An engineering management view of the green building design movement as it pertains to commercial buildings

• Main Author: Pieters, Carel Rudolph
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Sustainable buildings - Design and construction; Buildings - Environmental engineering; Commercial buildings - Design and construction
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8768

M.Ing. (Engineering Management) === New and enlarged energy consumption behaviours driven by manufacturing, processing, transportation and an ever growing human population drives the increased extraction and consumption of earths' natural energy sources to such a degree that the energy sources once thought of as infinite now dwindle on the brink of exhaustion. The earth and all systems related to, and contained within it can be regarded as a finite system in which the different components interact and depend on one another. It is through the recognition of this interdependence and the dire situation thereof that a movement towards renewable energy and ultimately survival has been awakened. A movement powered by numerous commissions and associations working tirelessly to decrease environmental impacts and to improve the lives of all people living on the planet Earth. The current research investigates the Green Building Design Movement and how it contributes to a safer and healthier work and global environment. The current research not only investigates the background of the movement and reveals it as a multi facetted approach stemming from the depletion of existing energy sources and social consciences, but also provides insight to the direction which Green Design and future technological advancements are moving From the conclusions contained in this study the reader will gain a better understanding of the technology, processes and development phases used in Green Building design and how these contribute to lower emissions, lower energy consumption and a more responsible habitation of Earth and its finite systems. In conclusion, the author employs a product and alternative energy source discussion, along with a case study to practically illustrate how the knowledge gained can be applied to optimize a building and the systems within it, while reducing energy consumption and the environmental impact of the building.