Sustainable Design Resources
Cost-Benefit Tools
The GreenSave Calculator is the first Web-enabled life-cycle cost-benefit tool that enables professionals such as architects, designers, engineers, developers, and building owners to compare the short- and long-term costs and benefits of green roofs and conventional roofs.
Are there tools to help me make good sustainable design decisions?
Deciding which specific components or methods should be used to achieve a green design can be challenging and confusing. The U.S. Department of Energy offer tools that can help you make decisions about using energy efficient technologies in your buildings.
The ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDG) are a series of publications designed to provide recommendations for achieving energy savings over the minimum code requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999.
Where can I learn how to apply Life Cycle Cost Analysis?
To consider the economic affects of Going Green, one must have a basic knowledge of Life Cycle Costing. Complex projects may require an expert level of understanding of the economics to objectively consider the first cost and the long term costs of design ideas.
http://www.bdcnetwork.com/contents/pdfs/BD&CLCAWhitePaper.pdf
Is there some research that can help me make good design choices?
Green products abound in the architectural market, and continue to increase at a rapid rate. Finding products that are right for your project that can truly result in the desired economic benefits can be very challenging. Look for research that has broad applications to a variety of manufacturers for the best data. Also consider reviewing information from Consumer Reports and similar organizations that compare specific products. The links below demonstrate a few examples of research that points to financial savings of specific building components.
Heat Pumps: http://www.nwalliance.org/research/reports/169.pdf
Windows and Doors: http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/tech/windows.html
Lighting: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/NLPIP/index.asp
AIA Resources
Committee on the Environment (COTE) Committee on Design (COD) Center for Building Science and Performance (CBSP)
Additional Resources
Alliance to Save Energy (ASE)
American Planning Association (APA)
American Society of Heating Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
Construction Owners Association of America (COAA)
International Code Council (ICC)
Green Building Initiative (GBI)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
