Net-Zero Ecological Building Design
Biogeochemical cycles are complex systems that are impacted by a wide range of terrestrial phenomena, including anthropogenic emissions from human activities.Copyright 2022 Alice Litt, (Diagram adapted from the U.S. Department of Energy), Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carbon_cycle.jpg
The federal government has set a goal to reach 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and there is a target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. A building development company that is known for futuristic designs and climate change activism has hired students to design the blueprints needed to modify old buildings/structures to meet a goal established by the federal government. Students work in small groups as they design the type of building for which they will draw blueprints. The building they design must have both net-zero carbon emissions and active roles in the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles. Students then join expert groups where they learn about one of the energy sources or cycles. This information is then shared with their poster group and students draw their blueprints. There is a peer review and time for modifications before the blueprints are shared in a presentation.
Architectural engineers focus on the design and function of safe and sustainable buildings. To do this, they apply practical and theoretical engineering principles and technology to design and construct buildings and building systems. Many times, architectural engineers use structural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, acoustical, and construction engineering to create high-performance buildings that are sustainable, resilient, economically viable, that ensure the safety, health, comfort, and productivity of occupants.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe and give an example of a biogeochemical cycle.
- Explain the need for alternative energy sources.
- Identify ways that negative human impact on the environment can be reduced.