Sustainability

Definition

The term 'sustainability' gets thrown around a lot these days, and is frequently misunderstood and misapplied.

A simple definition for sustainability that most people will be aware of is 'Minimizing consumption of resources and ecological impact.'

But there is an additional layer that is key to the term sustainability in the context of buildings. The internal environment (as opposed to external macro-scale environment/ecology) that buildings create and the impact it has on occupants is equally important. This is because if a building has a negative impact on its inhabitant's, then it is not sustaining their ongoing wellbeing - a fundamental function of a modern building. Ecolution aims to take it a step further than that by creating environments that support occupants to thrive, while also minimizing the environmental footprint.

AI render of a warm, healthy, naturally embodied building [Ecolution SBS]

A sustainable building is...

A sustainable building is designed, constructed, and operated in a way that minimizes its environmental impact across it's entire life-cycle, while also promoting the health and well-being of its occupants. A sustainable building should:

• Minimize its size and quantity of materials needed.

• Maximize natural amenity (e.g. daylight, free solar heat, fresh air / free cooling, etc.) through passive design techniques.

• Deliver only the active conditioning (HVAC, lighting, etc.) needed to supplement passive operation, in an efficient manner.

• Power its electrical and mechanical conditioning systems through clean, renewable energy as much as possible and practical.

• Avoid the use of combustion fuel technologies, which emit pollution and cause poor air quality and health issues.

• Utilise materials that are low impact on occupants and the wider environment.

• Efficient use of water, including well considered domestic hot water generation.

• Reduce waste and pollution during construction, operation and deconstruction.

• Deliver high quality, healthy indoor environments (i.e. fresh air, no mould, thermal comfort, visual comfort).

• Enable occupants to control their environment and adapt to changes to environment factors (e.g. temperature, noise, wind, etc).

The goal is to create spaces that are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially beneficial over the long term.

For examples of specific features and measures that contribute to a sustainable building, see my Services page.

A sustainable building is not...

• A last-minute exercise - Sustainability should be planned and integrated holistically, tacking bits on is generally meaningless.

• Code minimum - This is far from best or even good practice. Remember, code minimum means only slightly better than illegal!

• Plants - Adding literal greenery to a building doesn't make it green, and can in fact have the opposite effect.

• Solar panels on the roof - Photovoltaics can help but are often little more than token.

• Double glazed windows - Don't get me wrong, double is considerably better than single, but there is so much more involved.

• Green washing - Beware the designer/ builder/ developer/ real estate agent claiming 'green' buildings, they usually aren't.

Call me cynical but these are common examples of token sustainability, green washing and misconceptions. There is a lot involved in achieving a genuinely sustainable building - Ecolution can help you navigate this far-reaching landscape.

Education

One of the pillars of Ecolution SBS is evolution - to help progress building performance knowledge and practices in New Zealand. As such, I am happy to provide presentations or lectures to organisations or education establishments. Topics can be on any of the Services I offer or can potentially be on any sustainable buildings related topic required (to be discussed). If this would be of use to your organisation, please do get in contact.

I also lead the Passive House Institute New Zealand (PHINZ) local Wellington chapter, organising community educational and social events. If you would like to know more about the gold standard of 'eco homes' and building physics, get in touch and we'll get you along to meet like-minded people. Similarly, if you are part of a business that provides goods or services in the high-performance buildings realm and would like to host a promotional educational event, do get in touch to discuss.

Ecolution SBS

Tailored solutions for healthier, environmentally responsible buildings.

EcolutionSBS@outlook.com

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