- ES Español (Latinoamérica)
- EN English
2.5. Environmental Systems and Sustainability (ENV)
Environmental Systems and Sustainability provides the knowledge and tools to design buildings that are thermally comfortable, visually healthy, acoustically sound, and resource-efficient. It covers passive and active environmental control strategies, energy and water systems, and regenerative design frameworks that go beyond net-zero to net-positive and circular models. Students learn to simulate and optimize building performance from early design stages.
2.5.1. ENV/Daylighting and Visual Comfort (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the design of building apertures and shading to provide adequate illuminance while controlling glare and solar heat gain: daylight metrics, simulation tools, and integration with electric lighting.
Topics:
Core
- Daylight performance metrics: daylight factor (DF), spatial daylight autonomy (sDA), annual sunlight exposure (ASE), useful daylight illuminance (UDI), and glare indices (DGP, DGI)
- Aperture design for daylight: window-to-wall ratio (WWR), head height, sill height, clerestories, sawtooth roofs, light shelves,
- Shading integration for glare and cooling: fixed (overhangs, fins, louvers), operable (roller shades, venetian blinds, screens),
- Daylight simulation tools: climate-based modeling (Radiance, DIVA, ClimateStudio, Ladybug Tools); annual simulation for LEED and other certification credits
- Electric lighting integration: daylight harvesting controls (dimming, stepped switching), task-ambient lighting strategies,
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the principal daylight performance metrics (sDA, ASE, UDI) and explain how they inform aperture and shading design decisions [Familiarity]
- Design and simulate a daylighting strategy for a building facade or roof aperture, iterating on WWR, orientation, and shading to meet defined sDA and ASE targets [Usage]
- Evaluate a building's daylighting design from simulation outputs, identifying areas of glare or insufficient illuminance [Assessment]
2.5.2. ENV/Thermal Comfort and Passive Systems (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the physics of heat transfer in buildings, thermal comfort indices, and passive heating and cooling strategies that reduce or eliminate mechanical system loads.
Topics:
Core
- Heat transfer mechanisms in buildings: conduction through assemblies (U-value), convection at surfaces and within cavities, and long-wave
- Thermal comfort indices: PMV (predicted mean vote), PPD (predicted percentage dissatisfied), operative temperature,
- Passive solar heating: direct gain (south-facing glazing + thermal mass), indirect gain (Trombe wall, water wall), isolated gain (sunspace)
- Passive cooling strategies: night-flush ventilation, radiative cooling to the night sky, earth coupling (earth tubes, berming), evaporative cooling (roof ponds, fountains),
- Thermal mass strategies: phase change materials (PCMs), exposed concrete or masonry for diurnal heat storage, and the placement of mass relative to insulation and solar gains
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the heat transfer mechanisms that affect building thermal performance and explain the difference between predicted mean vote (PMV) and adaptive thermal comfort models [Familiarity]
- Select and apply appropriate passive heating and cooling strategies for a building in a given climate, sizing apertures and mass to reduce predicted heating and cooling loads [Usage]
- Evaluate a building's thermal design using simulation or hand calculation, identifying strategies that are underperforming [Assessment]
2.5.3. ENV/Natural Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the design of naturally ventilated buildings: stack effect, cross-ventilation, wind-driven flow, air quality standards, and hybrid (mixed-mode) ventilation strategies.
Topics:
Core
- Drivers for natural ventilation: wind pressure coefficients (\(C_p\)), stack effect (buoyancy), and combined wind and stack; ventilation rate calculation using the orifice equation
- Cross-ventilation and stack ventilation design: opening placement (inlet vs. outlet heights), room depth limits for effective cross-flow (2-2.5\(\times\) floor-to-ceiling height)
- Indoor air quality standards and contaminants: ASHRAE 62.1 ventilation rate procedure, indoor pollutant sources (VOCs, CO\(_2\), particulates),
- Mixed-mode (hybrid) ventilation: sequencing strategies (changeover, zoned, concurrent), control logic for switching between natural and mechanical modes,
- Airflow simulation for natural ventilation: computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for detailed analysis, zonal models for early design, and wind tunnel testing for complex geometries
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the physical drivers of natural ventilation - wind and stack effect - and explain how opening size, placement, and building depth influence airflow rates [Familiarity]
- Design a natural ventilation strategy for a building in a moderate climate, specifying opening sizes, heights, [Usage]
- Evaluate a naturally ventilated building design using airflow simulation or simplified calculations, identifying zones with insufficient ventilation [Assessment]
2.5.4. ENV/Mechanical Systems (HVAC) (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the principles of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems: system types, component selection, distribution methods, and integration with architectural design.
