Sustainable Design Exam #1
biodiversity
All parts are kept in balance by the sum of their parts. If you break a chain then the whole chain will go out interconnect and interdependent
Conceptual Design
An abstract design proposal based on the parameters established by stake holder needs and existing site conditions Several design alternatives help client decide what ideas
niche
An ecological __________ is the role and position a species has in its environment; how it meets its needs for food and shelter, how it survives, and how it reproduces. A species' ___________ includes all of its interactions with the biotic and abiotic factors of its environment.
atmosphere
Earth's System: air
Hydrosphere
Earth's System: oceans, rivers, lakes, ground waters, and glaciers
Biosphere
Earth's System: part of the Earth that supports life
Lithosphere
Earth's System: rocks and soils
importance of biodiversity
Economic diversity life support cultural recreational scientific value negative value part of the natural world that we fear
Regulating
Ecosystem Services: Air quality regulation climate regulation water regulation erosion regulation water purification and waste treatment disease and pest regulation polination moderation of extreme events
Supporting
Ecosystem Services: soil formation photosynthesis nutrient cycling
Cultural
Ecosystem Services: spiritual and religious values aesthetic values recreation and ecotourism mental and physical health
Provisioning
Ecosystem Services: food raw materials medical resources fresh water
The "Three Spheres" of sustainability
Environmental, Economic, Social
greatest human causes of biodiversity loss
Farming simplifies communities Grazing modifies the grassland structure and species composition Clearing forests removes resources organisms need Hydroelectric dams turns rivers into reservoirs upstream Urbanization and suburban sprawl reduce natural communities
ecosystem services
Food, shelter, fuel Purifies air and water, and detoxifies wastes Stabilizes climate, moderates floods, droughts, wind, temperature Generates and renews soil fertility and cycles nutrients pollinates plants and controls pests and disease maintains genetic resources provides cultural and aesthetic benefits allows us to adapt change
Human impact on biodiversity
H= habitat alteration and fragmentation I = invasive species P = over population P = pollution O = overconsumption, over harvesting C = climate change
suburban development
Habitat Alteration and Fragmentation causes biodiversity loss >Clearing of forest cover for housing suburban landscaping
urban centers
Habitat Alteration and Fragmentation causes biodiversity loss >Concrete jungle = simply not enough habitat Monocultural tree canopy Poor soils Water quality and management issues
transportation methods
Habitat Alteration and Fragmentation causes biodiversity loss >huge problem for animals, natural habitat Fragmentation is not just buildings, but also roads
Industrial agriculture
Habitat Alteration and Fragmentation causes biodiversity loss >monocultural crops pollution/runoff GMOs CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations) feedlots
habitat alteration and fragmentation
Hippoc
Hypothesis
A statement that explains or describes a natural event or condition. BUT to be a Scientific _________________, it requires that a person can test it.
Darwin's discovery
A visit to the Galapagos Islands in 1835 helped ____________ formulate his ideas on natural selection. He found several species of finch adapted to different environmental niches.
Consequences of biodiversity loss
Degradation of ecosystem function loss of ecosystems services economic loss health impacts social disruption loss of aesthetic and spiritual ties with nature loss of sources of medicines loss of tourism and recreation loss of food sources biodiversity loss
Regenerative Design
Design for processes that restore, renew, or revitalize energy and materials, ex. a system that produces more energy than it used or epicycles the material that it contains
Environmental Sustainability
Natural Resource Use, __________________ Management, Pollution Prevention (air, water, land, waste)
100 MJ
Neolithic revolution evolution of technological capacities (efficiency) -store large quantities of food and to accumulate and store material goods -agriculture allowed humans to exploit the energy in plants and animals in an organized way and on a scale larger than before -harnessing the power of fire opened up new systems of energy use and a new range of energy supplies including wood and other biomass -tools allowed people to use available energy more efficiently and allowed people to explore the energy potential of wind and water
Causes of biodiversity loss
Overharvesting pollution habitat alteration human population growth invasive species global climate change more greenhouse gas emissions growth in per capita consumption globalization biodiversity loss
Population, Affluence, Resource Efficiency
Primary Environmental pressures
Economic Sustainability
Profit, Cost Savings, __________________ Growth, Research and Development
surface runoff
Stormwater that is not absorbed by the ground and flows over the Earth's surface
Design Process
Straddle the line between art and science
Capturing Carbon
Technology and theory coal beds Captured and transported Injected into salt formations or depleted oil and gas reserves Dissolved into ocean water Released via offshore platform to form a "lake" on the ocean floor
I-PAT Impact = Population + Affluence + Technology
The original expression equates human impact on the environment to the product of three factors. Barry Commoner, Paul R. Ehrlich and John Holdren
Agricultural & Forestry Hunting & Fishing Urban Industry Water Use Energy & Transport
The primary pressures are supported by other social and economic drivers that in turn place pressure on biodiversity and ecosystems
I=PAT-R Environmental Impact = Population x Affluence x Technology - Ecological Restoration/regenerative design
The second expression equates human impact on the environment to the product of three factors but is subtracted by another factor. Carrington and Myers.
