) to solar l power. The h wind i d spire i uses small blades to turn air upward, like a screw. 3. The Glass Panels . A clear coating of titanium oxide collects pollutants and prevents rain from beading. g The rain slides down the gglass,, maximizingg light and cleaning the pollutants and it’s then collected for filtration. 4. The Control Room . The vertical‐farm environment is regulated from here, allowing for year‐round, year round 24‐hour 24 hour crop cultivation. cultivation 5. The Architecture Circular design uses space most efficiently and allows maximum light into the center. Modular floors stack like poker chips for flexibility. 6. The Crops The vertical farm could grow fruits, vegetables, grains, and even fish, poultry. The vertical farm doesn’t just grow crops indoors, it also generates its own power from waste and cleans up sewage water.
THE LIVING TOWER: The concept of the Living Tower’s aim is to associate the agricultural production, dwelling and activities in a single and vertical system. This Thi system would ld reduce d the h need d off transportation i between b urban and extra‐urban territories. The unusual superimposition of these programs finally makes it possible to consider new practical and energetic relations between agricultural g culture,, tertiaryy spaces, p , housingg and trade inducingg a very strong energy saving. • A continuous agriculture, irrespective of seasons and climate •This offers a sustainable perspective of urban development. Uses less space and resources than traditional agriculture. agriculture •Agriculture land can be converted back to forest. •Dramatically reduces fossil fuel use (no tractors, shipping, etc). •No massive crop failures as a result of weather‐related disasters. •Less likelihood of genetically modified strains entering “natural” world. • All food could be grown organically, without herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers, eliminating agricultural runoff. •It recycles and purifies water. •Generation of energy via methane from composting non‐edible parts of plants and animals supplying not just food but energy creating a truly plants and animals, supplying not just food but energy, creating a truly self‐sustaining environment. •Can have applications for arid environments or refugee. •Great impact in reducing green house emissions.
AN ENERGY PRODUCTIVE TOWER : • Wind mill L t d att the Located th top t off the th tower, t t two l large wind i d machines hi di t d towards directed t d the th dominant d i t winds i d produce d electricity l t i it facilitated by the height of the tower. These wind machines are also used as station of pumping in order to ensure the circulation and the recycling of rainwater recovered in roof and on the urban development of the complex. •Photovoltaic panels Photovoltaic panels included into the facades generate electricity from solar energy to make it a self‐sufficient building. •Canadian wells The core of the tower receives a network of ventilation shafts in which circulates of the air drawn from the ground with approximately 15°C. 15°C This system enables to refresh the new air in summer and to heat it in winter. winter •Rainwater After filtration, the rainwater is re‐used for the facilities of the offices and residences and the watering of the hydroponic cultures. The rainwater of the urban development, from the facades and roofs of the tower is collected, pumped by the wind machines then stored in tanks at the top of the tower. tower •Black water Black water produced by is recycled and purified in order to fertilize the agricultural production of the greenhouses. •Ecological g or recycled y materials One of the objective of the project is to use a minimum of material. The materials of the tower favours the use of ecological, recycled products or which can easily be recycled. The double skin wall inhabited facades have reinforced heat insulation. •Thermal and hygrometrical yg regulation g The agricultural greenhouses act like a green lung in the heart of the tower. In winter, heat is stored in the solid elements of the concrete core. In summer, interior volumes are controlled by the evaporation of the water contained in the plants.
Wind electricity generation wind pumping of sewage and stormwater Central electricity supplier Sewage treatment tanks Rainwater treatment tank
Water cycles
Vertical vegetable production
Central core
Wind electricity generation
Offices
Greenhouse
Housing C Console l
Discharge lamps to provide night lighting to food crops chimney effect allows the continuity of space for hydroponic from ground floor to the top of the tower Natural irrigation of wastewater and rainwater recycled naturally by plantations naturally by plantations Exterior of prefabricated thin slabs of concrete ç p y Photovoltaic's located in the south façade provide electricity for low power utilities used by residents Alcoves between the partition walls of rooms, toilets and kitchens
Reinforced concrete cantilever beam in central space Glazed glass windows for low emission Air conditioning powered by the chimney effect from the agricultural gardening zone Double skinned core structure
With a topographic game of opposition between full and unfilled spaces, the system of tower is designed as autonomous ecological machine which associates places of production, places of consumption and spaces of life
The full spaces systematically fulfill the requirements of the housing and the offices, in terms of comfort, heat insulation, acoustic and sunning, while the unfilled spaces can adapt to various functions of production.
