Sustainable architecture
Sustainable architecture, often referred to as "green architecture," focuses on designing buildings that minimize environmental impact through thoughtful material selection and construction processes. Emerging from the environmental movements of the 1960s and 1970s, this approach considers energy sources, water conservation, and the ecological effects of construction on surrounding environments. Historically, sustainable architectural practices date back to ancient civilizations, which utilized local materials and climate-responsive designs long before the industrial era intensified resource exploitation.
As concerns about resource depletion and environmental degradation grew, the architectural field began to adopt strategies for reducing energy consumption and waste in building design. Modern sustainable architecture incorporates elements such as solar panels, green roofs, and energy-efficient windows that enhance natural lighting and ventilation. Notable initiatives, such as the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the US Green Building Council, promote and recognize sustainable practices within the industry.
In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to address the significant energy use and greenhouse gas emissions attributed to buildings, which account for a substantial percentage of global resource consumption. By integrating renewable energy sources and advocating for the recycling of materials, sustainable architecture aims to create healthier living environments while fostering a more responsible relationship with the planet.
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Sustainable architecture
"Sustainable architecture" refers to buildings that are constructed using materials and processes that have little or no negative impact on the environment. Sometimes referred to as "green architecture," the idea of sustainable architecture first found support during the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s. When planning sustainable architecture, architects take into account building materials, energy sources, and the effect a building's construction will have on its surroundings. Water conservation and renewable materials also may factor into construction plans.
Brief History
Sustainable architecture existed long before people of the industrial era began to have an impact on Earth's natural resources. Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Chinese built sustainable structures for various climate-related needs. The practice persisted for many centuries and progressed to more complex technologies with each period.
During the Victorian era of steam-powered technology, large buildings used steam systems for heat. For cooling and ventilation purposes, architects designed buildings with deep-set windows to provide shade. Structures were often built from thermal absorbent stone to keep the heat out—or in—depending on the setting. One system used for ventilating a large space, known as a "labyrinth," pulled air underground, cooled it, and then blew it back into the building through floor vents. Buildings with these elements were commonly found throughout the United States and Europe until the introduction of industrial technology.
While affordable, the architecture of the Industrial Revolution relied on the use of nonrenewable fossil fuels. People greatly abused much of Earth's natural resources and relied on them for power. Growing habitable structures required the use of more and more resources with each decade. Scientists soon discovered the destructive effects of the post-industrial world, and the findings incited a mass movement aimed at protecting the environment from further damage. During the 1960s and 1970s, environmental awareness eventually extended to the architectural industry. Reducing architecture's environmental impact gained more support during the 1980s. Contractors began developing communities of homes made of nontoxic materials and powered by solar energy. Rooftops gardens and water reclamation systems, which purify wastewater for reuse, also became popular during this time. Early environmentally conscience architects focused on homes and small-scale office buildings, but over the years, they turned their attention to skyscrapers, convention centers, malls, and other large commercial buildings that accounted for large amounts of energy and massive amounts of waste.
Technology and Initiatives
Despite the efforts made, construction of energy-sapping structures continued through the end of the twentieth century. By the early twenty-first century, scientists determined that more than two-thirds of Earth's resources had been used. Buildings accounted for more energy use than transportation and industry. Architecture accounted for 36 percent of total energy use, 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, 30 percent of raw materials use, and 30 percent of waste output. According to Environmental Protection Agency data from 2013, buildings accounted for nearly 136 million tons of waste annually. Support for sustainable architecture grew as natural resource reserves further diminished.
Architects began paying closer attention to reducing overall energy use and waste, incorporating alternate power methods into buildings. Simple measures such as increased insulation and strategic window placement helped to reduce the amount of energy used to heat and cool buildings. Windows facing the south in Northern Hemisphere buildings experienced more direct sunlight than those facing the north. Planting trees in front of certain windows created natural shading from direct sunlight, and windows that could be easily opened and closed provided ventilation. Roofs planted with vegetation helped to naturally cool a building and lower energy costs.
Solar power and wind power were used to provide a highly sustainable alternative to generator electricity. Solar panels convert sunlight into usable electricity. Solar power also can be used to heat water, reducing the need for other heating methods such as electricity, oil, or gas. Wind power from devices such as wind turbines provides an abundant, clean, and renewable source of energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, recycling and reusing old building materials reduces construction waste by more than 95 percent and lessens general resource consumption. Reducing a building's power usage leads to a reduction in overall pollution as well.
Apart from understanding new ways to power, heat, cool, and provide water for large-scale buildings, environmentalists continue to encourage efforts that promote sustainable architecture. Organizations such as the US Green Building Council have instituted programs such as the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), a green building certification program that recognizes the best in sustainable architecture across the country. In addition, lawmakers created legislation that requires builders to meet certain energy standards when erecting structures. Governments also encourage and provide incentives for cities that construct sustainable buildings.
Bibliography
Big and Green: Toward Sustainable Architecture in the 21st Century. Ed. David Gissen. New York: Princeton Architectural P, 2002. 10–17. Print.
"Energy: Buildings Consume More Energy Than Any Other Sector." Architecture 2030. Architecture 2030. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. http://architecture2030.org/the‗problem/problem‗energy
"EPA Green Buildings." Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. http://www.epa.gov/oaintrnt/projects/
Gray, Jennifer. "Windows in Sustainable Design." SustainableBuild. SustainableBuild, 27 May 2010. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. http://www.sustainablebuild.co.uk/designwindows.html
Kampschroer, Kevin. "Benefits of Green Buildings on Costs, the Environment and Jobs." U.S. General Services Administration. U.S. General Services Administration, 16 July 2009. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/103662
"Mission and Vision." US Green Building Council, www.usgbc.org/about/mission-vision. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
Radford, Tim. "Two-Thirds of World's Resources 'Used Up.'" Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 29 Mar. 2005. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/science/2005/mar/30/environment.research
Rosenfield, Karissa. "The 10 Most Sustainable Architecture Projects in the U.S." Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 27 June 2014. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/27/sustainable-architecture‗n‗5193101.html
Tabb, Phillip James, and A. Senem Deviren. The Greening of Architecture: A Critical History and Survey of Contemporary Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design. Farnham: Ashgate, 2013. 1–60. Print.