Design Thinking: Ideate
brainstorm, make lists, write down ideas, draw, and generate possible solutions
Releasing carbon
combustion respiration burning of biomass bio decomposition
Design Thinking: Build
create a prototype, model, plan
use value
from direct use of the good. The concept is most commonly applied to the value of natural and built resources.
Characteristics of Invasive plant species
generalists in resource needs high rate of reproduction survive adverts conditions hug photosynthetic rate (like being green longer in fall) exploit and colonize disturbed ground thrive in high nutrient conditions
species
group of individual organisms who can reproduce (exchange genes) and create biodiversity
population
group of species living in a given area at the same time
invasive species
hIppoc
First Law of Thermodynamics
heat is a form of energy, and thermodynamic processes are therefore subject to the principle of conservation of energy. This means that heat energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can, however, be transferred from one location to another and converted to and from other forms of energy. #Quantity
over population
hiPpoc
pollution
hipPoc
overconsumption/over harvesting
hippOc
climate change
hippoC
stormwater management
involves the control of that surface runoff. ... Construction of impervious surfaces, such as roofs, parking lots, and roadways, and the installation of storm sewer pipes which efficiently collect and discharge runoff, prevent the infiltration of rainfall into the soil.
Carbon
is life and exists in every organic life form. Life is impossible without it the _____________ atom is the essential building block of life ___________ is energy hydro__________ petrochemicals are all hydro________
mutation
is the origin of all new genetic diversity, occurring when there are occasional errors in the replication of DNA or other elements of the production and packaging of genetic information within the cells. Although it implies something negative, ___________ can have positive, neutral, or deleterious impacts. ___________ occur rather slowly but continuously. ______________ at one level, for example, in the nucleotides that are the basis of DNA, may not all be expressed at other levels — such as protein differences or observable changes in the appearance of a plant. The rate of ____________ is useful in determining evolutionary relationships.
Design Thinking: Empathize
learn what the "real" issues are that need to be solved
biotic
living components: predation, disease, competition, parasitism, consumption, and symbiosis.
Law of Conservation of Matter
matter is neither created nor destroyed, so we must have the same number and type of atoms after the chemical change as were present before the chemical change.
Radiative forcing
measure of the influence a factor has in alternating the balance of incoming and outgoing energy int he Earth-atmosphere system and is an index of the importance of the factor as a potential climate change mechanism. Carbon dioxide has the highest rate of _______________ ______________
genetic diversity
more variants creates a better species
Cradle to Cradle Design Concept (C2C)
new approach for designing intelligent products, processes and systems taking into account the entire life cycle of the product, optimizing material health, recyclabilty, renewable energy use, water efficiency and quality, and social responsibility.
abiotic
non-living components: rain, wind, temperature, altitude, soil, pollution, nutrients, pH, types of soil, and sunlight, rocks, weather, and sunlight,
invasive species
plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native and cause harm > can be an uncontrolled native species like population of deer > no natural predators
10 MJ
pot of water of 6 gallons of ice, once it's boiling it has used how many MJ? also need the same amount to stay alive
urban forests
the care and management of single trees and tree populations in urban settings for the purpose of improving the urban environment.
species diversity
you can have a population crash if you only have one type of species
Evaluating Media Coverage
1. Location of Report 2. Based on actual observations 3. Cited work 4. Peer reviewed 5. Extraordinary claims 6. Logical (occam's razor) 7. Any bias 8. Transparent
biochemical cycles
>Where the chemical is stored > The pathway along which it is transferred from one place to another > What form the chemical matter is in (solid, liquid, gas) > What are the factors or processes that control the flow?
