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Whats new in sustainable design

Green designs or sustainable designs are often used in place of each other. They are complementary terms and usually cover all aspects of building green. Confusion however exists in the exact meaning of the term sustainable design. Sustainable design means a design which is more or less self sufficient like a self actuating biosphere.
Sustainable designs do not tax the environment, are able to recycle most of the products used and help better the living conditions. This involves holistic planning in the use of natural sunlight and wind. The most optimum use of solar energy to reduce electricity consumption and wind flow patterns to reduce the CFC producing air conditioners are some of the aspects of sustainable design. Rainwater harvesting which helps in conservation of water is another aspect of sustainable designs. Recycling of water used for bathing for the kitchen garden is yet another aspect. Conversion of organic wastes generated by humans into manure is a sustainable design feature.
Other aspects of sustainable design include conservation and pooling of resources such common swimming pool, common rainwater harvesting plants, common solar panels to cut down the costs and reduce the environmental load. Car-pooling can also be considered as part of sustainable design as it helps conserve natural resources. Locally used material which can be replenished are encouraged in a sustainable design. Thus, long distance transportation of material required for repair is not required. Such initiatives need government aid to succeed. Thus there are sustainable design standards which have evolved. The most common sustainable design standard is the LEED standard adopted by USA and some other countries in the world. The scientists too have chipped in by providing life cycle calculations for sustainable designs in the field of architecture and building green infrastructure projects.
Scientists have helped arrive at life cycle energy analysis and introduction of modern technology to the overall ambit of life cycle calculations for sustainable designs. These include inventing better solar panels, better interface with indigenous building practices with modern equipment and optimum utilization of powerful computing available to arrive at simulations for a truly sustainable design. The Greek concept of â€˜Gaea, which epitomizes a perfect harmony between Earth and all beings living and non-living, is a final ideal that proponents of sustainable design strive to achieve.

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Information related to architect, see www.AIA.org/walkthewalk.

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