Activity 2.3.2

1.    Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one method that could be used to collect this natural resource.

Website: Click Here____________________________________________________

A rain barrel would be an effective and cheap way to harness and reuse fallen rainwater.

2.  Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the environment.

Website: Click Here____________________________________________________

Using blown-in recycled paper insulation that is fire treated is an efficient option that keeps paper that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill in use.

3.   During the construction cycle of the building, materials and components are delivered to the site. List a strategy that you will use to recycle the waste produced during the construction phase. 

Website: Click Here_____________________________________________________

Separation of waste material so that it may be easily recycled later and ordering optimal quantities of materials to reduce unused portions of said materials are effective strategies for minimizing construction waste during the construction process.

4.  Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a designer do to reduce energy consumption in a building?

 Website: Click Here_____________________________________________________

A designer of any building might start by choosing a building site that would  facilitate green construction, choose a cheap, effective insulation material that has a high R-value, and use an energy efficient heating/cooling system that does not far exceed the necessary output.

5.    Building sites offer natural resources that can be utilized for the life of the building. Describe a method to use a site’s natural resources in the construction of the structure.        

Website: Click Here_____________________________________________________
Constructing a building in a region in which a geothermal energy system is feasible would be a good way to use the Earth's heat to effectively heat (or cool) a structure and possibly provide a source of alternative electricity as well.

Conclusion

1.    Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not currently in use as far as you know.
 An electric generator that would use part of its power to charge a battery that was dedicated to running said generator. This would allow the generator to theoretically run forever. Even though the concept of a perpetual machine was disproven many years ago, it is a philosophical concept that has been cause for much pondering.

2.    Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live. Describe why it is an improvement.
A grey water system that reused cleaner wastewater to provide water to the outdoor garden. This is an improvement because currently, water is pumped from the well rather than reused.