14.1 Sustainable architecture and green building practices
3 min read•august 5, 2024
Sustainable architecture is revolutionizing the building industry. From certification to , architects are prioritizing eco-friendly designs that minimize environmental impact. Energy-efficient systems and careful material selection reduce both operational and .
and biophilic elements create healthier spaces for occupants. and further reduce environmental footprints. and make buildings more self-sufficient, paving the way for a greener future in architecture.
Sustainable Building Certifications
LEED Certification and Net-Zero Buildings
Top images from around the web for LEED Certification and Net-Zero Buildings
Note : EE, energy efficiency; GHG, greenhouse gas; PaM, policy and measure; RES, energy from ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Estrategias sostenibles I: viviendas más eficientes, sanas y ecológicas View original
Is this image relevant?
LEED Certified | The building I work in is LEED certified. | eng1ne | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Note : EE, energy efficiency; GHG, greenhouse gas; PaM, policy and measure; RES, energy from ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Estrategias sostenibles I: viviendas más eficientes, sanas y ecológicas View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for LEED Certification and Net-Zero Buildings
Note : EE, energy efficiency; GHG, greenhouse gas; PaM, policy and measure; RES, energy from ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Estrategias sostenibles I: viviendas más eficientes, sanas y ecológicas View original
Is this image relevant?
LEED Certified | The building I work in is LEED certified. | eng1ne | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Note : EE, energy efficiency; GHG, greenhouse gas; PaM, policy and measure; RES, energy from ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Estrategias sostenibles I: viviendas más eficientes, sanas y ecológicas View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification provides a framework for designing, constructing, and operating sustainable buildings
- Encourages the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable site development
- Buildings are rated based on criteria such as water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design (Platinum, Gold, Silver)
- Net-zero buildings produce as much energy as they consume through renewable energy systems and energy-efficient design
- Achieve net-zero status by combining passive design strategies, high-performance building envelopes, and on-site renewable energy generation (, )
Energy-Efficient Systems and Embodied Energy
- Energy-efficient systems reduce a building's operational energy consumption
- Includes , , , and
- Embodied energy refers to the total energy required to manufacture, transport, and install building materials
- Sustainable architecture aims to minimize embodied energy by using locally sourced, recycled, or (, )
- (LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of a building throughout its entire life cycle, from material extraction to demolition
Eco-Friendly Design Strategies
Passive Solar Design and Biophilic Design
- Passive solar design harnesses the sun's energy for heating, cooling, and lighting without active mechanical systems
- Involves strategic building orientation, window placement, , and shading devices to optimize solar gains and minimize heat loss
- incorporates elements of nature into the built environment to improve occupant well-being and productivity
- Includes features such as living walls, indoor plants, natural materials, and views of nature (Amazon Spheres in Seattle)
- Helps reduce stress, improve air quality, and create a more pleasant indoor environment
Green Roofs and Recycled Materials
- Green roofs are partially or completely covered with vegetation planted over a waterproofing membrane
- Provide insulation, reduce stormwater runoff, mitigate , and create habitats for wildlife
- Can be extensive (shallow soil, low-maintenance plants) or intensive (deeper soil, diverse plant species, amenity spaces)
- Recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood, recycled steel, and recycled concrete aggregate, reduce waste and conserve natural resources
- Helps divert materials from landfills and reduces the environmental impact of material extraction and processing (PET felt acoustic panels)
Renewable Resources
Renewable Energy Systems
- Renewable energy systems generate electricity from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into electricity and can be integrated into building envelopes or mounted on rooftops
- Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of moving air to generate electricity and can be installed on-site or off-site
- use the stable temperature of the earth to heat and cool buildings through a network of underground pipes ()
Rainwater Harvesting
- Rainwater harvesting involves collecting, storing, and using rainwater for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and laundry
- Reduces the demand on municipal water supplies and helps conserve freshwater resources
- Rainwater is typically collected from rooftops and directed into storage tanks or cisterns
- Can be combined with greywater systems, which recycle water from sinks, showers, and washing machines for reuse in landscaping or toilet flushing (Bullitt Center in Seattle)
Key Terms to Review (26)
Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing grass species known for its strength, flexibility, and sustainability. It plays a vital role in sustainable architecture and green building practices due to its low environmental impact, renewable nature, and versatility as a construction material. Its ability to sequester carbon and grow rapidly makes it an attractive alternative to traditional building materials like wood and steel.