Topics:
Core
- HVAC system classification: all-air (VAV, CAV, dual-duct), all-water (fan-coil, radiant), air-water (induction), and decentralized (heat pumps, PTAC, split systems)
- Thermal zoning and load calculation: zone definition by orientation, occupancy, and use; heating and cooling load components (sensible, latent); peak load vs. part-load performance
- Distribution system integration: ceiling plenum depth for ducts, raised floors for underfloor air distribution (UFAD), vertical riser coordination,
- Dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS) and energy recovery: enthalpy wheels, run-around loops, and heat pipes
- High-efficiency HVAC technologies: variable refrigerant flow (VRF), chilled beams (active and passive), displacement ventilation, radiant heating and cooling slabs,
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Identify the principal HVAC system types and describe the architectural implications of each in terms of floor-to-floor height, ceiling plenum, mechanical room space, [Familiarity]
- Select an appropriate HVAC system type for a building program and climate zone, integrating thermal zoning and distribution layout into the architectural floor plan and section [Usage]
- Evaluate the HVAC system layout of a building for efficiency, constructability, and architectural integration [Assessment]
2.5.5. ENV/Building Automation and Smart Systems (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the control-layer technologies that automate and integrate a building's mechanical, electrical, and security systems: sensors and actuators, communication protocols, centralized building management, and residential smart-home applications.
Topics:
Core
- Building automation fundamentals: sensors (occupancy, temperature, light, CO2) and actuators, open-loop vs. closed-loop control, and centralized building management systems (BMS/BAS) vs. distributed and edge control architectures
- Building and home automation protocols: wired standards (KNX, BACnet, Modbus) and wireless standards (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter/Thread, Wi-Fi); interoperability and vendor lock-in considerations
- Integrated systems control: unifying HVAC, lighting, shading, security and access control, and irrigation under a single automation layer; scenes, scheduling, and occupancy-based automation
- Energy monitoring and demand response: submetering, real-time energy dashboards, and automated load shedding and peak-demand management through building automation
Non Core
- Residential smart-home applications: voice assistants, smart appliances and locks, and automation for accessibility and aging-in-place
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Identify the core components of a building automation system - sensors, actuators, controllers, and communication protocols - and describe how they integrate HVAC, lighting, and security systems [Familiarity]
- Specify a building automation strategy for a design project, selecting appropriate sensors, control protocols, and integrated systems for the building's program and scale [Usage]
- Evaluate a building automation proposal for interoperability, energy-saving potential, and appropriateness to the building's program and occupant needs [Assessment]
2.5.6. ENV/Acoustics and Noise Control (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers the physics of sound in buildings: sound transmission, absorption, reverberation, noise control, and the design of spaces with specific acoustic performance criteria (theaters, classrooms, open offices).
Topics:
Core
- Sound measurement metrics: sound pressure level (SPL, dB), A-weighting (dBA), reverberation time (\(RT_{60}\)), sound transmission class (STC), impact insulation class (IIC),
- Absorption and diffusion: porous absorbers (fiberglass, foam), resonant absorbers (perforated panels, membrane), and diffusers (quadratic residue, binary amplitude)
- Sound isolation and flanking paths: mass-law, double-wall and decoupled assemblies, sealed penetrations, gasketed doors, floating floors,
- Room acoustic design: calculating \(RT_{60}\) from volume and absorption, early decay time (EDT), clarity (C50, C80), and speech intelligibility (STI) for auditoria, classrooms,
- Noise control from external sources: site planning for noise barriers, facade STC selection based on exterior noise levels (road, rail, air),
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the key acoustic metrics (STC, IIC, RT60, NC) and explain how each influences the design of building assemblies and room finishes [Familiarity]
- Design a wall and floor-ceiling assembly to meet a specified STC and IIC rating, detailing flanking path controls and penetrations to achieve target isolation [Usage]
- Evaluate a room's acoustic design by calculating its reverberation time and comparing it to recommended values for its intended use (lecture, music, conferencing) [Assessment]
2.5.7. ENV/Energy Efficiency and Net-Zero Design (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers strategies for reducing building energy demand to near zero and meeting residual loads with on-site renewable energy: energy modeling, efficiency measures, and renewable system integration.
