A methodology for optimal design of sustainable buildings

Title: A methodology for optimal design of sustainable buildings
Author(s): S. Pushkar
Paper category : conference
Book title: RILEM International Symposium on Environment-Conscious Materials and Systems for Sustainable Development
Editor(s): N. Kashino and Y. Ohama
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-55-1
e-ISBN: 2912143640
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 227 - 234
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 12
Language: English

Abstract: Ensuring sustainable buildings requires the appropriate choice of a multitude of building design variables. Moreover, building is a complex product affecting the environment during all life cycle stages. A Life Cycle Approach implemented in the design process may provide a systematic means to optimize the building's overall environmental performance. Thus, the main objective of this study was to establish a methodology for the identification of the design variables that yield the environmentally optimal design. The proposed methodology is composed of: (1) Grouping procedure - recognizing four distinct groups of decision variables (production & construction, operational energy, maintenance & demolition and an integrated group relevant to several life cycle stages), (2) Within group optimization - generating the methodology for optimal environmentally-conscious design within each group, (3) Integration.
In this paper, the methodology for the grouping procedure is presented. It is tested and demonstrated by application to a very simple generic office module. It is shown that the Life Cycle Approach combined with optimization tools can successfully separate most of the design variables into the first three groups, leaving only a few in the fourth more complex group.

Online publication: 2004-11-24
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2912143640.027