SDN603 Sustainable Systems Projects

It seems appropriate that the first time I've had time to post about my projects for this class are a few hours after I completed my final project. That's just an idea of how demanding the coursework has been. Anyhow, my SDN603 Sustainable Systems Class, taught by two engineers, Shannon and Rob and from In-Posse, has been very intense. The course load has been an in-depth review of mechanical, water, electrical, and HVAC systems - How they integrate into a well-designed building, and how to make efficient improvements. It's a deluge of information, but I love the class. It's definitely the most valuable one thus far in the MSSD program. Here's a rundown of the things we've covered:

1. Case Studies
2. Daylighting
3. eQuest Energy Modeling (HVAC Analysis)
   
4. Sizing A Photovoltaic System
5. Water Budgets and Rainwater Harvesting
6. Final Design Project

Read on to learn about each of these in depth.

Is Sustainable Architecture Growing Too Fast?

If you're reading this, you're probably like me and sing praises for everything that is green and efficient. Think about the products that are new or still evolving in the green revolution; rainwater storage, photovoltaic systems, solar hot water heaters, wind and hydro power, intensive and extensive green roofs, organic insulation, to name a few… It's a transforming market where a lot of products are being introduced to help obtain levels of accreditation, be it LEED, EnergyStar, or any of the other standard. An interesting article forwarded to me from the Insurance Journal, highlights some of the concerns about construction defects from these products. Given that this is written from the perspective of the insurance industry, anything that strays from the norm is considered a liability, so take with a grain of salt. An interesting quote:

"While green buildings have many positive benefits, there is also strong evidence surfacing to suggest a direct correlation between new products and innovative design with building failures," says Paul Roecker, an attorney with Orlando, Fla.-based Roetzel & Andress, who focuses his practice on environmental litigation.

I'm sure many of us have never thought of the green homes and buildings as a liability, but they are. The truth is that many contractors, builders, and architects still don't fully understand the systems that are being installed and how to properly maintain them. It's an interesting thought. As we try and create homes that stray from simplicity, inducing complicated HVAC and electrical systems, water management, and synthetic insulation, we are stepping into a relatively untested world.

Still, I firmly believe that these flaws in green buildings need to exist to continue to move the industry forward. Just like any emerging technology, you want to get them to market quickly and safely, but to address and improve upon any defects as quickly as possible. With so many incentives to implement green features into buildings, people are taking advantage and buying whatever is on the market, so reliability of these products need to improve. Therefore, it's no surprise that insurers are coming up with green insurance coverage options.