The Basics

Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency of buildings by decreasing energy, water, and material use, while also reducing building impacts on human health and the environment. This is accomplished through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal — the complete building life cycle. Traditionally, there are seven main elements of green building.

1. Energy efficiency and renewable energy
2. Water stewardship
3. Environmentally preferred building materials and specifications
4. Waste reduction
5. Toxic material elimination
6. Indoor environment
7. Smart growth and sustainable programs.

Green Engineering

Students in Ben Stuart's "Green Engineering" course tackle LEED certification principles in a group project. CE 454/554 is offered in alternating years, and was first taught during Winter Quarter 2007.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Students in the class will evaluate existing facilities on campus and describe how LEED certification may be achieved through renovations targeting water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

From the course description: "Application of engineering principles to chemical processing systems to reduce or eliminate discharges which have a negative impact on environmental systems. Investigations into green building practices and sustainability including use of novel or recycled materials, energy management and efficiency, water use/re-use, and indoor air quality."

For more information about the course, please contact Dr. Ben Stuart at astuart@ohio.edu or visit his website.

Ohio Ecohouse

Building a new building, even if it's a green building, increases our environmental footprint. Retrofitting a house is often a better option. When a building is retrofitted, projects are undertaken to increase the efficiency of an old building. Often old appliances are replaced with energy-efficient appliances, insulation is replaced and improved, and sometimes alternative energy systems are installed.

The OHIO Ecohouse is an example of a retrofit. Upgrades were made to a building already owned by the university. Upgrades included: Energy Star-rated appliances, compact fluorescent light bulbs, increased insulation, a solar electric array, a corn furnace, and a solar thermal hot water system.

The Ecohouse hosts quarterly open houses and is available for tours. Please contact Sonia Marcus at marcuss@ohio.edu for more information.

Featured Story

Students take 'LEED' role in native landscaping plan for University's newest center

Compass, May 25, 2011

By Monica Chapman

Earlier this month, crowds gathered at the front of the Walter International Education Center (WIEC) for its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. But it's the building's backyard that is now garnering attention from the University's most ecologically-minded students. Under the guidance of Professor of Environmental and Plant Biology Philip Cantino, students are developing and implementing a landscaping plan for the center, in coordination with the University's Grounds Department. Their aim is to restore native vegetation, promoting biodiversity and affording educational opportunities to students across the Athens campus...