Browsing by Author "Kane, Kaitlyn"

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The Methodology of Calculating the Carbon Footprint of a Building
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Kane, Kaitlyn
The thesis research topic I chose is the methodology of calculating the carbon footprint of a building. I chose this topic because I care a lot about our environment and sustaining it. How can I take a site and not wipe it clean and start with my own ideas and design, but to sit back and look at how the site itself can guide my design? I've been working on studying different types of building materials and calculating their individual emissions. I will further research how to adapt or change those materials to reduce carbon emissions. I think it is important to realize that we are first and foremost integrating into nature and not throwing up a build and then going back to integrate nature back within the site. I was at a hunting cabin a couple of weeks ago and they told the story of how they built the cabin and they had said that each tree that was cut down for the location of the cabin was planned out and used for the structure and finishes. Materials that belong on the site are used on the build. I really want to work towards being more aware of the existing site and working more on my perspective of existing elements and how important they are. Destroying existing elements within a single site is “small” & “unimpactful” is not the way to think while designing architecture because the Earth is our site. The more we ruin and destroy individual sites will result in destroying our Earth. I started researching how to calculate a buildings carbon footprint and struggled to find enough information to realistically find out results. This thesis topic intrigued me to study a deeper way to be able to understand the carbon footprint of a design before it is built and how to reduce an existing building’s carbon emissions.
A Methodology of Calculating the Carbon Footprint of a Building
(North Dakota State University, 2023) Kane, Kaitlyn
Environmentalism and conservation are two things that are very important to me. It is so enjoyable to be in a place where so little others have been. Walking through the woods where no human has adapted is precious. Although these areas are perfect, there must also be space for us to adapt and inhabit, but we must be mindful of the existing environment while doing so. It is well known that our climate has been significantly impacted by climate change. Carbon dioxide emissions is the leading driver of the global climate change. It is talked about worldwide how we as inhabitants need to make changes. Everyone knows that changes need to be made for the sake of our environment. When it comes to determining who and what is responsible for producing emissions, they can be categorized by regions, countries and individuals. When we really break it down, it pans out that each and every one of us is responsible. In todays world, empty spaces are becoming scarce. Looking at the built environment, we as a society tend to constantly want the most new and improved everything.