Net zero. Carbon neutral. Nature-friendly. Future-ready. Green. Pro-planet.<\/p>\n
Whatever industry you\u2019re in, there are no end to the buzzwords and top-line phrases we use to imply and infer actions that directly benefit the Earth, slow and mitigate the damage human civilization has been causing for a few centuries now.<\/p>\n
Each can be considered a subheading beneath the unwieldy label of \u2018sustainability\u2019 \u2014 a word that literally means the ability to maintain something at a constant rate or level, indefinitely. But, while many of the myriad tags are essentially pretty meaningless, there\u2019s no escaping from the truth. People need up-skilling in the art of not destroying the environment, upon which their own existence depends.<\/p>\n
This is particularly true of architects and designers, the professionals tasked with creating cities and objects, buildings and items, of the future. Currently, the built environment accounts for 40% of all carbon emissions, and this figure remains stubbornly high. Progress is only be guaranteed when we wrap our heads around what it sustainable development really means. Here\u2019s a 101 in green design and architecture to start us off.<\/p>\n
\n
Characteristics of Sustainable Architecture<\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/1682310488161Pub_Riversdale_KTA_R_Gardiner_01_edit-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBundanon Art Museum + Bridge<\/a> by Kerstin Thompson Architects<\/a>, Illaroo, Australia | Jury Winner, Architecture +Environment; JuryWinner, Sustainable Cultural Building, 11th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhat are the benefits of sustainable architecture?<\/h3>\n
It\u2019s simple maths really. Without reducing our environmental footprint and making buildings \u2014 along with everything else \u2014 more nature and climate-friendly, the continued development of society risks destroying bringing about an end to civilization. So the benefit of sustainable architecture is avoiding self-annihilation.<\/p>\n
Digging deeper, there are key \u2018wins\u2019 with sustainable architecture. Carbon emissions and other airborne pollutants are usually significantly lower with sustainable approaches. Often, fewer resources are used, with waste and \u2014 potentially \u2014 cost coming down as a result. These projects frequently place a high value on natural assets, too. And given green space, trees, plants and wildlife are proven to improve human health and mental health, it should go without saying this is another major plus point.<\/p>\n
What is embodied carbon and why does it matter for architectural sustainability?<\/h3>\n
Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions produced during the design, construction and completion of a structure, and then any physical parts required to keep it standing. Breaking this down into Upfront (emissions up to the point the building becomes operational, in-use \u2014 day-to-day maintenance) \u2014 and end-of-life, meaning carbon footprint of demolition and deconstruction, reveals how big a deal it is.<\/p>\n
Embodied carbon is hugely important for architecture to be truly sustainable because as we transition to renewable energy sources and operational footprints come down, most emissions associated with buildings are more likely to be a form of embodied at the construction stage. We\u2019re still some way off perfecting truly affordable green concrete, which is a big issue in tackling this. Nevertheless, as regulations tighten, embodied carbon in the materials and creation of new structures will be more important than ever.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/1713403125286160173_987_160173_N8_medium.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGaia<\/a> by RSP Architects Planners & Engineers<\/a>, Singapore | Jury Winner, Sustainable Institutional Building, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nHow important are regenerative and eco-friendly materials in sustainable design?<\/h3>\n
If using lower carbon materials is pivotal to tackling the climate crisis, then using regenerative and \u2018eco-friendly\u2019 products takes this one step further. Regenerative materials usually refer to anything that can contribute positively to a \u2018right-carbon\u2019 future, actively bringing down emissions and self-maintaining.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, materials such as biochar, hemp, bark, cork, straw and bamboo are now considered at the bleeding edge of the regenerative revolution, but actually have more ties to historic, localized and indigenous construction methods than (almost) anything the 20th century gave us.<\/p>\n
It is also crucial to consider that just because something is technically regenerative doesn’t mean it is planet-friendly. We need to note where materials are sourced from, how responsibly feedstocks were cultivated, and consider how alternatives measure up. The debate over recycled steel is a good example of this \u2014 technically regenerative, yet anything but ecological.<\/p>\n
What role do adaptive and modular spaces play in sustainable design?<\/h3>\n
