Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
This strategy uses building orientation, shading, and thermal mass to reduce energy demand.
What is passive design?
This building material, commonly used in construction, can be sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests.
What is wood?
A system that collects and stores rainwater for reuse in irrigation or plumbing.
What is rainwater harvesting?
This design philosophy integrates natural elements to improve well-being and productivity.
What is biophilic design?
The practice of repurposing existing buildings instead of demolishing them.
What is adaptive reuse?
This renewable energy source harnesses heat from underground to regulate indoor temperatures.
What is geothermal energy?
A construction method where building components are assembled off-site, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
What is prefabrication?
This landscaping technique reduces the need for irrigation by using drought-resistant plants.
What is xeriscaping?
A rooftop feature covered with vegetation that helps insulate buildings and reduce urban heat.
What is a green roof?
A design strategy that allows buildings to be easily modified, expanded, or repurposed over time.
What is flexible design?
A system of panels that converts sunlight into electricity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
What are solar panels?
Materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and repurposed steel fall under this category.
What are sustainable materials?
The process of reusing lightly used water from sinks and showers for non-drinking purposes.
What is greywater recycling?
The practice of growing plants vertically on a building façade to enhance air quality and aesthetics.
What is a living wall?
This approach reduces demolition waste by salvaging and reusing building materials.
What is deconstruction?
The practice of designing buildings to maximize natural light and minimize artificial lighting needs.
What is daylighting?
This type of paint or finish avoids harmful chemicals, improving indoor air quality.
What is a non-toxic finish?
A method of paving that allows rainwater to seep through, reducing runoff and replenishing groundwater.
What is permeable pavement?
The design principle that mimics patterns, forms, and systems found in nature.
What is biomimicry?
The principle of designing materials and buildings for continuous use and repurposing.
What is the circular economy?
This renewable energy source generates electricity from moving air and can be integrated into urban environments.
What is wind energy?
This construction technique involves creating building modules that can be easily reassembled or adapted.
What is modular construction?
The process of using plants and soil to naturally filter and manage stormwater.
What is biofiltration?
This design feature directs natural sunlight into shaded areas using reflective surfaces.
What is a heliostat?
This design method ensures that materials can be disassembled and reused without generating landfill waste.
What is cradle-to-cradle design?