Sustainable Architecture and Its Transformative Impact

Many of the world’s principal global problems – climate change, biodiversity decline, food and water security, energy supply, public health and social justice – are essentially urban in origin. This has been reflected in recent calls for action and capacity development that foster urban sustainability transformations.

Unlike coping strategies and incremental adaptation, transformative approaches fundamentally alter system characteristics. This can be accomplished through a number of ways, including:

1. Designing for the Future

As architects we have a unique opportunity to address humanity’s biggest challenges, but this requires us to think differently. Traditionally, the approach has been to call in experts, but this overlooks the importance of people and their everyday experience.

Instead, design teams can make a profound impact by embracing principles that put people at the center. By doing so, they can create vibrant cities that are rooted in local culture and values, while also incorporating modern technology and global community.

Achieving such a transformation requires an organisational shift that is driven by the engagement of employees. It means implementing new roles, responsibilities and processes, embedding sustainability into existing business functions, metrics and targets and driving a culture change. It’s a process that takes time and requires commitment and dedication.

2. Rethinking the Built Environment

The built environment accounts for a significant share of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of natural resources. Green and sustainable building practices aim to reduce waste, protect the environment and promote a more resource-efficient future.

https://www.fredeo.com/general/sustainable-architecture-and-its-transformative-impact-in-the-uk/ The emergence of new materials and technologies supports the integration of sustainability into modern construction. From renewable energy to material transparency, sustainable architecture aims to minimize the impact of buildings on the environment and optimize their occupants’ comfort.

Innovative architects like Scott Ceasar recognize the symbiotic relationship between sustainability and occupant enjoyment. In his design for 4 Times Square, Ceasar used hydropower to harness wind and water for the building’s power, resulting in an eco-friendly structure that also serves as an urban park. Innovative uses of wood are also gaining traction, such as the cross-laminated timber skyscrapers by Voll Arkitekter in Oslo and London.

3. Reducing Carbon Footprints

Emissions from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which are driving climate change. Individuals, organisations and nations can minimise their carbon footprints by taking action on many different fronts.

From a sustainability perspective, the key is to focus on reducing emissions in the built environment. Buildings account for 39% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.

This is where green architecture comes into play, with a variety of projects that aim to minimise the impact of buildings on the surrounding environment. From innovative biomimicry to energy positive buildings, these structures give back to the natural world, making the planet a better place for all of us.

4. Building Resilience

Buildings consume and produce significant amounts of energy, water, raw materials and waste. They also produce harmful atmospheric emissions and change the natural functions of land.

Sustainable design seeks to reduce these negative impacts while making buildings healthy, productive and livable. For example, buildings that adhere to green architecture principles conserve energy, use recycled/eco-friendly materials and create regenerative landscapes.

Building resiliency refers to the ability of a building or community to respond to and recover from severe climate change-related impacts and hazards. The GSA’s Sustainability Matters initiative provides a wealth of information on the best practices for building, operating and maintaining federal facilities sustainably. This includes innovative designs that increase resiliency by reducing vulnerability to environmental and social stresses. This can be done through a variety of ways, such as by incorporating sustainable design attributes into new construction, or by designing major renovations and retrofits that include these same characteristics.

5. Embracing Change

From urban gardens to forest floors, rewilding and reducing air pollution through the use of biogas, there are many innovative sustainability solutions popping up around the world. These initiatives and movements are tackling the climate emergency head on.

Sustainable design draws inspiration from nature and looks to mimic the symbiosis between a building’s environment and its occupants. This has led to innovations like biomimicry and energy positive buildings.

To build green, the process starts even before construction begins with site surveys for topography and drainage/soil samples. Then architects work with builders and local organizations to source sustainable materials. Once completed, occupants play their part to minimize their own water and energy consumption as well as waste.