Designing for Sustainability: Preprint

In addition to impacting non-renewable energy supplies, buildings world wide contribute to climate change by being responsible for the release of carbon dioxide, either directly through combustion of carbon-based fuels or indirectly through electricity consumption from carbon fuels. As engineers and architects, we have an obligation to design for sustainability. This paper addresses each step inthe building design process - from inception to occupancy. Recommendations and examples of how we can meet our obligations of sustainability are given using two examples of actual buildings that have low energy use and minimal impact on the environment. In addition, these buildings have life cycle costs comparable to conventional buildings and provide comfortable, healthy, and productive indoorenvironments.