Adaptive architecture refers to the creation of buildings and structures that can adapt to and exploit traits in their environment. Passive heating and cooling systems could be one example. A living roof, which develops in response to climate conditions and species interactions, is another.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, \u2018adaptive\u2019 relates more to the connection between inhabitants and users and buildings. Like designs that purposefully address accessibility for people with particular needs.<\/p>\n
In contrast, modular means \u201cemploying or involving a module or modules as the basis of design or construction\u201d. This means building something from smaller parts, often pre-fabricated then brought to site as a series of \u2018complete\u2019 parts, at which point it\u2019s pieced together.<\/p>\n
This isn\u2019t always a sustainable option, but often results in less embodied carbon from production processes as labor times are reduced, fewer trips are needed to transport materials, and completion times are quicker. There\u2019s often less waste, too, as materials can be precision prepared in specialist facilities, rather than cut to fit mid construction.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/17125956143585B0A9103lowres2-scaled-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nManshausen – Two Towers<\/a> by Snorre Stinessen Architecture<\/a>, Steigen, Nordland, Norway | Jury Winner, Architecture +Environment; Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Hospitality Building, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nHow can biophilia, or incorporating plants and nature into buildings, help with sustainability?<\/h3>\n
Biophilic design has one core purpose \u2014 reconnecting people with nature by looking to nature for guidance on how to approach developing, improving or inventing solutions.<\/p>\n
If we want to state the obvious, this is a fundamental principle of sustainable architecture because the blueprint is Earth itself, which has evolved systems capable of sustaining life for hundreds of thousands of years at a time without biosphere change.<\/p>\n
Natural light and ventilation, engaging with the existing landscape, living walls, planted roofs and the use of eco-friendly, grown materials all fall into this category. By simulating the way plants have evolved to become self-sufficient but also net positive contributors to the planet, we can produce far more environmentally friendly buildings.<\/p>\n
\nHistory of Sustainable Architecture<\/h2>\nWhat is the history of sustainable architecture?<\/h3>\n
Sustainable architecture almost predates architecture itself. Traditional, rudimentary, ancient building methods were all sustainable by their very nature due to the materials available. So, despite their 21st century positioning, eco-friendly buildings are really mimicking and mirroring, or at least replicating the impact of what we were doing millennia ago.<\/p>\n
The expansion of the Industrial Revolution, and the advent of the age of mass-production really marked the turning of a tide towards far less sustainable building practices. Modernism during the mid-20th Century then ushered in a period of \u2018holistic\u2019 architectural theory in some regions and circles, giving rise to today\u2019s combination of au naturel<\/em> solutions, ecological innovation and high-tech sustainability.<\/p>\n
\nExamples \/ Case Studies<\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/1713486109328Life_Cycle_Drawings_-_01_-_3D_Perspective_Drawing-scaled-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLife Cycle<\/a> by Steffen Welsch Architects<\/a>, Coburg, Australia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhat certifications exist to establish standards for sustainable buildings?<\/h3>\n
LEED –<\/strong> Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
\n
\nBREEAM –<\/strong> Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
\n
\nWELL Building Standard –<\/strong> Certification based on human health and well-being in relation to a building
\n
\nGreen Globes –<\/strong> Green Building Initiative certification and rating system
\n
\nLiving Building Challenge –<\/strong> Certification of sustainable design and construction leading to net positive impact
\n
\nDGNB –<\/strong> Measurement of a building\u2019s effect on ecology, economy and society
\n
\nEnergy Star –<\/strong> US Environmental Protection Agency certification for operational energy efficiency
\nNational Green Building Standard – rating and certification of homes and apartments for energy, water, maintenance, indoor environmental quality, more
\n
\nPassivehaus Standard –<\/strong> Certification designating a home as being environmentally \u2018passive\u2019, indicating no or positive impact
\n
\nFitwel Standard –<\/strong> Focused on the health and wellbeing effects of apartments, retail and commercial buildings<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/171382395424827_MGA_MT1_2334-1-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGoogle Borregas<\/a> by MGA | MICHAEL GREEN ARCHITECTURE<\/a>, Sunnyvale, California | Jury and Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Workspace; Jury Winner, Architecture +Wood, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhich architects are associated with sustainable architecture?<\/h3>\n
