Sustainable Architecture

Page 1: Publication Details

  • Title: Sustainable Architecture Article

  • Author: Sam-Haendell W. Thosiac

  • Publication Date: July 2024

  • Source: SSRN Electronic Journal

  • DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4910753

  • Citations: 0

  • Reads: 1,962

  • Note: Content uploaded by the author on October 11, 2024.

Page 2: Abstract

  • Overview of Sustainable Architecture

    • Focus on reducing environmental impact and enhancing energy efficiency.

    • Discusses historical roots and evolution into current practices.

  • Principles of Sustainable Architecture

    • Energy efficiency, resource conservation, improved indoor environmental quality.

  • Design Strategies

    • Use of leafy building materials, renewable energy systems, smart building technologies.

  • Case Studies

    • Highlight successful implementations in residential, commercial, and public buildings.

  • Benefits

    • Environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

  • Challenges Faced

    • Higher initial costs, regulatory barriers, complexity of technologies.

  • Future Trends

    • Innovations in materials and design approaches.

  • Conclusion

    • Emphasizes the importance of sustainable architecture for addressing environmental issues.

Page 3: Key Terms and Definitions (1-23)

  1. Bioplastics: Renewable biomass-derived materials, lowering environmental impact compared to conventional plastics.

  2. Carbon-Negative Concrete: Concrete absorbing more CO2 than emitted during production.

  3. Smart Glass: Glass that adjusts properties based on environmental conditions to improve energy efficiency.

  4. Biomimicry: Design inspired by nature to achieve sustainability.

  5. Modular Construction: Prefabrication of building components to reduce waste and construction time.

  6. Vertical Farming: Urban agriculture using stacked layers to minimize transportation emissions.

  7. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Solar panels integrated into building materials.

  8. Green Building Materials: Environmentally friendly materials with sustainable lifecycle impacts.

  9. Renewable Energy Systems: Energy generation from renewable sources to reduce fossil fuel reliance.

  10. Energy Efficiency: Designing buildings to use less energy through various measures.

  11. Water Management: Technologies for water conservation and waste reduction.

  12. Smart Building Technologies: Automated systems for improved building performance.

  13. Sustainable Design: Approach that minimizes environmental impact and enhances livability.

  14. Indoor Environmental Quality: Quality of the indoor environment, affecting health and comfort.

  15. Passive Solar Design: Utilizing building features to optimize solar gain.

  16. LEED Certification: A green building certification program assessing environmental performance.

  17. Environmental Impact: Effects of buildings on the environment regarding energy, resources, pollution.

  18. Resource Conservation: Efficient resource use to reduce waste.

  19. Climate Change Mitigation: Strategies to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

  20. Zero-Waste Construction: Approach to eliminate waste through effective planning and recycling.

  21. Eco-Friendly Materials: Materials with minimal environmental impact.

  22. Renewable Resources: Resources replenishable over short periods.

  23. Green Roofs: Vegetated roofs that provide multiple environmental benefits.

Page 4: Introduction to Sustainable Architecture

  • Definition and Scope

    • Architecture encompasses all built environments and evolving from ancient civilizations.

    • Sustainable architecture minimizes environmental impact throughout a building's life.

  • Importance

    • Addresses climate change, resource depletion, and pollution.

    • Significant contributor to global energy and CO2 emissions.

Page 5: Historical Background of Sustainable Architecture

  • Historical Evolution

    • Traced from ancient practices to modern complexities.

  • Ancient Civilizations

    • Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, and Greeks utilized local materials and climate-responsive designs.

  • Medieval to Renaissance

    • Continued practices of sustainable techniques in various forms.

Page 6: Influential Designers and Movements

  • Architectural Developments

    • Interaction of innovative design with historical principles.

  • Notable Figures

    • William Morris and Frank Lloyd Wright integrating sustainability in designs.

    • Influence of the industrial crisis on energy-efficient designs.

Page 7: Principles of Sustainable Architecture

  • Core Principles

    • Energy Efficiency: Optimize orientation, form, insulation, and renewable sources.

    • Healthy Indoor Environments: Quality air, thermal comfort, acoustic management.

Page 8: Design Strategies and Technologies

  • Material Use

    • Recycled materials, locally sourced products, low-impact construction.

  • Renewable Energy Systems

    • Solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal systems.

  • Water Management Techniques

    • Innovations in plumbing and harvesting rainwater.

  • Smart Building Technologies

    • Employed for operational efficiency.

Page 9: Benefits of Sustainable Architecture

  • Environmental Benefits

    • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, conservation of resources.

  • Economic Benefits

    • Cost savings and incentives promoting sustainability in construction.

  • Health Benefits

    • Improved indoor air quality leading to better health outcomes.

Page 10: Challenges and Limitations

  • Initial Costs

    • Higher upfront costs for sustainable materials and technologies.

  • Regulatory Barriers

    • Variability in codes and standards across regions.

  • Market Acceptance

    • Ongoing resistance to adopting sustainable practices.

Page 11: Future Trends in Sustainable Architecture

  • Emerging Materials and Practices

    • Use of bioplastics, carbon-negative concrete, and innovative design techniques.

  • Conclusion

    • Need for sustainable architecture to fulfill future environmental demands while addressing current challenges.

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