Topics:
Core
- Building energy modeling (BEM): physics-based simulation (EnergyPlus, eQUEST, IES VE), input parameters (envelope, lighting, HVAC, schedules, plug loads),
- Efficiency-first approach: envelope optimization (high R-value, low air leakage), high-performance glazing, efficient lighting (LED with controls),
- On-site renewable energy: photovoltaic (PV) array sizing (roof, facade, parking canopy), inverter selection, and estimating annual production (PVWatts, SAM)
- Zero energy certification frameworks: NZEB (zero net energy building) definitions by DOE, Living Building Challenge Energy Petal, and Passive House Plus
- Deep energy retrofit for existing buildings: envelope upgrades (window replacement, exterior insulation), HVAC replacement with heat pumps, and lighting retrofit
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the components of a net-zero energy building design - load reduction, efficiency, and on-site renewables - [Familiarity]
- Perform a preliminary energy balance for a building design, calculating estimated EUI from a simple model and sizing a PV array to offset annual energy consumption [Usage]
- Evaluate a proposed net-zero building design by reviewing its energy model inputs and assumptions, identifying unrealistic plug load estimates or insufficient PV area, [Assessment]
2.5.8. ENV/Water, Sanitation, and Waste Systems (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers water supply, sanitation, and waste systems in buildings: potable and non-potable water, rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, blackwater treatment, and solid waste management.
Topics:
Core
- Building water supply: pressure and flow requirements, sizing of supply pipes, hot water circulation systems, water heating technologies (tankless, heat pump, solar thermal),
- Sanitary drainage and venting: DWV system design (drain, waste, vent), trap seal protection, slope requirements, and grease interceptors for commercial kitchens
- Rainwater harvesting: catchment area (roof), gutter and downspout sizing, first-flush diversion, storage tank sizing based on demand and rainfall, filtration,
- Greywater and blackwater treatment: greywater sources (lavatories, laundry) and reuse for subsurface irrigation
- Solid waste management in buildings: waste sorting (recycling, compost, landfill), chute systems, compactors, and space allocation for waste storage
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the components of building water supply and drainage systems and explain the difference between potable, non-potable, greywater, [Familiarity]
- Design a rainwater harvesting system for a building, sizing the storage tank based on roof area, local rainfall data, and non-potable demand (toilet flushing, irrigation) [Usage]
- Evaluate the water efficiency strategy of a building project using LEED v4.1 water efficiency credits, identifying opportunities for water savings via fixture selection, reuse [Assessment]
2.5.9. ENV/Regenerative and Circular Design (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Covers regenerative design frameworks that go beyond sustainability to net-positive environmental impact: circular material flows, biogenic carbon, ecosystem services, and social-ecological resilience.
Topics:
Core
- Regenerative design principles: building as a living system, net-positive energy (beyond zero), net-positive water,
- Circular construction at building scale: design for adaptability (loose-fit, long-life), design for disassembly (reversible connections, material separation),
- Biogenic carbon in construction: timber, bamboo, hemp, straw, and mycelium as carbon-storing materials; lifecycle assessment including biogenic sequestration
- Living Building Challenge (LBC) framework: seven petals (place, water, energy, health/happiness, materials, equity, beauty)
- Biodiversity net gain: green roofs, living walls, pollinator corridors, bird-safe glazing, and native planting to exceed pre-development ecological value
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the principles of regenerative and circular design - net-positive performance, design for disassembly, biogenic carbon, and ecosystem enhancement - [Familiarity]
- Design a building element or assembly for disassembly using reversible connections and material separation, documenting the end-of-life material recovery strategy [Usage]
- Evaluate a building design against Living Building Challenge imperatives, identifying gaps in energy, water, or material performance [Assessment]
2.5.10. ENV/Climate Resilience and Adaptation ↑ Back to top
Covers the design of buildings and settlements that are resilient to climate-induced hazards: flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, sea level rise, and windstorms.
Topics:
Non Core
- Flood resilience strategies: elevated buildings (crawl space, piles, stilts), dry floodproofing (watertight enclosures), wet floodproofing (flood vents),
- Design for extreme heat: cool roofs (high solar reflectance), cool pavements, shading of outdoor spaces (trees, canopies), nighttime natural ventilation,
- Wildfire resilience in the wildland-urban interface (WUI): ignition-resistant construction (Class A roofing, metal screens for vents), defensible space zones
- Windstorm and hurricane resilience: impact-resistant glazing, shutter systems, roof-to-wall connections (hurricane ties),
- Passive survivability during extended power outages: thermal autonomy (superinsulation, high thermal mass, earth sheltering), passive ventilation, and access to potable water
Learning Outcomes:
NonCore:
- Identify the primary climate hazards affecting a given geographic region and describe the building-scale design strategies that enhance resilience to each hazard [Familiarity]
- Design a building envelope and site layout for flood or wildfire resilience, specifying elevation strategies, ignition-resistant detailing [Usage]
- Evaluate a building design for climate resilience using a hazard-specific checklist (flood, heat, wildfire, wind), recommending modifications to improve passive survivability [Assessment]