When we talk about green building designs, the first thing that may come to your mind is those tall skyscrapers decorated with plants and other vegetation. While greeneries play a part in sustainable architecture, there’s so much more to it than just that!

But first, what is Sustainability?

The United Nations Brundtland Commission described sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. To put it simply, sustainability means meeting needs and expectations without causing harm to the environment, society, or the economy.

With everything that’s going on with the environment, it is our responsibility to call for action and act toward sustainability.

So, what is Sustainable Architecture?

You might see different green building strategies and eco-friendly construction processes as a response to sustainability. This is because sustainable architecture refers to an eco-friendly building and construction approach that focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of buildings on the environment. 

Green building architecture also aims to be conscious of the environment by being efficient in the use of resources. You can do this by creating environmentally-friendly buildings that use energy efficiently and the environment responsibly. Sustainable architecture also promotes the health and well-being of the people who use them. 

Top 5 Sustainable Architecture Features

While there are many green buildings in the world, their sustainable building features are similar and innovative. Here are the top sustainable architecture features that play a huge role in green building and sustainability:

1. Water and resource conservation

   You don’t need to live in green buildings to conserve water and energy. This practice has been encouraged for decades. But when creating green buildings or housing, the reduction of the use of these resources happens right from its construction to its operation. You can also do this by using water meters, efficient taps, or even rainwater harvesting.

2. Renewable energy sources

   One of the earliest and most common sustainable developments in the construction industry is the use of solar panels. The use of these renewable energy sources minimizes the use of fossil fuels. They also help in reducing your energy bills because of the in-house energy production your shelter provides. Over time, innovations, such as integrated solar roofs, have made the acquisition of renewable energy sources more efficient.

3. Sustainable materials

   By using non-toxic, recyclable, and even alternative building materials, the environmental impact of building construction significantly decreases. Purchasing these from local suppliers can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions when transporting the materials. Eco-friendly solutions can also help you in upkeeping these sustainable green buildings. 

4. Easy and effective maintenance

   Green building designs don’t have to be complicated. Innovative designs, like incorporating mechanical systems and smart designs lead to easy and effective maintenance. Designing these shelters according to their environment helps reduce the dependence on energy to control the indoor environment.

5. Affordability

   You may think that achieving sustainable architecture costs a fortune but it doesn’t have to. Affordability is often overlooked in green building design and it shouldn’t be. Affordability makes sustainability more attainable, meaning that needs and expectations would be easily met without causing harm to the environment, society, or the economy. 

BillionBricks and Sustainable Architecture

BillionBricks’ Net-Zero Community makes use of these top sustainable architecture features. Water conservation and renewable energy sources are among the innovative technologies BillionBricks promotes and includes in their design. Besides the energy efficiency and affordability features our community has to offer, our communities also become carbon-neutral after a couple of years.

You can read more about BillionBricks and our story here.

References

KNX Energy Management. (2022, May 31). What is a ‘green building’ and what are its features? – KNX. KNX | Energy Management. https://sustainabilityknx.org/energy-management-articles/what-is-a-green-building-and-what-are-its-features/

Maple Ridge British Columbia. (2023). Sustainable Building Features. Maple Ridge. https://www.mapleridge.ca/1780/Sustainable-Building-Features

Ranada, P. (2014, April 23). 10 features of a ‘green’ building. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/environment/56190-ten-features-green-building/%5C

United Nations. (2023). THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals

United Nations. (2023). Sustainability | United Nations. the United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/sustainability