The list could be longer, but here are a few distinguished names:<\/p>\n
Kunl\u00e9 Adeyami <\/strong>is an architect, designer and development researcher at NL\u00c9 Works in the Netherlands, and the mastermind behind the Makoko Floating System \u2014 an adaptive, regenerative, low carbon solution to rapid population growth in coastal areas of developing countries facing the brunt of the climate crisis.<\/p>\nMichael Green <\/strong>is a Canadian architect and founder of Michael Green Architecture. In addition to authoring books on mass timber construction, he is also a vocal advocate of revolutionizing<\/a> the AEC industry through material specification and design choice, drawing critical attention to the term “sustainability” itself.<\/p>\nAlexandra Hagen <\/strong>is CEO of Swedish sustainable architecture powerhouse White Arkitekter and has led on a number of iconic timber construction projects in northern Europe, a snowball\u2019s throw from the Arctic Circle.<\/p>\nMariam Kamara<\/strong>, founder of Atelier Masomi, considers local aesthetics, histories, societal attributes and environmental traits in every decision, informing use of materials such as glass and steel in projects across her Niger homeland and beyond \u2014 one of innumerable countries now on the frontline of climate change.<\/p>\nEdward Mazria<\/strong>\u00a0has a hugely impressive portfolio of global projects and 40 years of sustainable practice behind him. In more recent years, he founded Architecture 2030, a pro-bono entity looking to transform the built environment into a net positive carbon contributor.<\/p>\nPablo Sendra<\/strong>, in the bestselling Designing for Disorder, argues that the built environment\u2019s liveability depends on its evolutionary qualities. Simply put, sustainable places are made to adapt and change roles as our needs evolve.<\/p>\nWhat are famous examples of sustainable architecture?<\/h3>\n
We\u2019ve already mentioned headline-grabbing award-winners like the Makoko Floating System and Sara Kulturhus. But the Architizer archives are full of examples \u2014 hence a dedicated section of Sustainability Categories in Architizer’s A+Awards Program.<\/p>\n
Learn More<\/a><\/p>\nPast winners include commercial buildings like Oslotre Arkitekter\u2019s HasleTre, Amazon HQ2 at Metropolitan Park<\/a> by ZGF Architects<\/a> and Foster + Partners<\/a> Omb\u00fa<\/a>, cultural institutions like the Bundanon Art Museum + Bridge<\/a> by Kerstin Thompson Architects<\/a> and the Echo building at TU Delft<\/a> by UNStudio<\/a>.<\/p>\nNot to mention private houses such as Sumu Takushima<\/a> by tono.inc<\/a>, and Shore House<\/a>. This is before we come to major urban interventions and transport developments. One Green Mile in Mumbai<\/a>, and the Amazon Bus Station<\/a>, Bel\u00e9m, Brazil.<\/p>\n
\nThe Future of Sustainable Architecture<\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/1713380859483JPDF_Commercial_Architecture_Amazon_HQ2_5-scaled-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAmazon HQ2 at Metropolitan Park<\/a> by ZGF Architects<\/a>, Arlington, Virginia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Commercial Building, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhat technologies are being developed for the future of sustainable architecture?<\/h3>\n
BIM –<\/strong> Building Information Modeling is a powerful management framework that provides detailed insights into every aspect of a building\u2019s construction and maintenance, boosting efficiency and cutting waste.<\/p>\nAI –<\/strong> Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly big part in streamlining and fine-tuning building processes, ensuring the most efficient and effective solutions are deployed<\/p>\nBio insulation –<\/strong> Insulation brings down energy use, and in doing so a building\u2019s operational footprint. We need a lot more of it, but the materials involved are often damaging to the environment. Mycelium – the root-like structure of fungal communities – is one of many bio alternatives now available<\/p>\n3D printing –<\/strong> Accuracy counts for plenty in the sustainable age, and 3D printing is as accurate as it gets. Improving the impact again by maximising resources, it\u2019s also possible to use recycled raw materials to produce whatever structure you\u2019re printing, turning construction into a circular process involving pin point precision.<\/p>\nEnergy production –<\/strong> In an ideal world, the future of buildings isn\u2019t just carbon positive, it\u2019s also energy positive. While hospitals, airports, and other key infrastructure sites have long had on-site energy production for obvious reasons, new projects are incorporating solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal technology. The result means contributing to, rather than extracting from, over-stretched national grids.<\/p>\nWater conservation –<\/strong> Emissions, gases, carbon, and even biodiversity impact all get more air time than water, yet with population growth alone we\u2019re running out of H20, and can\u2019t survive without it. Rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling systems, and low-flow taps are just some examples of how architects are considering this often overlooked issue.