14.1 Sustainable architecture and green building practices
3 min read•august 5, 2024
Sustainable architecture is revolutionizing the building industry. From certification to , architects are prioritizing eco-friendly designs that minimize environmental impact. Energy-efficient systems and careful material selection reduce both operational and .
and biophilic elements create healthier spaces for occupants. and further reduce environmental footprints. and make buildings more self-sufficient, paving the way for a greener future in architecture.
Sustainable Building Certifications
LEED Certification and Net-Zero Buildings
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Estrategias sostenibles I: viviendas más eficientes, sanas y ecológicas View original
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LEED Certified | The building I work in is LEED certified. | eng1ne | Flickr View original
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Note : EE, energy efficiency; GHG, greenhouse gas; PaM, policy and measure; RES, energy from ... View original
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Estrategias sostenibles I: viviendas más eficientes, sanas y ecológicas View original
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Top images from around the web for LEED Certification and Net-Zero Buildings
Note : EE, energy efficiency; GHG, greenhouse gas; PaM, policy and measure; RES, energy from ... View original
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Estrategias sostenibles I: viviendas más eficientes, sanas y ecológicas View original
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LEED Certified | The building I work in is LEED certified. | eng1ne | Flickr View original
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Note : EE, energy efficiency; GHG, greenhouse gas; PaM, policy and measure; RES, energy from ... View original
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Estrategias sostenibles I: viviendas más eficientes, sanas y ecológicas View original
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LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification provides a framework for designing, constructing, and operating sustainable buildings
Encourages the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable site development
Buildings are rated based on criteria such as water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design (Platinum, Gold, Silver)
Net-zero buildings produce as much energy as they consume through renewable energy systems and energy-efficient design
Achieve net-zero status by combining passive design strategies, high-performance building envelopes, and on-site renewable energy generation (, )
Energy-Efficient Systems and Embodied Energy
Energy-efficient systems reduce a building's operational energy consumption
Includes , , , and
Embodied energy refers to the total energy required to manufacture, transport, and install building materials
Sustainable architecture aims to minimize embodied energy by using locally sourced, recycled, or (, )
(LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of a building throughout its entire life cycle, from material extraction to demolition
Eco-Friendly Design Strategies
Passive Solar Design and Biophilic Design
Passive solar design harnesses the sun's energy for heating, cooling, and lighting without active mechanical systems
Involves strategic building orientation, window placement, , and shading devices to optimize solar gains and minimize heat loss
incorporates elements of nature into the built environment to improve occupant well-being and productivity
Includes features such as living walls, indoor plants, natural materials, and views of nature (Amazon Spheres in Seattle)
Helps reduce stress, improve air quality, and create a more pleasant indoor environment
Green Roofs and Recycled Materials
Green roofs are partially or completely covered with vegetation planted over a waterproofing membrane
Provide insulation, reduce stormwater runoff, mitigate , and create habitats for wildlife
Can be extensive (shallow soil, low-maintenance plants) or intensive (deeper soil, diverse plant species, amenity spaces)
Recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood, recycled steel, and recycled concrete aggregate, reduce waste and conserve natural resources
Helps divert materials from landfills and reduces the environmental impact of material extraction and processing (PET felt acoustic panels)
Renewable Resources
Renewable Energy Systems
Renewable energy systems generate electricity from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into electricity and can be integrated into building envelopes or mounted on rooftops
Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of moving air to generate electricity and can be installed on-site or off-site
use the stable temperature of the earth to heat and cool buildings through a network of underground pipes ()
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting involves collecting, storing, and using rainwater for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and laundry
Reduces the demand on municipal water supplies and helps conserve freshwater resources
Rainwater is typically collected from rooftops and directed into storage tanks or cisterns
Can be combined with greywater systems, which recycle water from sinks, showers, and washing machines for reuse in landscaping or toilet flushing (Bullitt Center in Seattle)