Biophilic design: Biophilic design is an innovative approach in architecture and urban planning that seeks to connect people with nature through the incorporation of natural elements into built environments. This design philosophy promotes well-being by integrating features such as natural light, greenery, water elements, and organic shapes, ultimately fostering a deeper relationship between occupants and their surroundings. It reflects a growing recognition of the importance of nature in our daily lives, especially in urban settings where access to green spaces can be limited.
Cork: Cork is a natural, renewable material harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, primarily found in Mediterranean regions. This eco-friendly resource is known for its lightweight, buoyant, and insulating properties, making it a popular choice in sustainable architecture and green building practices for various applications, such as flooring, wall coverings, and insulation materials.
Embodied energy: Embodied energy refers to the total amount of energy required to produce a building material, from extraction of raw materials through processing, transportation, and installation. This concept is crucial in sustainable architecture and green building practices because it helps evaluate the environmental impact of materials used in construction. By understanding embodied energy, architects and builders can make informed choices about material selection that minimize energy consumption and carbon emissions throughout a building's life cycle.
Energy-efficient appliances: Energy-efficient appliances are devices designed to use less energy while maintaining the same level of performance as traditional models. These appliances not only help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills but also play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating advanced technologies and design features, energy-efficient appliances contribute to greener living and align with the principles of sustainable architecture and green building practices.
Geothermal systems: Geothermal systems are energy solutions that utilize the Earth's internal heat for heating and cooling purposes. These systems harness geothermal energy from beneath the Earth's surface, making them a renewable resource that can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By tapping into this natural heat, geothermal systems promote sustainable practices and contribute to the development of green building initiatives.
Green roofs: Green roofs are living roofs that incorporate vegetation, soil, and other natural materials on top of a building to promote sustainability and environmental benefits. By enhancing urban biodiversity, managing stormwater, and reducing energy costs, green roofs play a vital role in sustainable architecture and green building practices.
Ground-source heat pumps: Ground-source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps, are systems that transfer heat to or from the ground for heating and cooling purposes. They leverage the relatively constant temperature of the earth to enhance energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, making them a key component of sustainable architecture and green building practices.
High-performance hvac systems: High-performance HVAC systems are advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems designed to maximize energy efficiency, enhance indoor air quality, and optimize occupant comfort. These systems incorporate innovative technologies such as variable refrigerant flow, smart thermostats, and energy recovery ventilators, which contribute to reducing energy consumption and environmental impact while providing effective climate control.
LED Lighting: LED lighting refers to the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a source of illumination, known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan. These lights consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and produce less heat, making them a popular choice in sustainable design practices. LED technology also allows for greater flexibility in lighting design and can contribute to overall environmental sustainability.
LEED: LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a globally recognized green building certification program that promotes sustainable building practices. This program establishes a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions. By focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials, LEED helps reduce environmental impact while promoting healthier living environments.
Life cycle assessment: Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a systematic process used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. This comprehensive approach allows architects and builders to understand the sustainability of their designs by considering energy consumption, resource use, and waste generation at every stage, leading to informed decisions that promote sustainable architecture and green building practices.
Locally sourced materials: Locally sourced materials refer to building materials that are obtained from within a specific geographic area, typically within a certain radius of the construction site. This practice supports sustainable architecture and green building practices by minimizing transportation emissions, encouraging the use of regional craftsmanship, and fostering local economies. Using locally sourced materials also helps to create structures that resonate with their surroundings, contributing to a sense of place and environmental harmony.
