Sustainable architecture involves the use of design strategies that help reduce the overall negative environmental impact of a built environment. As per Joe Cianciotto, the objective of sustainable architecture is usually to reduce carbon emissions and waste in the construction, as well as lower energy consumption in the operation and maintenance of a house.
Joe Cianciotto highlights some of the important principles of sustainable architecture
Sustainable architecture is typically reflected in the materials used to build a structure, its construction methods, resource use, and design in general. Sustainable architecture is often referred to as green architecture or environmental architecture. It tends to challenge architects to produce smart designs as well as use a range of available technologies that help make sure that the that the structure causes minimal harmful effects to the ecosystem and the communities.
Here are a few important principles of sustainable architecture:
- Passive design: Shade, sun and wind are free natural resources that can be used for lighting, heating and cooling down spaces. Passive design typically uses such resources by working with the specific climate and conditions of a site. Homes with passive design are purposefully oriented for the movement of the wind and sun. The building envelope comprising of walls, floor, roof and windows tends to be designed carefully in order to effectively control when and where shall the shade, breeze and the sun enter the house throughout the day across all seasons. Based on the site and location of a house, the use of smart passive design can help create a thermally comfortable space that does not need additional heating and cooling all year round.
- Energy efficiency: Heating and cooling are among the biggest consumers of energy at a home. By reducing the need for heating and cooling, the overall energy consumption at a home would be reduced, and so would its ongoing carbon emissions. Passive design principles tend to provide the foundation for creating an energy efficient home. It involves the use of high-quality materials and construction techniques that help make sure that the house is well ventilated, insulated and airtight.
- Material impact and waste: Every material used contributes to the embodied carbon footprint of a building. After all, the manufacturing, transport and installation of these materials produce greenhouse gas emissions. There also is waste associated with the use and installation of new materials, along with the ones discarded through demolition and renovation. Sustainable architecture goes a long way in minimizing the environmental impact and waste of materials. It involves the use of recycled and recyclable materials, while also minimizing demolition, construction, and unnecessary material consumption.
As per Joe Cianciotto, the core principle of sustainable architecture is a deep respect for the environment. Eco-friendly homes generally are designed to reduce their ecological footprint while also enhancing the surrounding community and natural setting. Equal importance is provided to both outdoor and indoor spaces at these homes. Hence, they usually feature landscaped areas, which allow for better stormwater absorption, and help reduce the urban heat island effect.