The Science of Sustainable Design
A design (building, object, landscape, or systems/city) is sustainable when it supports the healthy function of the laws of matter and energy and biogeochemical cycles; and promotes biodiversity. Its is wrong when it tends otherwise
Cradle to Grave Design Concept
Beginning with the extraction of the raw materials that actually comprise the product, to its manufacturing, use of energy and water, its waste and emissions, transportation impacts, the actual use of the product and finally, ending with the ultimate disposal of the product
Energy Chain
Below are some examples of how energy can change from one form to another. - When a kettle is boiled, electrical energy is converted to heat energy. - When a mass is dropped from a height gravitational potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as the mass falls and then to sound and heat as it hits the ground. - Energy changes occur in chemical processes, such as the burning of coal, as well as biological and physical ones.
Buckminster Fuller
Coined the term "Spaceship Earth"
Ecological Footprint
Human activities use biologically productive land and oceanic areas used for fishing sum of these areas the total area used for a designated population's activities is measure in terms of 'global hectare'
overharvesting
Human impacts on biodiversity: _________________ a renewable resource to the point of diminishing returns. ... The term applies to natural resources such as wild medicinal plants, grazing pastures, game animals, fish stocks, forests, and water aquifers.
Pollution
Human impacts on biodiversity: Harms organisms in many ways air ________________ degrades forest ecosystems water ________________ adversely affects fish and amphibians agricultural runoff harms terrestrial and aquatic species The effects of oil and chemical spills on wildfire are dramatic and well known ________________ is bad, but not as bad as habitat alteration or invasive species
climate change
Human impacts on biodiversity: emissions of greenhouse gases warms temperatures modifies global weather patters and increases the frequency of extreme weather events
Technology
I=PAT Allows us to take from the Earth at a greater rate, which encourages us to use more resources
Affluence
I=PAT Growing economies, increased consumption
People
I=PAT More ___________, greater demand on resources
1,000 MJ
Industrial Revolution Steam Engine greater population density environmental degradation civilizations and cities
Center for Sustainable Landscapes; Pittsburg, PA Phipps
Integrative Design
Environmental Pressures
Interrelated and Systemic
Norway Maple
John Bartram of Philadelphia introduced "Acer plantanoides", the ___________ _________ to North American at the Morris Arboretum in 1765
Megajoule
MJ - a unit of energy
Design Thinking: Define the Problem
Reframe the problem
Ecological Restoration
Restoration of degraded, damaged environments and habitat to healthier, more diverse ecosystems by human intervention and action
Evaluating Media Coverage: Where is the report?
Scientific Journal, Newspaper, Popular Science Magazine, Tabloid...Is it based on observations, objective interpretation of data or subjective opinions?
Peer Review
Scientists openly publish details of methods used and reasoning for their hypotheses and conclusions. Other scientists examine and criticize the work to help keep science honest and to reduce bias.
Skepticism
Scientists tend to be highly ___________________ of any new data or hypotheses until they are confirmed or verified. -An impartial attitude of the mind previous to investigation
Replicability
Scientists working in the same field repeat an experiment, check each other's work to see if the data can be done again.
Design Thinking: test the idea
Seek feedback
Carbon
Six most important elements for living things: Chopns
Hydrogen
Six most important elements for living things: cHopns
Oxygen
Six most important elements for living things: chOpns
Phosphorus
Six most important elements for living things: choPns
Nitrogen
Six most important elements for living things: chopNs
Sulphur
Six most important elements for living things: chopnS
Sustains Life on Earth
Solar Energy, the cycling of matter, and gravity do this. Carbon cycle Phosphorous Cycle Nitrogen cycle water cycle oxygen cycle
Social Sustainability
Standard of Living, Education, Community, Equal Opportunity
Energy Return on Investment (EROI)
The amount of energy that has to be expended in order to produce a certain amount of energy. The ___________________________ is a key determinant of the price of energy, as sources of energy that can be tapped relatively cheaply will allow the price to remain low. The ratio decreases when energy becomes scarcer and more difficult to extract or produce.
