With recent polarizing discussions about climate change, many have passed environmental laws to reduce carbon emissions or greenhouse gases.

As a result, there is now more pressure for designers, architects, builders, and consumers to incorporate sustainable architecture strategies in public building designs—not only for a few varied requests from the environmentally conscious but as a consistent, standard practice to be enacted by all civic building planners.

What is Sustainable Architecture?

Sustainable architecture is the use of design strategies that limit humanity’s negative impact on the environment. Specifically, architects plan for crucial aspects of the design process, such as the site landscape, energy management, and storm water management, among others.

Builders then use an eco-friendly approach to these aspects by carefully choosing building materials and integrating the built environment into the natural landscape. As a result, sustainable architecture benefits the environment, reducing the reliance on nonrenewable resources (such as coal and oil) in building materials.

Sustainability has emerged as a critical component of modern architecture. Environmental standards such as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) provide guidelines for building sustainably. And architects work hard to meet these requirements and obtain the necessary certifications for their green projects.

Key Concepts of Sustainable Architecture

 

  • Using Sustainable Building Materials

 

We can consider a building design as sustainable architecture if it meets the primary goals of sustainability:

  • Reducing the footprint of the development site
  • Using local and sustainable materials
  • Incorporating more efficient mechanical systems

Sustainable materials include aluminum, bamboo, precast concrete slabs, corks, straw bales, recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, reclaimed or recycled steel, plant-based polyurethane foams, sheep’s wool, rammed earth, and many others.

 

  • Integrating Renewable Energy Production

 

A building is not sustainable simply because it uses recycled, reused, reclaimed, natural, or sustainable materials. It’s one thing to incorporate materials that reduce modern structures’ and amenities’ negative environmental imprint. However, it is essential to remember that sustainability is the sum of all its parts, including energy sources.

Therefore, using alternative energy sources such as wind, hydraulic, or solar energy production frees inhabitants from electricity and oil dependency, which negatively impacts the environment since they can deplete nonrenewable resources.

 

  • Maximizing Natural Space and Lighting

 

The best way to reduce reliance on artificial lighting is to consider sun orientation and climate and be thoughtful about window placement and operation. The goal is to manage daylight and natural ventilation best to contribute to the building’s energy-saving efforts.

To allow plenty of natural light into a home, use passive strategies that typically involve having lots of glass windows, sunroofs, casements, or open spaces such as balconies, terraces, and roof decks. Besides providing great views of the outdoor landscape, these strategies also provide additional space to add extra foliage such as flower boxes on window sidings, flowerpots, or greenery to rooftops. With these additions, you can reduce the impact of direct sunlight and keep the building cool, which are great ways to cut down on the run-time of active cooling systems.

 

  • Low Maintenance Durability

 

Durability is synonymous with sustainability. When designing a building, the most environmentally friendly thing you can do is ensure that it will last for a long time. The longer the lifespan, the higher reduction in waste and energy costs that can translate to a significant, long-term impact on global ecology.

 

  • The Tiny Homes Movement

 

One of the most effective ways to reduce a home’s carbon footprint is through a lesser physical footprint. The smaller the house or building is, the less energy and fewer materials are required for its construction and upkeep.

Tiny homes are rising in popularity due to their affordability and durability. However, they have also been at the forefront of sustainable architecture.

 

  • Incorporating Landscape Architecture

 

Landscaping decisions can significantly impact a building’s water consumption. To reduce irrigation needs, architects can use native trees, plants, and grasses. In addition, landscaping can complement a structure’s passive energy strategy. For example, planting trees that shade the roof and windows during the hottest part of the day can reduce the solar heat gain inside buildings.

Sustainability as a Whole

While there has been a growing focus on using sustainable building materials and renewable energy sources, we are still far from a sustainable future.

It doesn’t help that designers and builders use buzzwords like “eco-friendly,” “green,” or “sustainable.” It is important to remember that buildings that use sustainable architecture are usually LEEDS-certified and do not only use one or two components of sustainability.

Indeed, sustainability is a sum of all its parts. We all have a responsibility to help our environment heal by reducing our carbon footprint and using sustainable, long-lasting building materials.