Overview

Scientific Principles to Guide Sustainable Design Decisions From thermodynamics to fluid dynamics to computational chemistry, this book sets forth the scientific principles underlying the need for sustainable design, explaining not just the ""hows"" of sustainable design and green engineering, but also the ""whys."" Moreover, it provides readers with the scientific principles needed to guide their own sustainable design decisions. Throughout the book, the authors draw from their experience in architecture, civil engineering, environmental engineering, planning, and public policy in order to build an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of sustainable design. Written to enable readers to take a more scientific approach to sustainable design, the book offers many practical features, including: Case studies presenting the authors' firsthand accounts of actual green projects Lessons learned from Duke University's Smart House Program that demonstrate the concepts and techniques discussed in the book Exercises that encourage readers to use their newfound knowledge to solve green design problems Figures, tables, and sidebars illustrating key concepts and summarizing important points For architects, designers, and engineers, this book enables them to not only implement green design methods, but also to choose these methods based on science. With its many examples, case studies, and exercises, the book is also an ideal textbook for students in civil and environmental engineering, construction, and architectural engineering.

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9780470130629

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Reviews

Vallero and architect Brasier, who coteach a course in green engineering at Duke University, wrote this book to assist architects and engineers in understanding the scientific principles underlying sustainable design. As such, this is not a catalog of green products and how they work, but a course in the basics of thermodynamics, the science of pollution, and professional ethics. The authors begin by outlining a synthovation/regenerative model of design to replace the stepwise model of the past. Rather than compartmentalizing the expertise of the various professionals involved in the design process and fitting them into successive steps, the synthovation/regenerative model combines synthesis and innovation with a team-based approach that makes use of individuals' expertise throughout the design process. This model is a recurring theme in the chapters that describe the need for an approach to sustainable design that is based on sound science and goes beyond greenwashing. The science chapters may be too much for some readers and not enough for others. Nevertheless, this is a good introduction to the science behind green design. Recommended for architecture and engineering libraries. ?Amy Trendler, Ball State Univ. Libs., Muncie, IN (Library Journal, September 1, 2008)

...provides detailed explanations of underlying scientific principles...and raises some interesting conceptual ideas and ethical thoughts on sustainability. (Architecture Today, November 2008) ...would provide a solid scientific background knowledge and raises some interesting conceptual ideas and ethical thoughts on sustainability. (EcoTech, November 2008) ...well-refereneced textbook...All in all, the excellent range of case studies and illustrations should appeal to building professionals (Resource, March 2009)

Author Information

Daniel Vallero, PhD, is Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, where he leads the Engineering Ethics Program and teaches courses in green engineering and professional ethics. He has also conducted research related to environmental exposures and risk in human populations and ecosystems and has advised policy-makers around the world on a variety of human health risks and ecological issues. Chris Brasier, AIA, LEED AP, is a Principal with SmithGroup, an architectural, engineering and planning practice. He is also a Lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University where he is Director of the Architectural Engineering Certificate Program and co-teachesa course with Dr. Vallero in green engineering.

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