Multi-scale evaluation of the environmental consequences of eco-design strategies for the built environment

Project Highlights

This research project aims to:

• Identify existing tools and methods relevant for eco-designing buildings.

• An identified eco-design method relevant for eco-designing buildings are the so-called eco-design strategies. This project aims at addressing the lack of sufficient quantitative evidence regarding the effectiveness of the eco-design strategies in reducing environmental impacts.

• Quantify the environmental consequences of applying the eco-design strategies on multiply scales and in multiple ways of application to fully explore the eco-design strategies potential for impact mitigation.

• Prioritize the eco-design strategies based on their mitigation potential across multiple environmental impact categories.

 
Results of this research project:

• Identify that a method for eco-design is through the application of numerous eco-design strategies that provides clear guidance and focal points during the design stage.

• No single eco-design strategy should be prioritized over another. The greatest mitigation potential arises when applying a combination of strategies and by differentiating eco-design strategies across different building components.

• Recommend that materials should generally be used in the following prioritized order, biotic materials, inert natural materials, inorganic materials, reclaimed materials, however there are exceptions to this rule for certain building components and types.

• Provide new quantitative insights into the effectiveness of eco-design strategies in reducing environmental impacts and offering practical recommendations for building designers interested in implementing eco-design practices.