Grand Challenges and Research | Urban Studies & Planning

Greening of Buildings

Area of Concentration

• Architecture and Urban Design

Grand Challenge Overview

Challenges and Solutions to the Implementation of Green Building

Conventional building methods use unsustainable materials and building practices that are detrimental to the environment:  they emit noxious substances into the environment, contributing to global warming and unhealthy air quality. Conversely, green building minimizes harmful emissions and conserves valuable resources. Unfortunately, green building has very limited representation in the building industry.

In order for the large scale implementation of green building practices, there needs to be significant changes in the building industry. Many of these changes require policy measures that can shape the industry by restricting certain materials and changing training and licensing procedures. Educational programs that promote sustainability in the training of architects, engineers, and other building professionals, can help generate greater levels of sustainable building practices. New curriculum is needed within universities that emphasize the importance of green techniques and materials. Also, licensing procedures should include an examination that proves knowledge of sustainable practices. Conventional construction measures are not sustainable and are proving detrimental to the environment. Fortunately, green awareness is growing and solutions toward greater green implementation are evolving.

Core research questions relevant to this grand challenge include:

How does the built environment alter the natural environment, during construction and once occupied?

How can we design and use structures in harmony with the biogeophysical system, taking into consideration socio-economic challenges, human health, comfort, and productivity?

What is the potential for renewable energy generation and how can it be enhanced by modifying the built environment?

References 2

Web Resources - Links and Data

Link to some photos of the City of Chicago’s City Hall roof top garden.
http://picasaweb.google.com/kpezzoli/GreenRoofAtopCityHallChicago?feat=directlink

They have one of the best greening rooftop programs in the country.

Images

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File Uploads

• Green_building_ReaderChap1_2008.pdf
• Leed_criteria_ReaderChap1_2008.pdf
• Regional_heritage_ReaderChap1_2008.pdf

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Opportunities

• No opportunities have been added.

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2011-2012 Research Teams

• No teams have been selected.