Clean Energy Architecture: Sustainable Strategies for Building Designs
With the rise of awareness of the climate change crisis, more and more sustainable architectural methods and strategies are being implemented in cities all around the world.
We understand that costs for the whole project will always be a top consideration when it comes to civic building plans. However, spending more up-front to utilize sustainable building methods and strategies will pay off in the long run.
It can provide huge amounts of cost savings over time and also improve air quality which leads to a more environmentally friendly future.
What is Sustainable Architecture?
To put it simply, sustainable architecture practice is the use of design strategies that help reduce the negative environmental impact of human cities.
In sustainable architecture, architects take into consideration the site’s landscape, stormwater and energy management when planning out the design. Sustainable Architecture utilizes environmentally friendly building materials and systems during the construction process.
The Different Sustainable Architecture Strategies:
Architects use different sustainable architecture strategies when tackling public buildings that have sustainability in mind at all times. Here are those strategies.
1. Passive Sustainable Design
This strategy includes considering the sun’s orientation throughout the day and how it affects the building, window placement so that the building can manage daylight and ventilation as much as possible, and more. All of these can go a long way when it comes to reducing energy requirements and consumption of the building.
2. Active Sustainable Design
This strategy involves architects consulting the electrical and mechanical engineering team to implement various sustainable systems such as high-efficiency electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and more. All of these systems should be designed to have as few environmental footprints as possible.
3. Renewable Energy Systems
Renewable Energy Systems include systems such as solar panels and windmills that harness wind energy are great options for sustainable building designs. Renewable energy systems are often used together with passive design strategies.
4. Sustainable Building Materials
Sustainable Building Materials are construction materials sourced from companies that practice environmentally friendly and responsible manufacturing techniques. Architects can also source their building materials from manufacturers that utilize recycled materials to increase the sustainability of their building design.
5. Native Landscaping
An architect’s landscaping choices can make a huge impact on a building’s water consumption. Architects can use native plants, trees, and grass in the area to reduce the need for irrigation. Proper and smart landscaping can also be used as a passive energy strategy. Proper planting of trees can shade the windows and roofs of the building and help cool it down during hot summers.