Sustainable & Resilient Systems

Module 6: Sustainable & Resilient Systems

This module equips students with advanced strategies for designing eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and disaster-resilient interior spaces. It focuses on green building certifications (LEED, WELL), renewable energy integration, water conservation, and emergency preparedness—ensuring interiors are both sustainable and adaptable to climate challenges.

Core Objectives Breakdown

1. Green Building Standards & Certifications

Understanding industry benchmarks for sustainable design.

• LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design)

• Credit categories: Energy efficiency, materials, indoor air quality.

• Case studies: LEED Platinum buildings and their cost-benefit analysis.

• WELL Building Standard

• Focus on human health: Air, water, light, comfort.

• Biophilic design integration.

• Other Frameworks:

• BREEAM (UK), Green Star (Australia), Passive House (energy-neutral buildings).

2. Renewable Energy Integration

Reducing reliance on fossil fuels through clean energy solutions.

• Solar Power Systems

• Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in façades/windows.

• Rooftop solar panels + battery storage for off-grid capability.

• Wind & Geothermal Energy

• Micro-wind turbines for urban buildings.

• Ground-source heat pumps for HVAC efficiency.

• Net-Zero Energy Design

• Energy modeling tools (e.g., EnergyPlus, IESVE).

3. Water Conservation Strategies

Minimizing water waste through smart plumbing and recycling.

• Low-Flow Fixtures

• Sensor faucets, waterless urinals, aerated showerheads.

• Greywater & Rainwater Systems

• Recycling sink/shower water for irrigation/toilet flushing.

• Rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses.

• Drought-Resistant Landscaping

• Xeriscaping (low-water plants) for outdoor spaces.

4. Fire Safety & Disaster Resilience

Preparing interiors for emergencies (fires, floods, earthquakes).

• Fire-Resistant Materials

• Non-combustible insulation, flame-retardant fabrics.

• Emergency Systems

• Smart smoke detectors with emergency lighting.

• Seismic-resistant furniture anchoring (for earthquake zones).

• Flood Mitigation

• Elevated electrical systems, waterproof flooring (e.g., porcelain tiles).

Assignment: Sustainable Retrofit Proposal

Students will select an existing building (e.g., old office, retail space) and redesign it with sustainable systems:

1. Energy Audit & Baseline Analysis

• Identify energy/water waste areas.

2. Proposed Upgrades:

• Energy: Solar panels, LED lighting, smart thermostats.

• Water: Low-flow plumbing, greywater recycling.

• Resilience: Fire-safe materials, backup power.

3. Certification Alignment:

• Target LEED/WELL credits and document compliance.

Example Scenario:

"A 1980s office building needs a sustainability overhaul. Propose retrofits to achieve LEED Gold, including renewable energy, water savings, and improved IAQ."

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will:
✔ Apply LEED/WELL standards to real projects.
✔ Design energy-positive spaces with renewables.
✔ Implement water-efficient plumbing solutions.
✔ Enhance disaster resilience in interiors.

This module prepares designers for climate-conscious interiors that prioritize long-term sustainability and safety.