Autodesk Ecotect Analysis

Ecotect Analysis is software developed by Autodesk as a tool to assist architects and  other professionals in creating more energy efficient and sustainable buildings. Ecotect Analysis is able to achieve this by allowing the user to input data into the model at early stages of the design phase. Some of the data that can be stored includes macro and micro climate conditions, thermal performance, lighting, and solar exposure.

Ecotect Screenshot via ArchDaily

By imputing this data, Ecotect Analysis provides the user with: 

• Whole-building energy analysis—Calculates the total energy use and carbon emissions of the building model on an annual, monthly, daily, and hourly basis. It accomplishes this by using a global database of weather information.
• Thermal performance—Calculates heating and cooling loads for models and analyzes the effects of occupancy, internal gains, infiltration, and equipment.
• Water usage and cost evaluation—Estimates water usage inside and outside the building.
• Solar radiation—Visualizes incident solar radiation on windows and surfaces, over any period of time.
• Daylighting—Calculates the daylight factors and illuminance levels at any point in the model.
• Shadows and reflections—Displays the sun’s position and path relative to the model at any date, time, and location.

Currently, Revit users are able to export 3D models into Ecotect to start analyzing sustainable design techniques early in the design phase of any project.

Written by Gaby Soriano, Associate AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Innovative Air Cleaning Facade

Most people breathe air without considering air quality. Air is a natural resource, and it becomes contaminated all too often. As we face the challenges of poor air quality, they can look to cities like Mexico City that has undergone extensive and successful efforts to revive air quality.

In the decade of the 90’s, Mexico City was suffering from one of the greatest indexes of contamination in its history. The pollution rates were so bad that dead birds were appearing on the streets, visibility did no go beyond 20 meters, and an increased number of children and adults were suffering illnesses derived from poor air quality. In 1992, only 8 days out of the year were reported to have good air quality.

Since then, the city has taken action, and one of the initiatives that is currently in place is a three year 20 billion dollar investment by the Ministry of Health in the country’s health infrastructure. One result of this fund is the Manuel Gonzalez Hospital. A creative approach to air quality improvement, the building incorporates a decorative, 3D façade that is made from a material designed to clean the air.

Via www.elegantembellishments.net

This façade, designed by the Berlin based company Elegant Embellishments, is the first of its kind. The decorative architectural tiles, totaling 2500 square meters, are coated with titanium dioxide, a pollution fighting technology that is activated by ambient daylight. Elegant Embellishments co-director Daniel Swagg estimates that the tiles will neutralize the amount of smog produced each day by about 1,000 cars.

By implementing innovative steps as these, Mexico City has significantly increased its air quality. In contrast to 1992, 248 days of good air quality were reported in 2012.

 

Via www.elegantembellishments.net

 

Written by Gaby Soriano, Associate AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Volatile Organic Compounds

Although most people think indoor air quality is safe, they may be surprised by the level of pollution everyday finishes- including paint, carpet, furniture, and floor tiles emit. This is due to the existence of Volatile Organic Compounds. Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) are carbon compounds that participate in atmospheric chemical reactions, these compounds then vaporize at normal room temperature. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds are higher in indoor environments than outdoor. When people breathe in these compounds, they can have adverse health effects. Some of the products that emit volatile organic compounds include furnishings, paint, and adhesives used in the installation of carpet, wood floors, and vinyl composite tile, just to name a few. These products are in every building-- commercial or residential.

Due to the health effects related to VOC’s, which include damage to the liver, cancer, headaches and nausea. VOC's can have negative impacts on worker productivity and effects can compound over time. Sustainable building ratings systems address this issue, for example, several LEED credits attempt to regulate the use of products containing high level of VOC’s through specific emissions criteria. 

The LEED for Schools rating system establishes more stringent regulations for VOC’s than the other LEED programs by insisting that certain products used in a building’s interior meet the requirements of the California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers (Section 01350). Several products that carry the Greenguard Gold label meet this criteria.

The Greenguard Certification program is in charge of assuring that a product meets specific standards for the emissions of volatile organic compounds in indoor air environments. It is always advisable to look at a product's certifications before specifying its use on a buildings interior.

Written by Gaby Soriano, Associate AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Mission Zero: Interface Carpet

Interface has been producing carpet tiles since 1973 and has become the largest producer of carpet tiles in the world. In 1994 they began a quest to change the way they manufacture products by challenging themselves to produce more sustainable products. It has now become their mission to manufacturer carpet that produces zero emissions, zero waste, and zero oil. The most difficult challenge has been obtaining zero petroleum reliance since this is an important component of carpet production.

