Building Energy and Water into Architecture Design

Why is building energy and water use monitoring important?

It is important to monitor building and water use and instill those practice today. The earth’s population is projected to triple in the next 50 years (Kehoe, 2013) . To manage resources creating new sustainable practices will benefit society as a whole and allow the advancement of other sustainable practices. Though costs are high today, with more innovation and buy-in from other parties, costs will come down in the future and communities will be able to reap greater benefits. Some advancements have already taken places, like the Eco Machines, which focus on ecology, economy, and design (Todd) . Kehoe argues that more is necessary to ensure water efficiency, like raising water fixture standards, joining the green movement, and establishing governance. If started soon, these actions can reap huge benefits in the future. New advancements will make buildings more efficient and create spaces that are more human and nature friendly.

Energy as a Design Problem: True or False?

True! Energy is a vital puzzle piece of a successful building or space. While architects today
frequently rely on engineers and other specialties to build and execute their visions, it is still
extremely important to ensure that the designs envisioned support the assumed energy resources
efficiently. Indeed, even the AIA encourages integrating energy in contemporary designs in their latest "Architect's Guide". A smart design can make use of resources efficiently, making it a long-lasting success.

Is water a design problem too?

The planet is made up of primarily water. If we’re designing something on this planet, it is likely that
the question of water is going to have to be taken into consideration, be it window insulation or water
drainage. The question of sustainable water management and water efficiency exacerbate the need
for designs that carefully and thoughtfully deal with water issues, like drainage or water collection.
Designers and architects can become the key players in the discourse towards making ad building a
new sustainable world.

Works Cited

Kehoe, P. S. (2013, December). Water Efficiency. Retrieved from Eco Building Pulse:
http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/water-conservation/water-effici

Todd, J. (n.d.). Indoor Wastewater Treatment. In Sustainable Urbanism (pp. 185-7).