Constructing a Home

Abstract

According to a projection by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the environmental effects of construction, unless practices are fundamentally altered, the worldwide building industry could double its greenhouse gas emissions between 2004 and 2030, that is, GHG emissions could go from 9.5 billion to 17.2 billion tons (8.6 billion to 15.6 billion tonnes) (UNEP/GRID-Arendal 2008). This requires the adoption of not only appropriate design strategies but sound construction principals. Whereas the previous chapter dealt primarily with design principals, this chapter delves into the technical aspects of sustainable construction. It provides a guide for the design of an improved envelope, efficient framing, and construction details as well as prefabrication.