Sustainability is an emerging topic of contention that many people see as a simple passing trend. However, there have been extensive studies conducted by scientists and researchers that indicate that sustainable practices need to be adopted by people in order to ensure the longevity of Earth. Now, the term “sustainable design,” has been extensively used across various fields. This term basically means that sustainable practices and materials are used to construct a building, office, or home. Private, semi-private, and public enterprises have different parameters to define “sustainable practices,” but they all have one thing in common, which is an intelligent utilization of Earth’s natural resources. Additionally, many governments have implemented certain design principles that all firms have to follow in order to be considered sustainable.
First and foremost, the building material an architect chooses has a significant impact on a building’s sustainability rating. The most sustainable materials are those that can easily be broken down, i.e., are compostable. These materials also need to be renewable and recyclable while being sturdy enough to support a structure. Local materials such as wood, bamboo, and stone can also be considered sustainable as the transportation costs and emissions will be zero. Architectural salvage is easy to obtain in metro cities. This practice refers to using old scraps and materials used in old demolished buildings to make new homes and buildings. Materials that are harvested locally, are non-toxic, and are non-synthetic are preferred.
Another philosophy that underscores sustainable practice is that of smart and renewable sources of energy. These steps can easily be conducted while constructing a building, emphasizing the use of renewable energy sources like solar, geothermal, or wind energy. There also needs to be a smart application of energy sources. It is the architect’s job to maximize the dependence of a building on these renewable energy resources. For instance, seasonal changes can be factored in to maximize its energy output. In the scorching summers, the structures can use solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting/appliances can be installed as well. While the use of energy has to be smart, these need to be focused on energy conservation as well. So, passive energy protection techniques like smart insulation to trap in the heat or cool air in the building and appropriate window glazing can also be used to reduce the energy consumption in the building massively.
While all these measures taken are essential, it is also the architect’s job to ensure how a user feels in the indoor environment of the building. Therefore, a healthy indoor environment is essential for the sustainable architect, with a renewed focus on proper ventilation, temperature control, and smart use of non-toxic materials. Mitigation of natural disasters can also be taken into consideration so that underground shelters can be made in a particular building located in a natural disaster-prone zone. Earth shelters, outdoor gardens, and roof gardens are some ways in which the architect can ensure the user feels more comfortable in the building.
In order to achieve true sustainability, an architect has to look into various ways in which they can maximize the feeling of comfort and use of sustainable materials while cutting down on the use of non-recyclable and non-renewable materials. This is a tricky balance that can only be achieved through years of practice and honing the skills.