evaporation
The hydrological cycle: the 7 main processes >water in oceans and terrestrial water bodies is converted to water vapor by incoming solar energy
transpiration
The hydrological cycle: the 7 main processes >water is lost from plants that have taken up water through their roots (plant sweat)
runoff
The hydrological cycle: the 7 main processes >water runs off the land into the ocean or terrestrial water bodies
condensation
The hydrological cycle: the 7 main processes >water vapor is converted into droplets
percolation
The hydrological cycle: the 7 main processes: >water flows downward through soil and possibly permeable rock layers into the groundwater aquifer
infiltration
The hydrological cycle: the 7 main processes: >water moves into soil
precipitation
The hydrological cycle: the 7 main processes: rain sleet hail, and now fall
Inventory and Analysis
What is the conditions are present at the site? Environmental - What are the hydrological, vegetative, and social conditions Social - who are the current and anticipated users Spatial Context
Project Definition
Where is the project located What type of project is proposed Who is the client and who are the stakeholders?
Keystone specises
a _____________ on which other ____________ in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.
watershed
a region that drains into a particular body of water, also called a drainage basin. >the size of a _________________, and the spread and direction of flow of its watercourses, is determined by land forms high ground, such as mountain ranged and hilltops, form the boundaries between _________________, directing water one way or another within each large _________________ there are many, many, smaller _________________.
Scientific Theories
a well substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment. -useful explanations of natural processes or natural phenomena that have a high degree of certainty because they are supported by extensive evidence.
Lifecycle Thinking
allows you to quantify environmental impacts so that you can prioritize, set metrics around, and most effectively reduce them. This process is not just about making things "less bad." It can help unlock your creativity and lead to game-changing innovations. -quantifies the environmental impact of your designs so that you and your customers can make more informed decisions.
Whole Systems Thinking
allows you to see the big-picture of the social, environmental, and technical systems that a product is a part of. This can help you identify new possibilities for innovation.
ecosystem diversity
creates a strength in the landscape
health of a stream
dense vegetation all the way to the steam bank (aka riparian buffer) [river buffer] stable stream banks wide flat floodplains other things to check for are pollutant levels fish population algae growth (too much mean excess nutrients)
Second Law of Thermodynamics
states that as energy is transferred or transformed, more and more of it is wasted. The ________________ also states that there is a natural tendency of any isolated system to degenerate into a more disordered state. #Quality
genetic drift
the change in ____________ diversity, or, more specifically, the change in frequencies of different alleles, over generations because of chance. For example, every pollen grain contains a different combination of alleles. Which pollen grains — whether carried by wind, insects, or some other medium — actually succeed in arriving at a compatible flower and producing a seed — are largely determined by chance events. Thus, some ____________ diver- sity is usually lost at every generation through these chance events.
biogeochemical cycle
the complete path that a chemical takes through the four major components of the Earth's system: atmosphere hydrosphere lithosphere biosphere
speciation
the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
migration
the movement of genetic diversity, usually within a species. In plants, this occurs through pollen dispersal, seed dispersal, and movement of vegetative propagules, such as suckers or rhizomes, in species that can reproduce asexually. ____________, also called gene flow, occurs both with the advancing front of a population when it is colonizing new areas, and when genes of two or more populations mix through pollen and seed dispersal. The rate of ____________ is obviously related to the frequency of reproduction and the distances over which pollen and seedstypicallydisperse.
natural selection
the only process that directly results in populations becoming better adapted to their environment. For __________________ to occur, there must be differences in fitness and survival among individuals and a genetic basis for those differences. Over time (generations), those individuals that are better suited to the environment live, or live longer, and produce more offspring — those offspring having inherited the more adaptive traits (or rather, have a higher frequency of the alleles that confer better adaptation).
Nutrient Cycling
the usage of the nutrients in the environment, their movement and the processes their recycling are described. Important nutrients include carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, phosphorus and nitrogen are required to be recycled for the existence of organisms. Nutrients cycles involve not only living organisms, but non-living components as well. They also involve biological, geological, and chemical processes and thus, these nutrient circuits are also known as biogeochemical cycles.
non-use value
the value that people assign to economic goods (including public goods) even if they never have and never will use it.
Spaceship Earth
the world considered as possessing finite resources common to all humankind. the _________________ cannot take on new supplies but its life support system uses solar energy to recycle chemicals to make enough water, air and food to sustain all living things.
Energy Efficiency
using less energy to provide the same service
Carbon storing
vegetation atmosphere (biosphere) fossil fuels (lithosphere) bodies of living things carbon dioxide is released through respiration oceans limestone rocks
Gases that trap heat
water vapor carbon dioxide methane nitrous oxide ozone CFCs