California Academy of Sciences: Renzo Piano The new Academy will optimize use of resources, minimize environmental impacts, and d serve as an educational model by demonstrating how humans can live and work in environmentally‐ y responsible ways. Topped with a 2.5‐ acre living roof the new California Academy of Sciences employs a wide range of energy‐saving materials and technologies
Piano’s design was inspired by the concept of metaphorically lifting up a piece of the park and sliding the museum underneath. Only one difference would exist between the plants on the roof and the surrounding vegetation: the roof plants would all be native to the northern California coast. Steep undulations in the roofline roll over the Academy Academy’ss domed planetarium, rainforest, and aquarium exhibits, echoing the topography of the building’s setting and evoking the interdependence of biological and earth systems. The iconic hills on the roof were designed not only for visual impact but also for energy conservation. These hills, which feature slopes in excess of 60 degrees, will draw cool air into the open piazza at the center of the b ildi building, naturally t ll ventilating til ti the th surrounding di exhibit hibit spaces.
Strategically placed skylights will automatically open and close to allow heat to escape through the tops of the domes. These skylights will also allow sunlight to reach the living rainforest and coral reef exhibits below, reducing the energy requirements for artificial lighting.. . The large atrium space in the centre has a glass roof that may be opened of shut depending on the rain. This space allows abundant natural ventilation to all the interior spaces.
Padded with six inches of soil, the roof will provide excellent insulation, keeping interior temperatures about 10 degrees cooler than a standard roof and reducing low frequency noise by 40 decibels. Moreover, it will absorb about 98% of all storm water, preventing up to 3.6 million gallons of runoff ff from f carrying i pollutants ll t t into i t ecosystem t each h year. The roof is bordered by a glass canopy containing nearly 60,000 photo voltaic cells, which will produce over 5 percent of the Academy's annual energy needs and p prevent the release of over 405,000 , pounds of p greenhouse gas emissions each year. These photo voltaic cells, clearly visible in the glass canopy, provide both shade and visual interest for the visitors below.
EPSON INNOVATION CENTER: Japan The Epson Innovation Center is a research facility for finished products, where Epson's research development functions are integrated to develop next‐generation information‐related appliances. appliances This environmentally‐friendly building takes full advantage of natural properties and is characterized by an atrium space that motivates researchers to communicate and collaborate with one another. This research facility embodies the philosophy of an enterprise working on environmental preservation with the aim of reducing CO2 by 60%.
Special Features for Energy Saving: •High heat insulation, eaves, low‐e glass Hi h h t i l ti l l •Natural daylight through light shelves and light ducts •Natural ventilation •Use of ground heat by a cooling heating trench system
•Photovoltaic power generation, vacuum type solar Ph t lt i ti t l water heater •Free cooling, cooling water heat recovery •Highly efficient air conditioning heat source unit
Pattern diagram of light duct compatible with sunlight tracking type day lighting system
THE HONDA WAKO BUILDING: Japan The building design reduces both the number of stories and the effect on the surrounding environment. The minimized external facing also contributes to a reduced environmental load and initial and running costs. . Special effort has been taken to significantly reduce LCCO2 and achieve zero emissions.
High‐performance low‐e glass has been adopted for the exterior glass of the north and south atriums. These atriums face the exterior wall, resulting in perimeter‐less air conditioning and a significant reduction in air conditioning load. load
Realization of environmental adjustment systems for each season: The thermal buffer spaces of the south and north atriums have three environmental adjustment systems. One is a discharge system of hot air near the ceiling in summer. Another is a prevention system of cold draft along the windows i d i winter. in i The h third hi d is i a naturall ventilation il i system with i h remote operation i and d outdoor d climate li sensors to reduce cooling load in spring and autumn. . ăƒťSummer p at the top p of the south atrium exceeds a set value,, exhaust air fans are operated p to If the temperature discharge hot air. The volume of second and third floor return air reduction balances the volume of hot air discharge.
ăƒťSpring and Autumn Natural ventilation and night purge is operated to open windows at the bottom and top of the atriums. Motorized ventilating openings are installed at the bottom of the south and north atriums, and, at the top of each atrium, “Natural Ventilation Recommended" is displayed on the central supervisory board only when weather conditions are suitable for natural ventilation. The operation manager decides whether to operate the natural ventilation.