<\/p>\nArchitects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer<\/a>\u00a0and sign up for our\u00a0inspirational newsletters<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\nTop image: Interpretation Center of Biodiversity and Pile Dwellings in the Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park<\/a> by Atelje Ostan Pavlin<\/a>, Ljubljana, Slovenia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Cultural Building, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\nThe post Architecture 101: What Is Sustainability in Architecture and Design?<\/a> appeared first on Journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer\u00a0and sign up for our\u00a0inspirational newsletters. Net zero. Carbon neutral. Nature-friendly. Future-ready. Green. Pro-planet. Whatever industry you\u2019re in, there are no end to the buzzwords and top-line phrases we use to imply and infer actions that directly benefit the Earth, slow […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":633,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[10],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/631"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=631"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/631\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":647,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/631\/revisions\/647"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/633"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=631"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=631"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=631"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/p>\nBundanon Art Museum + Bridge<\/a> by Kerstin Thompson Architects<\/a>, Illaroo, Australia | Jury Winner, Architecture +Environment; JuryWinner, Sustainable Cultural Building, 11th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s simple maths really. Without reducing our environmental footprint and making buildings \u2014 along with everything else \u2014 more nature and climate-friendly, the continued development of society risks destroying bringing about an end to civilization. So the benefit of sustainable architecture is avoiding self-annihilation.<\/p>\n Digging deeper, there are key \u2018wins\u2019 with sustainable architecture. Carbon emissions and other airborne pollutants are usually significantly lower with sustainable approaches. Often, fewer resources are used, with waste and \u2014 potentially \u2014 cost coming down as a result. These projects frequently place a high value on natural assets, too. And given green space, trees, plants and wildlife are proven to improve human health and mental health, it should go without saying this is another major plus point.<\/p>\n Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions produced during the design, construction and completion of a structure, and then any physical parts required to keep it standing. Breaking this down into Upfront (emissions up to the point the building becomes operational, in-use \u2014 day-to-day maintenance) \u2014 and end-of-life, meaning carbon footprint of demolition and deconstruction, reveals how big a deal it is.<\/p>\n Embodied carbon is hugely important for architecture to be truly sustainable because as we transition to renewable energy sources and operational footprints come down, most emissions associated with buildings are more likely to be a form of embodied at the construction stage. We\u2019re still some way off perfecting truly affordable green concrete, which is a big issue in tackling this. Nevertheless, as regulations tighten, embodied carbon in the materials and creation of new structures will be more important than ever.<\/p>\n Gaia<\/a> by RSP Architects Planners & Engineers<\/a>, Singapore | Jury Winner, Sustainable Institutional Building, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n If using lower carbon materials is pivotal to tackling the climate crisis, then using regenerative and \u2018eco-friendly\u2019 products takes this one step further. Regenerative materials usually refer to anything that can contribute positively to a \u2018right-carbon\u2019 future, actively bringing down emissions and self-maintaining.<\/p>\n Interestingly, materials such as biochar, hemp, bark, cork, straw and bamboo are now considered at the bleeding edge of the regenerative revolution, but actually have more ties to historic, localized and indigenous construction methods than (almost) anything the 20th century gave us.<\/p>\n It is also crucial to consider that just because something is technically regenerative doesn’t mean it is planet-friendly. We need to note where materials are sourced from, how responsibly feedstocks were cultivated, and consider how alternatives measure up. The debate over recycled steel is a good example of this \u2014 technically regenerative, yet anything but ecological.<\/p>\n Adaptive architecture refers to the creation of buildings and structures that can adapt to and exploit traits in their environment. Passive heating and cooling systems could be one example. A living roof, which develops in response to climate conditions and species interactions, is another.