Climate change is on the lips of the nation at the moment, for very good reason. More and more evidence continues to pour from the scientific community that the planet is headed for a point of no return, from studies indicating inevitable Antarctic melting to reports that 2023 will be the hottest year on record.
This evidence is, if anything, a call to arms for industries to reckon with their own pollutive practices. The construction industry has already listened, with sustainable architecture becoming a new normal in the US and beyond. But what is it?
What is Sustainable Architecture?
First, let’s start with the basics: what exactly do we mean by sustainable architecture? Architecture is often considered a relatively abstract form – and as such, somewhat removed from the pro-active and tangible concepts associated with green policy and sustainability. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
Indeed, architectural decisions have direct impacts on the sustainability of a given build, from the building materials earmarked to the energy efficiency of the finished structure. Even the post-build impact of the structure on surrounding natural environments is a factor to consider.
The Benefits of Sustainable Architecture
The basic definition of sustainable architecture already demonstrates the key benefits to utilizing it in a construction scenario. The environmental benefits can be dramatic, to say the least. Not only do contractors reduce their carbon footprint in the process of completing the project, but so do future inhabitants limit their own environmental impacts.
The benefits extend beyond the environmental, too. This is particularly the case for the intended audience of the finished build, where energy-efficient design guarantees reduced cost on utility overheads in colder months. For businesses, enacting sustainable architecture on principle can have positive economic impacts through increased demand; climate change is the issue of our times, about which many feel very strongly.
Sustainable Architecture in Practice
But what does sustainable architecture look like in practice? It starts with conscientious and well-funded contractors. Contracting teams that design and build with sub-par equipment risk higher environmental costs through electrical waste and power consumption, where teams that invest via a reliable supplier like RS Americas use responsibly-sourced materials and certified equipment – enabling more complex architectural designs to come to life with a relatively low cost.
Sustainable architecture eschews environmentally costly raw construction materials in favor of renewable, sustainable and low-emissions alternatives. Despite its innocuity, cement is one of the most environmentally impactful construction materials, on account of its ubiquity. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, if the global cement industry were considered a country, it would be the world’s fourth largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
Finally, the core architectural concepts behind a given build might incorporate passive systems to improve air flow, reducing the need for AC in the summer; coupled with sun-facing walls and insulation, an energy-efficient building can be guaranteed year-round.
