Alternative Uses for Fossil Fuels

Is it possible to design sustainably using off-the-shelf equipment and fossil fuels? Yes, when designers consider a multitiered approach that considers everything from energy-conscious design to alternative uses of the old standards. Three case studies illustrate how, when alternative systems or fuels may not be readily available or cost-effective, designers can use current/standard technology and fossil fuels that are accessible in order to create sustainable systems. The Ohio Statehouse and Ohio Judicial Center, the Columbus Museum of Art, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott house all presented particular challenges in heating and cooling, yet for these prominent public buildings, efficient and unobtrusive systems were a must.