“Sustainability” in Architecture.

Something that has been constantly mentioned throughout my blogs is ‘sustainability’ This term is commonly used in the world of architecture and design but what does it mean? Sustainability can be minimising our consumption and production of resources that are non-renewable and that may result in harming or destroying the earth or using sustainable or recycled materials in construction. According to the UN Environment Global Status Report 2017, building and construction account for more than 35% of global final energy use and for nearly 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions. (Barker Associates, 2022) It is fair to say sustainability has become an integral aspect of contemporary architectural design. (Better Buildings: Designing Solutions for Sustainable Architecture, 2017) However, sustainability is more than this.

It is about creating buildings that work with their natural surroundings to continue to be sustainable, for instance, designing elements such as double-glazed windows for insulation or vents that provide airflow and even using colours to cool or warm a house, depending on its location. All these elements make a building more energy efficient. In addition, landscaping without damaging the site’s natural features and biodiversity can also be incredibly beneficial to the natural ecosystems of an area. For instance, retaining existing vegetation, and planting vegetation that requires minimal maintenance and water. This will allow local plants and wildlife to flourish. (Better Buildings: Designing Solutions for Sustainable Architecture, 2017)

Solar Panels minimise energy consumption.

Sustainability is not just about the natural environment but rather social ones, it is essential designers and architects meet human needs while maximising comfort. A building should offer a healthy, comfortable, safe and secure environment that is well-suited to its surroundings. Depending on the purpose a building should have access to a space with privacy, ventilation and natural light. Furthermore, ensuring a building is safe is important too; this is usually done by using security fixtures such as sensor lights or alarms. (Better Buildings: Designing Solutions for Sustainable Architecture, 2017) In addition, using certain electrical fixtures or solar panels, reduces running costs, making a building more accessible and minimising the likelihood of it being abandoned, As much as 50% of maintenance costs are a “waste” and around 30% of maintenance is too frequent. (Team, 2023)

I believe that as architects and designers, we hold the power and responsibility to construct a more sustainable future for humanity. We have to be ethical in our work as our role as architects is to serve humanity in ways that will allow us to progress into a more functional efficient and accessible future.

What could the world look like in the future...?

Bibliography:

Cyprus, J. (2020, July 7). What Makes a Product Sustainable? Earth911. https://earth911.com/business-policy/what-makes-a-product-sustainable/#:~:text=For%20a%20product%20to%20be

Better buildings: Designing solutions for sustainable architecture. (2017, July 19). Sustainability.uq.edu.au. https://sustainability.uq.edu.au/projects/campus-grounds-and-buildings/better-buildings-designing-solutions-sustainable-architecture#:~:text=Constructing%20a%20sustainable%20building%20means

‌ Architects and Facility Managers Can Work Together to Minimize Building Maintenance Costs. (n.d.). Learn - ACD Operations. Retrieved May 9, 2024, from https://learn.aiacontracts.com/articles/architects-and-facility-managers-can-work-together-to-minimize-building-maintenance-costs/#:~:text=Design%20the%20building%20with%20energy

‌ Team, I. (2023, December 14). Maintenance Statistics 2024: Trends, Challenges and Metrics • Infraspeak Blog. Infraspeak Blog. https://blog.infraspeak.com/maintenance-statistics-trends-challenges/#:~:text=As%20much%20as%2050%25%20of

‌Barker Associates. (2022). What is Sustainable Architecture - Barker Associates. Barker. https://www.barker-associates.co.uk/service/architecture/what-is-sustainable-architecture/

Image Credits:

Ltd, A. A. (2019, January 24). SUSTAINABILITY IN ARCHITECTURE. Medium. https://medium.com/a9architecture/sustainability-in-architecture-b349c2ab4542

‌Nevzat, S. (2023, January 26). Installing Solar PV on your commercial building? Read on. Mitie. https://www.mitie.com/insights-news/insight/installing-solar-panels-on-your-commercial-building-roof-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/