Net-zero buildings: Net-zero buildings are structures that produce as much energy as they consume over the course of a year, effectively balancing their energy usage with renewable energy production. This concept ties directly into sustainable architecture and green building practices, focusing on minimizing energy consumption, utilizing renewable energy sources, and reducing carbon footprints. By achieving this balance, net-zero buildings not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also promote energy independence and cost savings over time.
Passive Solar Design: Passive solar design is a sustainable architectural approach that utilizes natural energy from the sun to heat and cool buildings without relying on mechanical systems. This design strategy emphasizes the building's orientation, window placement, thermal mass, and insulation to optimize energy efficiency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and create comfortable living spaces. By integrating passive solar techniques, architects can significantly enhance a building's sustainability and contribute to green building practices.
Rainwater harvesting: Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater from surfaces such as roofs, pavements, and other structures for later use. This practice is closely tied to sustainable architecture and green building practices, as it promotes water conservation, reduces dependence on municipal water supply, and minimizes stormwater runoff, which can lead to environmental degradation.
Rapidly renewable materials: Rapidly renewable materials are resources that can be replenished in a short time, typically within a 10-year cycle, making them more sustainable compared to traditional materials. These materials often include bamboo, cork, and certain agricultural products, and their use in construction and design supports sustainable architecture by minimizing environmental impact. By choosing rapidly renewable materials, builders can promote eco-friendliness and contribute to the conservation of resources.
Recycled materials: Recycled materials are products that have been processed from waste materials and repurposed for use in new construction or building projects. These materials play a vital role in sustainable architecture and green building practices by reducing the demand for new resources, minimizing waste, and lowering the environmental impact of construction activities.
Renewable energy systems: Renewable energy systems refer to technologies that harness energy from renewable sources, such as sunlight, wind, water, and biomass, to generate electricity or provide heat. These systems are essential for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting sustainability in architecture and building practices. By integrating renewable energy into buildings, architects can create more efficient structures that contribute to overall energy conservation and ecological balance.
Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats are advanced temperature control devices that connect to the internet, allowing users to remotely monitor and adjust their home's heating and cooling systems through mobile apps or voice commands. These devices play a crucial role in sustainable architecture and green building practices by optimizing energy consumption, reducing waste, and enhancing user comfort.
Solar panels: Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. They play a crucial role in sustainable architecture and green building practices by providing a renewable energy source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Stormwater runoff mitigation: Stormwater runoff mitigation refers to strategies and practices aimed at reducing the volume and rate of stormwater runoff generated from impervious surfaces during rain events. These practices help manage the impacts of stormwater on water quality, flooding, and aquatic ecosystems, aligning closely with sustainable architecture and green building practices that prioritize environmental health.
Thermal mass: Thermal mass refers to the ability of a material to absorb, store, and release heat energy, helping to regulate temperature fluctuations in buildings. This property is crucial in sustainable architecture, as it enhances energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling systems. Effective use of thermal mass can significantly lower energy consumption and improve occupant comfort in various climate conditions.
Urban Heat Island Effect: The urban heat island effect refers to the phenomenon where urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities and alterations in land cover. This effect is mainly caused by the absorption and retention of heat by buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, which often have materials that absorb more sunlight compared to natural landscapes. As cities grow and develop, this temperature disparity can lead to increased energy consumption, elevated emissions of air pollutants, and exacerbated health problems for residents.
Waste diversion: Waste diversion refers to the strategies and practices aimed at redirecting waste from landfills and incineration towards recycling, composting, or other beneficial uses. This approach plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable architecture and green building practices, as it reduces environmental impact, conserves resources, and minimizes pollution associated with waste disposal. By prioritizing waste diversion, sustainable buildings can significantly lower their ecological footprint and contribute to a circular economy.
Wind turbines: Wind turbines are devices that convert kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy, which can then be transformed into electrical energy. They are essential components of wind power generation, a clean and renewable energy source that contributes significantly to sustainable architecture and green building practices by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.