This post explores some of the sustainability practices that are being implemented in the architectural industry. Looking to make your project more sustainable? Find out how!
Sustainability can mean a lot of different things in the realm of architecture and design. In one sense, it can mean using sustainable building materials such as those that are renewable like cork, bamboo, and wood; while refraining from using high carbon producing materials like steel, foam, or concrete. Sustainability can mean implementing renewable energy sources like solar panels or geothermal heating. Or it can mean minimizing the footprint of a building to preserve existing landscapes. There is no single solution to sustainable design, as each project brings its own unique constraints and opportunities to the table. Think of sustainability as a spectrum of options to choose from depending on what your project and your budget allows.
One could argue that constructing new buildings is the least sustainable thing the architecture industry could do. Wouldn't it be more sustainable to renovate existing buildings instead? This is certainly one of the considerations when thinking about sustainability, however, there are multiple facets to consider when deciding if a renovation is the right sustainable practice for your specific project.
If the current space you have available to you is plenty enough but you are looking to shift around or open certain rooms, then a renovation might be a sustainable option. However, if you are working with an existing building that is several decades old, it is likely that it was designed and built in a way that is less efficient than a new building today. For example, older homes had thinner exterior walls and were less insulated than today's homes, therefore requiring its inhabitants to use more energy heating the home.
In some cases, safety of older buildings can be a concern and would require a major structural retrofit to safely renovate. This could require additional building materials that would otherwise not be needed if the project was built new.
Sustainable architecture is quantified in several different ways. Here are a handful of ways to measure a building's performance:
