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ACADEMIC LESSON

to and from the house through an underground
heat exchanger filled with a chemical refrigerant.
Alternative energy sources

13 Solar photovoltaic panels can be incorporated
into the design so that the building can generate
its own electricity, and solar thermal panels can be
used to heat water for the house. Depending on
the location of the property, wind power may be
another alternative energy option.

Water use
14 Plumbing fixtures such as low-flow toilets
and shower heads conserve water. A rainwater
harvesting system can drain rainwater from roofs
into an underground storage tank that delivers gets input from this team during the design
the water to the house to use in toilets, or to the process, and often one element of the design can
landscaping irrigation system.
affect another. For example, room layout could be
The Design Process influenced by the desire for efficient placement of
HVAC ducts or plumbing lines.
15 An effective way of achieving the maximum
benefit from green building strategies is through a 16 There are many elements architects have to
process called integrated design, or whole-building take into account in designing green homes. A
design. In this approach, the architect collaborates good design brings them all together to create
with specialists in sustainable design in areas such a successful result—a home that is not only a
as HVAC, plumbing, and lighting, as well as with the comfortable fit for the owner’s needs but is truly
builder who will construct the home. The architect eco-friendly.

DID YOU UNDERSTAND?

1. What makes a green home eco-friendly? 8. What is the function of insulation?
2. What is the focus of sustainable architecture? 9. What are some examples of environmentally
3. What is the most important aspect of a green friendly materials that could be used in home
home? construction?
4. Why is a site analysis important? 10. What is a geothermal heat pump?

5. How does the size of a house relate to its energy 11. What is the advantage for a home in generating
efficiency? its own electricity from solar energy?
6. What is a passive solar design system? 12. What is the integrated design approach?
7. How should windows be placed in a green home
design?

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION?

1. What do you think governments could do to encourage the construction of green homes, even if they are
more expensive to build?

2. What do you think would be effective ways to get people to conserve electricity, gas, and water at home?

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