Energy

ENERGY

ENERGY (the primary change agent in ecological systems). In vernacular environments, many generations of people have lived full lives with the use of renewable energies. Energy exchanges are fundamental to modeling sustainability and energy use is highly related to air, water and land use. Renewable energies are, for the most part, sustainable whereas non-renewable systems are not. Therefore, sustainability can be modeled by a site or society’s percentage use of renewable energies.

Fortunately, energy conservation is a well-accepted goal of the design professions. Ever since the 1970’s oil embargo and the excellent support for Research and Development (R&D) established by the Carter Administration, energy conservation has been a prominent national priority. Although in the USA energy R&D funding has dramatically diminished during the past two presidential administrations (Reagan and Bush), the earlier accomplishments have been institutionalized in most state building codes which mandate 50% improvement in energy performance. Designing with climate, computer-aided interactive modeling of energy performance, and the use of daylight and renewable energy are critical, qualitative architectural and energy conservation issues. Unfortunately, there is far less progress in increasing auto efficiencies and reducing their use by creating clustered, pedestrian/bike and transit based developments.

This web site was developed with the authors and
Michael Mahaffy, Computer Systems Professional, School of Architecture, Washington State University

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updated 11/24/99