Sustainable architecture refers to the way in which an architect can design a building to ensure that the building and people inhabiting it have the lowest amount of impact on the environment. The concept of sustainability enters into every facet of the building and design process.
It combines modern day architecture with eco-friendly and environmentally supportive ways of thinking, planning and building. It filters into everything, including the construction process and choice of building materials.
Someone designing and building with sustainability in mind will apply this concept to everything: heating, cooling, plumbing, waste and even ventilation. Another important aspect of sustainable architecture is for the architect to ensure that the building and its surrounding environment is fully integrated and in harmony with the natural environment around it.
Characteristics of Sustainable Architecture
- High focus on generalised reduction of the human impact on the environment
- Focus on energy consumption and ensuring the energy used in building and to run the building comes from renewable and sustainable sources of energy such as wind, solar, or water. This also applies to finding ways to naturally heat, cool and ventilate the building.
- Finding ways for the building to be completely self-sufficient in terms of energy. This means, ensuring the building produces at least as much energy as it consumes with as little effect on the natural surrounding environment as possible.
- Installation of water conservation systems, such as rainwater collection and recycling grey water
- Ensuring that the building and its surrounds are integrated easily and harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.
- Sourcing and using as many renewable materials as possible. Examples of these are: bamboo, hemp, cork, flax, recycled bottles and soy.
- Sourcing and using sustainable materials as replacements for the traditional building materials such as concrete, cement and plastic. Examples of these are: hempcrete (made from hemp, lime, and water), and bioplastics made from algae
- Using as many recycled and upcycled materials as possible
- Finding ways of creating spaces that are made fully from natural materials that have been or can be easily repurposed or recycled. Ensuring these spaces are easily adaptable and can be broken down and put up again is a big part of the job.
- Bringing plants, living walls, green roofs and food growing into the buildings and space surrounding the building, creating pleasant places for people to relax and enjoy the online blackjack
The Future of Sustainable Architecture
Even though there has been an undeniable up-swing in awareness and the need for more sustainable/eco-friendly practices in all sectors throughout the world, there is still only a small portion of the building, design and architecture industry that are integrating these ideals.
Experts are saying that if we consider the current state of the planet, the concept of sustainable architecture and building will very likely not make the difference needed for real change.
They are saying that the future of architecture lies in regenerative architecture and design. This is a much more innovative and holistic way of design and building that use the planets natural resources and combines with self-regenerating concepts.
This will ensure that nothing is taken from the earth and no disruption to nature will occur. The buildings will be completely self-reliant and self-sustainable, and this is one of the ways forward through this planetary crisis we are currently facing.