Proceedings of DARCH 2024 April - 5th International Conference on Architecture & Design 29-30 April, 2024 Conference web: www.ocerints.org/darch24april ISBN: 978-605-72065-4-1 Proceedings: ocerints.org/index.php/digital-library 91 HARVESTING ALTERNATIVE ENERGY: EXPLORING EXERGY, HUMAN POWER, ANIMAL BODY HEAT, AND NOISE AS SUSTAINABLE SOURCES Fatemeh Yazdandoust 1 , Derrick Mirindi 2 1 Ph.D. candidate, Morgan State University, UNITES STATES, fayaz1@morgan.edu 2 Ph.D. candidate, Morgan State University, UNITES STATES, demir1@morgan.edu Abstract The excessive use of non-renewable fossil fuels has led to a pressing energy crisis that demands urgent attention. While renewable sources like solar, wind, and water have gained significant attention as alternatives, we must explore additional avenues. This study takes an interdisciplinary approach, investigating the potential of waste streams from energy production and other untapped natural sources as sustainable energy solutions. Through a review of case studies, this study demonstrates how these alternative sources, including human power, animal body heat, and noise, can seamlessly integrate into architecture and urban planning. This article first discusses passive design strategies integrating alternative energy sources into vernacular architecture. Then, it reviews the waste stream (exergy) and potential energy sources, such as human power, animal body heat, and noise, in contemporary proposals and case studies. It demonstrates how an alternative energy design strategy may easily incorporate these many sources into our architecture and urban planning through passive and active design strategies to increase the energy efficiency of our built environment. Keywords: Alternative energy sources, energy exchange, human and animal power, potential energy sources, waste stream. 1 INTRODUCTION The world is currently struggling with a threatening energy crisis due to the depletion of fossil fuels, which have long served as the primary energy source (Yazdandoust et al., 2023). To effectively address this crisis, it is projected that by 2050, one-third of the world's energy needs must be met through alternative sources (Shi, 2013). While renewable energy derived from sources like sunlight, wind, and water has garnered significant attention, it is imperative to recognize that a diverse array of alternative energy sources exists within our environment. One notable example is the exergy found within the unidirectional flow of our primary energy systems. Often, a portion of this energy is dissipated as heat or other forms, constituting a potentially valuable resource that can be recaptured and reintegrated into the energy cycle through astute design strategies. Additionally, energy can be harnessed from various potential sources spanning mechanical, electrical, chemical, and even biological domains, encompassing humans and animals. Vernacular architecture can teach valuable lessons about how our predecessors efficiently tapped into accessible alternate energy sources. Vernacular architecture is the term used to describe traditional and indigenous building design and construction methods that have developed geographic areas and reflect the local climate, culture, materials available, and social necessities. It is frequently described as practical, adaptable, and appropriate for the local area. They skillfully capture natural energies and alter them to meet https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11088585