PASSIVE ARCHITECTURE AND ITS IMPACT ON CARBON EMISSIONS

Passive architecture works with the natural environment and building design and materials to minimize the amount of energy required, therefore reducing carbon emissions. A need for less energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings allows for a greater reliance upon energy sources that may produce less electricity but are renewable (solar, wind, etc.) can be used. This report examines the impact of the building and construction industry on carbon emissions and, subsequently, climate change. Methods and materials used for construction must be considered, as must the methods used for the assessment of carbon output. When striving to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry, it is important that the materials used in the construction are produced sustainably, as well as the way in which materials are utilized in the design and actual building. Finally, identifying and studying power and energy sources that minimize carbon emissions must be a prerequisite to any passive architecture project.