Sustainable architecture is derived from the concept of sustainability, which according to the World Commission on Environment and Development is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Sustainability has three pillars: the social one, which refers to a model of economic growth without exclusion; the economic one, which refers to the equitable model; and the environmental one, which has to do with the protection of natural resources.
Principles of sustainable architecture
Sustainable architecture is that which takes into account the life cycle of materials, the use of renewable energies, the reduction of the amount of materials and energy used, the recycling of waste, among other aspects including:
- Adapt the design to the site conditions (geographic, topographic and climatic) and the culture where it is located.
- Design natural lighting and ventilation strategies.
- To plan a rational and efficient use of water, taking advantage of greywater and rainwater.
- Develop adequate thermal insulation
- Use renewable energy sources.
- Use appropriate materials, especially those that can be recovered, recycled and/or reused, that are durable and do not contain hazardous or polluting products.
- Reduce CO2 emissions and other pollutants
- Use environmental resources sustainably.
- Move towards energy efficiency (energy saving and self-generating energy).
- Choose local materials to avoid the emission of polluting gases from transport.
- Choose suppliers whose materials have environmental certifications
- Avoid the massive generation of waste in construction
Furthermore, sustainable architecture involves designing spaces that are healthy, economically viable, and sensitive to social needs.
Myths about sustainable architecture
Sustainable buildings use a very expensive and complex technology.
That's not true. Depending on the site's conditions, it's possible to make the most of wind direction, sunlight path, and other environmental factors to avoid complex energy technologies.
The same applies to thermal insulation, the key to saving on heating and cooling systems. In the case of energy sources like solar, the long-term investment translates to low operating costs over time. And the idea that it's complicated is a complete myth!
The materials used to make sustainable buildings are expensive and unusual
That's not true. Firstly, because one of the principles is to use local materials, thereby also avoiding transportation emissions. And these local materials can sometimes be a more economical and readily available option, as is the case with these straw panels.
Sustainable homes are rare in their design
The appearance of a home doesn't have to be different. Modern and sophisticated designs can be achieved while respecting the environment.
Sustainable buildings require a lot of maintenance
If chosen appropriately, materials can be highly durable and resistant, and still be environmentally friendly.
Currently, the construction industry is one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in the world, consumes raw materials, water and generates waste.
Therefore, although it alone will not solve all the problems facing the world, due to its level of impact, sustainable architecture can reduce the ecological effects produced by our way of living and building, not by going back to the past, but by developing projects that address the economic, social and environmental aspects of the homes we live in.
Source: Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Portal (RSS)
