by – Swati Tomar
“We are not above nature, we are a part of Nature”- Jennifer Nini
Sustainable architecture refers to the construction of designs that have minimum impact on humans as well as on the environment. The level of destruction, emission of harmful chemicals and toxic gases has been alleviating the climate crisis.
Sustainable architecture is a new challenge for architects to build something innovative by keeping climate concerns as their priority. There are features of sustainable architecture that underscore the design and the materials used in the construction which are eco-friendly. The challenge for the architects is to create spectacular designs with the utmost comfort as well as to embrace nature.
Strategies of Sustainable Architecture
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency depicts the appliances that limit the energy consumption released by electronic appliances. Energy-efficient appliances save energy and are ultimately eco-friendly. Energy-efficient appliances are refrigerators and washing machines. They consume a whole lot of energy if outdated but the energy-efficient one can save 25 to 40 energy. It can do the same without harming nature and is also cheaper. Incorporating proper design elements like insulation, natural ventilation systems and efficient lighting fixtures like LED can minimize the bill and also be eco-friendly.
Passive designs
Sustainable architecture promotes passive designs to use natural resources for heating, cooling and ventilation. Passive designs give us most of nature and the least use of mechanical systems. It focuses on the self-sufficient building which is independent of the mechanical support which is detrimental to humans and nature.
Water Efficiency
The entire world is facing water scarcity and the crisis keeps increasing. So water efficiency in architecture is to support the techniques that help to save water. By using rain-water harvesting, leak-proofing, insulated pipes
and efficient irrigation systems for landscaping. The aim is to use sources that have the least impact on the environment.
Sustainable materials
Materials which can be recycled, reused and have a long time span and also preserve natural resources are what sustainable materials refer to. Material like rammed earth, straw bale and bamboo emit less carbon.
In the case of demolition materials can be easily reused and recycled. Use low-energy and durable materials like wood and stone to stop carbon emissions.
Biophilic design
Biophilic designs are the exposure of nature like natural lightning and ventilation or the plants and other elements to make the building healthier for the inhabitants. Green roofs add a cooling effect to your space which creates a biophilic ambience around you.
Smart building system
Incorporating smart technology and automation systems can optimize energy efficiency and comfort. Smart building systems are not just eco- friendly but also give a classy look to the space. Advanced lightening controls, occupancy sensors and energy management systems to control energy usage.
Sustainable Buildings in India to encourage sustainable architecture:
1. One horizon centre
Located in Gurgaon, certified with LEED this building is famous for using no mechanical lights in day time. On Sundays and non-working days, they use no electrical appliances.
2. Patni (i-GATE) Knowledge centre
Patni is the perfect example of sustainable building. With efficient energy and water management like rainwater harvesting and 70% use of natural daylight, the recycled water is used for gardening, cleaning and flushing. Patni is totally run through renewable resources.
3. CII- Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Center
Located in Hyderabad, CII has accomplished to design a green building with minimal energy and materials which can be recycled, reused and eco- friendly.
Sustainability assessment to rate the designs as green buildings to checkmethods, tools and techniques:
1. GRIHA
Launched in 2007 in India to assess the buildings which are eco-friendly or have minimal environmental impact. Their aim is to mitigate and protect the environment by rating the designs as green buildings. By checking the
parameters like water management, waste and the consumption of energy.
2. LEED
The LEED works for all types of buildings also known for its sustainability globally. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gives a rating and approves them as green or sustainable buildings. LEED only approves
buildings as sustainable but not specific to energy efficiency. Both GRIHA and LEED measure and quantify the credits which qualify the parameter of Sustainable Architecture.
Why sustainable architecture is important?
Sustainable Architecture is an innovative approach to protecting natural resources which are on the verge of extinction. Constructing designs which are self-sufficient and cause minimal harm to the environment is what
defines sustainable architecture. Reusing and recycling material with zero emission of carbon footprints is one of the basic principles of sustainable architecture.
Sustainable architecture is the need of the present so that upcoming generations could also survive and live an exuberant and healthy lifestyle. There are firms that encourage sustainable designs to save Mother Earth
and future generations. Design your space by adding more green natural elements to it.
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