Interface’s challenge of producing a more sustainable product, has lead to the discovery of a different way of installing carpet. Interface has created TacTiles, a glue free carpet installation system that uses connectors to adhere carpet tiles together rather than to the floor. Only one connector is required at each tile corner. Some of the benefits are virtually no VOC’s and an environmental impact that is more than 90% lower than that of traditional glue and carpet adhesives.*

They are also working with nylon suppliers to obtain pre and post-consumer recycled content materials for their carpet. Aquafil is supplying Interface with a fiber that has 100% recycled material made from reclaimed carpet. Modular carpet is also a sustainable option as single tiles that become stained or damaged are able to be replaced without pulling up an entire room of carpet. Interface takes back all used tiles and recycles the nylon.

Currently, Interface Carpet is being produced with less energy and material, and they are making products that last longer and also recycling old carpet into new leading them closer to their goal for “Mission Zero”. Despite the common belief that going “green” means a sacrifice on quality and price hike, Interface Flor has continued to perform well, and is currently the largest manufacturer of modular carpet.


Dougherty + Dougherty uses Interface carpet tiles in our Oakland office.

Interface Carpet in the Oakland office

For more on Interface, check out their website: https://www.interfaceflor.com/

Written by Gaby Soriano, Associate AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Demand For Wood Predicted To Triple By 2050

According the World Wildlife Fund latest Living Forest Report, it is expected that the demand for wood will triple by the year 2050. Researchers blame this in part to the rise in population, increase in demand, and the increased use of wood for bioenergy.

Even though we are relying more on digital devices to communicate, it is also projected that  paper production and consumption may double in the next three decades. Currently, the 13 million hectares of forest that are lost each year can be blamed on all the factors mentioned above, along with the absence of stronger government regulations worldwide.

The World Wildlife Federation’s forest conservation initiative is targeting net zero deforestation by the year 2020. This means no overall loss of forest area or forest quality.

Image via wwf.org

How can this be achieved?

According to the WWF the following initiatives would need to be implemented:

• More recycling in countries with low recovery rates
• Resource efficiency and fairer consumption patterns
• Plantations to reduce pressure on natural forests
• Better managed forests

All these initiatives need to take place along with more efficient use and recovery of wood products to stop the depletion of forests.

As architects, we are uniquely qualified to support this goal by using less wood on projects, and specifying sustainably sourced wood when we do use it. Certifications like FSC are a good place to start. 

Written by Gaby Soriano, Associate AIA, LEED AP BD+C

LEED Credits: Reducing the Heat Island Effect

In sustainable design, the term Heat Island Effect describes the warming effect that buildings have on the ambient temperature surrounding them.  This warming tends to occur due to a building's absorption of large amounts of the sun's energy, and subsequent release of this energy in the form of heat into the surrounding environment.  This can be detrimental on the environment for a number of reasons, some of which include: 

• Increases in the formation of dangerous pollutants that react to the sun's rays.
• Major changes in biodiversity and habitat resulting from the death of species.
• Human discomfort and illness due to heat.
• Increased reliance on cooling systems which release carbon dioxide into the air.

LEED recognizes that there are multiple ways in which to reduce the heat island effect of a building.  The most basic of these methods utilizes site vegetation (trees) to provide shading for heat absorptive areas.  According to LEED Credit SSc7.1, in order to achieve a credit in the area of heat island reduction, the architect has the option of demonstrating that the trees surrounding a project are capable of providing shading to at least 50% of all roads, sidewalks, courtyards, and parking lots on the site.  

During the design of D+D's project for the San Bernardino Transitional Age Youth Center (Lovingly referred to around the office as "TAY") the team developed a LEED strategy that attempted to take advantage of the site's existing tree canopy to achieve a reduction in heat island effect.  TAY is naturally wooded, with large Oak trees populating huge swaths of the site.  

In an attempt to calculate and demonstrate that TAY met the LEED credit requirement for natural site shading, D+D utilized REVIT's handy built-in capabilities for sun ray path simulation.  Thanks to the capabilities of REVIT and our commitment to pushing the latest technology in the industry, each building D+D designs is positioned and oriented according to its real world coordinates, allowing for an accurate study of sun ray exposure at any time of day and any day of the year.  D+D modeled each tree's basic shape and size and "turned on the sun," analyzing the shaded areas by square feet at three distinct times (10am, 12pm, and 3pm) during the Summer Solstice.  Once these three snapshots were collected and the shaded areas calculated, D+D presented the information to LEED for consideration in obtaining the credit.

Written by Matt Gummow, Assoc. AIA

Energy Use Disclosure Requirements for Non-Residential California Buildings

Once again, California is setting the pace for sustainable building and construction practices with the new State requirements for energy use disclosure when buildings are for sale, lease, or financing.  This is a significant method to evaluate our existing building stock and its impact upon environmental pollution and energy usage. As this new regulatory measure is put into place, it will be interesting to see what mitigating measures will be required of building owners to improve energy performance, and if there will be any incentive programs to promote energy efficient conversions.  Our thanks to Allen Matkins for distributing this information.

This article appeared in the February 21, 2013 Green Building Update.

Written by Betsey Olenick Dougherty, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C