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.