Sustainable Design

Belize LifeStyle Homes

Belize LifeStyle Homes: Safe, Healthy, High-Performance, Energy Efficient Eco-Villas

Sustainability of the Building Envelope:

Since the early 1990's, sustainability has become an increasing priority for facilities projects. It is no secret that building construction and operation have an enormous direct and indirect impact on the environment in terms of energy use, atmospheric emissions, use of raw materials, waste generation, water use, and many other factors. As the economy and population continue to expand, the design, construction and operation community will face increasing challenges to meet the new demands for facilities and homes that are accessible, secure, healthy, and productive while minimizing their impact on the environment.

For the design, construction and operation of a facility (or home), there is an especially important interface between the indoor and outdoor environments, that of the building envelope. The building envelope is comprised of the outer elements of a building; foundations, walls, roof, windows, doors and floors. The prime functions of the building envelope are to provide shelter, security, solar and thermal control, moisture control, indoor air quality control, access to daylight, and views to outside, fire resistance, acoustics, cost effectiveness and aesthetics. Because of the varied and sometimes competing functions associated with the building envelope, an integrated, synergistic approach considering all phases of the facility life cycle is warranted. This "sustainable" approach supports an increased commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation, and results in an optimal balance of cost, environmental, societal, and human benefits while meeting the mission and function of the intended facility (or home).

HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDING - The term 'high-performance building' means a building that integrates and optimizes on a life cycle basis all major high performance attributes, including energy conservation, environment, safety, security, durability, accessibility, cost-benefit, productivity, sustainability, functionality and operational considerations. (Source: Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007)

The Main Objectives of Sustainable Design:

The Main Objectives of Sustainable Design are to avoid resource depletion of energy, water, and raw materials; prevent environmental degradation caused by facilities and their infrastructure throughout their life cycle; and create built environments that are accessible, secure, healthy, and productive.

While the definition of what constitutes sustainable building design, construction and operation is constantly evolving, there are six fundamental principles that nearly everyone agrees on.

Optimize Site Potential: Creating sustainable buildings starts with proper site selection, and the location, orientation, and landscaping of a building affect the local ecosystems, transportation methods and energy use. It is usually more sustainable to renovate an existing building than to tear it down and construct a new one. Consider reuse and retrofit of available existing buildings before deciding to build new.

Optimize Energy Use: A sustainable building should rely on efficiency and passive design measures rather than fossil fuels for its operation. It should meet or exceed applicable energy performance standards.

Protect and Conserve Water: In many parts of the country, fresh water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. A sustainable building seeks to reduce, control, and/or treat site runoff, use water efficiently, and reuse or recycle water for on-site use when feasible.

Use Greener Materials: A sustainable building should be constructed of materials that minimize life-cycle environmental impacts such as global warming, resource depletion, and human toxicity. Life-cycle raw materials acquisition, product manufacturing, packaging, transportation, installation, use, and reuse/recycling/disposal should all be taken into account.

Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): The indoor environmental quality of a building has a significant impact on occupant health, comfort, and productivity. Among other attributes a sustainable building should maximize daylighting, provide appropriate ventilation and moisture control, and avoid the use of materials that are high in VOC emissions.

Optimize Operational and Maintenance Practices: Incorporating operations and maintenance considerations into the design of a facility (or home) will greatly contribute to improved work environments, higher productivity, and reduced energy and resource costs. Designers are encouraged to specify materials and systems that simplify and reduce maintenance requirements; require less water, energy, and toxic chemicals and cleaners to maintain; and are cost-effective and reduce life-cycle costs.