Environmental
considerations for an eco-hotel requiring
integrated solutions and engineering input. |
Design
Element |
Consideration |
Engineering Actions |
Building
siting |
Solar loads |
Minimize building load.
Maximize solar-collector potential. |
| Shading |
Maximize
summer shading.
Avoid reflected radiation. |
| Wind effects |
Minimize wind velocity against building |
| Access to natural energy sources |
Site near geothermal, water, wind, and utility resources. |
Building
envelope |
Thermal performance |
Computer model for peak efficiency and performance.
|
| Fenestration |
Model for optimum performance and life-cycle selection.
|
| Minimize infiltration |
Control all air into and out of the building. |
Building-interior |
Acoustical environment |
Use quiet equipment. environment
Avoid high on/off differential-noise levels.
|
| Visual environment |
Avoid eye strain and discomfort. |
| Thermal-comfort environment |
Allow individual temperature control to the maximum
extent.
Control humidity, air quality, and air movement.
|
Recyclable materials |
Use components with much recycled content |
Seek out products that use recycled materials. |
| Use components that are recyclable |
Find suppliers of products recyclable components |
| Avoid materials that deplete natural resources |
Favor products made with renewable resources. |
Global
environmental consideration |
Global warming and ozone depletion |
Use zero-ozone-depletion refrigerants.
Use zero-global-warming-potential materials.
|
| Renewable energy |
Favor renewable energy sources sources (wind, solar,
hydro, and tidal power). |
| Transport impact |
Use local products to reduce transport-energy impact.
|
Building
operations |
Environmental awareness |
Train all staff to be aware of the environment and what
impacts it |
| Education |
Train all staff in the proper operation of equipment
and the environmentally friendly maintenance
of it. |
| Monitoring |
Continually monitor the installation for conformance
to design intent. |
