Principles

It is important to remind ourselves why Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) is so important any why we should, as a matter of course, design buildings that include ESD features. The principle ESD aims of successful building projects should be to provide the following:

•   High quality internal environment
•   Enhanced occupant health
•   Improve occupant productivity
•   Reduce energy use
•   Reduce water use
•   Include environmentally preferable materials
•   Reduce the overall environmental impact

When designing ESD buildings it is also important to understand key features that contribute to the success and overall green rating of the building. These can include the following:

•   The integrated design of buildings and services
•   External and intermediate solar shading
•   Efficient facades
•   Natural light plus daylight compensation
•   100% outdoor air supply with heat recovery
•   Mixed mode natural and mechanical ventilation
•   Heat pump heating and cooling
•   Solar water heating
•   Rainwater collection and recycling
•   Water efficient sanitary ware selection
•   Environmentally preferable materials selection