ăƒťWinter Cold air near the window is collected from the suction openings at the bottom of the atriums before it flows into the office space. Alternatively, linear fans are installed in the floor fronting south and north atriums, between office spaces and atriums, to block the thermal effect of the atriums
EARTHSHIPS: what are they? •Earthships have evolved over the last thirty years. •They are cutting edge 'green' green buildings, buildings constructed using waste car tyre’s and other recycled materials. •They use the planets natural systems to provide all utilities using the sun's energy and rain to provide heat, power and water. •Earthships enjoy the weather, regardless of season. If it's raining they catch free water, if it's windy they generate free power and if it's sunny they are capturing free heat and electricity. •They They also employ extensive energy efficiency and water conservation measures, ensuring that the rainwater and renewable energy they harvest goes as far as possible Earthships embody the five‐core elements of sustainable construction i to create a building b ildi with i h outstanding di 'green' ' ' credentials: Use of low impact materials in construction ‐ using local, recycled, waste, natural and renewable materials Passive solar design g ‐ enjoying j y g the suns free energy gy for space p heating Renewable energy ‐ zero fossil fuel consumption with on‐site generation of power for electricity and water heating Rainwater harvesting ‐ free water from the skies with no mains connection and subsequent groundwater depletion Using plants to treat waste water ‐ no sewage infrastructure with on‐site 'waste water' treatment using plants and natural processes.
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THE ACROS FUKUOKA: •Located in In Fukuoka City in Japan, built on last remaining ggreen space p in city. y •The building has two very distinct sides: one side looks like a conventional office building with glass walls, but other side has a huge terraced roof that merges with a park. •The garden terraces on the south, contain some 35,000 plants representing 76 species. species A huge semicircular atrium and the triangular lobby provide contrast to the greenery, in this space is a symphony hall, offices and shops. •The green roof reduces the energy consumption of a building, because it keeps the temperature inside more constant and comfortable. Green roofs also capture rainwater runoff, and support the life of insects and birds. •The buildings terraced south facade utilized by many in the area for exercise and rest, affording views of the city and the harbor beyond. beyond
BANK OF AMERICA TOWER: New York City •The building has floor‐to‐ceiling insulating glass to contain heat and maximize natural light. g •The tower also features a greywater system, which captures rainwater and reuses it. •The building is made largely of recycled and recyclable materials. •Air entering the building is filtered, filtered as is common, common but the air exhausted is cleaned as well. •Carbon dioxide sensors signal increased fresh air ventilation when elevated levels of carbon dioxide are detected in the building. •Conditioned air for the occupants is provided by multiple air column units located in the tenant space that deliver 62 degree air into a raised access floor plenum. This underfloor air system provides users with the ability to control their own space temperature as well as improving the ventilation effectiveness. •The cooling system produces and stores ice during off‐ peak hours, and allows the ice to melt to help cool the building during peak load. •Water conservation features f in the h tower include l d waterless urinals, which are estimated to save 8 million gallons of water per year. •On site power generation reduces the significant electrical transmission losses that are typical yp of central power production plants.
CII SOHRABJI GODREJ GREEN BUSINESS CENTRE: India •This building has preserved the majority of the existing flora and fauna and natural microbiological organism around the building Extensive erosion and sedimentation control measures to prevent topsoil erosion have als been taken at the building. site during construction. The extensive landscape is also home to varieties of trees, most of which are native and adaptive to local climatic conditions. •The green building boasts a 50% saving in overall energy consumption, 35 % reduction in potable water consumption and usage of 80% of recycled / recyclable material. Most importantly, the building has enabled the widespread green building movement in India. •The use of aerated concrete blocks for facades reduces the load on air‐conditioning by 15‐20%. 20% of the building energy requirements are catered to by solar photovoltaics •All of the wastewater, including grey and black water, generated in the building is treated biologically. The outlet‐ treated water used for landscaping. •80% of the materials used in the building are sourced within 500 miles from the project site. Most of the construction material also uses post‐consumer and industrial waste as a raw material during the manufacturing process. •Fenestration maximized on the north orientation • Rain R i water t harvesting h ti •Water‐less urinals in men’s restroom •Roof garden covering 60% of building area •Swales for storm water collection