Event Coverage

The green aspects of architecture

Green aspects in architecture are paving the way to the future. With the energy crisis and depletion of energy resources worldwide, more and more people are paying attention and seeking to protect the environment by reducing energy and material consumption - from homeowners who have installed green roofs and solar panels in their homes, to architects who have designed buildings which are friendly to the environment.

American Institute of Architecture Project Manager Andy Sohn educated SAMCAR Realtors and affiliates on the trend towards sustainable design practices at SAMCAR’s March 6 Combined Marketing Meeting, held at the Elks Lodge in San Mateo..

Sohn gave examples of buildings that utilize sustainable design practices and highlighted such features incorporated in the design of the new San Mateo Library, located at 55 West Third Avenue. Sohn described the community library as a “green building,” which qualifies for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification because of its sustainable energy efficient design. Natural air flows from air vents, with air coming through floors which are installed at a raised level. Windows open automatically at a certain temperature to keep the temperature constant so the building is not dependent on air-conditioning. Redwoods were preserved to provide natural shade, and 98 percent of the trees that had to be excavated during the construction have been recycled.

Other green aspects of architecture utilized to reduce energy consumption include solar collectors, green roofs or roofs that reflect heat, water efficient landscaping, using efficient lighting and maximizing daylight with the use of windows and skylights, high efficiency fans and underfloor air supply, insulated windows and roofs, landscape designed with native species to reduce the need for irrigation, and chilled water systems used for air conditioning, which cool water at night during off peak hours.

Sustainable design practices meet the needs of the future, said Sohn.

Energy use can also be reduced by careful material selection, according to the AIA project manager. Building products high in recyclable content include steel, ceiling tiles, carpet tile backing and composite woods. He noted steel has a reclamation rate of 88 to 100 percent and is very high in recycle content, whereas concrete is a high energy consumer.

“There is not much you can recycle into concrete,” he said.

CO2 emissions can be reduced by using flyash and slag in a concrete mix instead of cement. Wood products from certified sustainably-managed forests and composite wood are urea-formaldehyde free and are now more widely used in new buildings because they improve indoor air quality.

If builders can reduce their use of cement, the better off the environment will be, said Sohn. He indicated one pound of cement is equal to one pound of CO2, and these days, reducing CO2 emissions is the biggest trend.

“We need to drop (our CO2 emissions) to less than 20 percent of the current level,” Sohn told SAMCAR Realtors and affiliates.

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 3,800 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula. SAMCAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in San Mateo County.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

For further information, please contact Julie Ziemelis, Director of Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (650) 696-8214.

» Back to Event Coverage

Main PageCareers In Real EstateMember Benefits - REALTOR®Member Benefits - AffiliatesMember Change FormMember ApplicationsBecome a Sponsor

Main PageWorking with a REALTOR®Open Houses/Find a HomeBuyer/Seller TipsFirst Time HomebuyersCommunity InformationCA PropositionsMarket InformationProperty Rights

Main PageREALTOR® Code of EthicsProfessional StandardsDispute ResolutionAdvertising GuidelinesRESPA InformationFile a Complaint

Main PageAbout the FoundationFoundation Grant ApplicationCharitable Events

Main PageNewsletterPress ReleasesReal Estate ArticlesEvent CoverageIndustry NewsCommunications Survey

Main PageLeadershipStaff DirectoryCorporate SponsorshipBylawsMission & Vision StatementPrivacy PolicyGovernanceCommitteesContact UsAffiliates

Main PageView/Edit ProfileEducation HistoryCommittee HistoryPayment HistoryUpload PhotoCell/Email OptionsPay Your Fees Online

Advisories and DisclosuresC.A.R. Government AffairsGreen CitiesGuide to the CitiesGuide to Elected OfficialsGuide to SchoolsLegalLegislative CommitteesLegislative DayN.A.R. Government AffairsProp 60 and 90REALTOR® Action FundREALTOR® AdvocacyRESPASign OrdinancesVideos

Main PageTour PolicyRecipsSign OrdinancesBecome a Marketing Meeting Sponsor

Main PageInsuranceLogos and Graphic StandardsClarus MarketMetricsRESPAREALTORS® Commercial AllianceLicensingDesignation InformationREALTOR® AssociationsMarketingIRS/Tax InformationGlossary/REALTOR® Terms

Main PageEducation2010 Special EventsRSVP (REALTOR® Service Volunteer Program)DesignationsREALTOR Affiliate & Community Service AwardsEvent Coverage