Energy efficient architecture and building systems to address global warming

Abstract

Our planet is warming because of human activities affecting the environment. Climate change is caused by a number of things, and it will take an enormous amount of concerted effort to fix it. It involves thinkers, politicians, professionals, and the public. Architects and engineers will have a major role to play in resolving the associated problems. This paper explores various architectural and building technologies that are employed to achieve a low-energy built environment. The paper concludes that designers of the next generation of buildings, whether residential, commercial, or institutional, should aim for "zero energy" buildings in which there will be no need to draw energy from a region's power grid. In this approach, climate and environment are used to advantage rather than being treated as adversaries and buildings become sources of energy, like batteries. A few illustrative buildings are discussed that represent the new generation of sustainable or green buildings. © 2008 ASCE.