<\/p>\n Sometimes, \u2018adaptive\u2019 relates more to the connection between inhabitants and users and buildings. Like designs that purposefully address accessibility for people with particular needs.<\/p>\n In contrast, modular means \u201cemploying or involving a module or modules as the basis of design or construction\u201d. This means building something from smaller parts, often pre-fabricated then brought to site as a series of \u2018complete\u2019 parts, at which point it\u2019s pieced together.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t always a sustainable option, but often results in less embodied carbon from production processes as labor times are reduced, fewer trips are needed to transport materials, and completion times are quicker. There\u2019s often less waste, too, as materials can be precision prepared in specialist facilities, rather than cut to fit mid construction.<\/p>\n Manshausen – Two Towers<\/a> by Snorre Stinessen Architecture<\/a>, Steigen, Nordland, Norway | Jury Winner, Architecture +Environment; Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Hospitality Building, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Biophilic design has one core purpose \u2014 reconnecting people with nature by looking to nature for guidance on how to approach developing, improving or inventing solutions.<\/p>\n If we want to state the obvious, this is a fundamental principle of sustainable architecture because the blueprint is Earth itself, which has evolved systems capable of sustaining life for hundreds of thousands of years at a time without biosphere change.<\/p>\n Natural light and ventilation, engaging with the existing landscape, living walls, planted roofs and the use of eco-friendly, grown materials all fall into this category. By simulating the way plants have evolved to become self-sufficient but also net positive contributors to the planet, we can produce far more environmentally friendly buildings.<\/p>\n Sustainable architecture almost predates architecture itself. Traditional, rudimentary, ancient building methods were all sustainable by their very nature due to the materials available. So, despite their 21st century positioning, eco-friendly buildings are really mimicking and mirroring, or at least replicating the impact of what we were doing millennia ago.<\/p>\n The expansion of the Industrial Revolution, and the advent of the age of mass-production really marked the turning of a tide towards far less sustainable building practices. Modernism during the mid-20th Century then ushered in a period of \u2018holistic\u2019 architectural theory in some regions and circles, giving rise to today\u2019s combination of au naturel<\/em> solutions, ecological innovation and high-tech sustainability.<\/p>\n Life Cycle<\/a> by Steffen Welsch Architects<\/a>, Coburg, Australia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n LEED –<\/strong> Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Google Borregas<\/a> by MGA | MICHAEL GREEN ARCHITECTURE<\/a>, Sunnyvale, California | Jury and Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Workspace; Jury Winner, Architecture +Wood, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The list could be longer, but here are a few distinguished names:<\/p>\n Kunl\u00e9 Adeyami <\/strong>is an architect, designer and development researcher at NL\u00c9 Works in the Netherlands, and the mastermind behind the Makoko Floating System \u2014 an adaptive, regenerative, low carbon solution to rapid population growth in coastal areas of developing countries facing the brunt of the climate crisis.<\/p>\n Michael Green <\/strong>is a Canadian architect and founder of Michael Green Architecture. In addition to authoring books on mass timber construction, he is also a vocal advocate of revolutionizing<\/a> the AEC industry through material specification and design choice, drawing critical attention to the term “sustainability” itself.<\/p>\n Alexandra Hagen <\/strong>is CEO of Swedish sustainable architecture powerhouse White Arkitekter and has led on a number of iconic timber construction projects in northern Europe, a snowball\u2019s throw from the Arctic Circle.<\/p>\n Mariam Kamara<\/strong>, founder of Atelier Masomi, considers local aesthetics, histories, societal attributes and environmental traits in every decision, informing use of materials such as glass and steel in projects across her Niger homeland and beyond \u2014 one of innumerable countries now on the frontline of climate change.<\/p>\n Edward Mazria<\/strong>\u00a0has a hugely impressive portfolio of global projects and 40 years of sustainable practice behind him. In more recent years, he founded Architecture 2030, a pro-bono entity looking to transform the built environment into a net positive carbon contributor.<\/p>\n Pablo Sendra<\/strong>, in the bestselling Designing for Disorder, argues that the built environment\u2019s liveability depends on its evolutionary qualities. Simply put, sustainable places are made to adapt and change roles as our needs evolve.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve already mentioned headline-grabbing award-winners like the Makoko Floating System and Sara Kulturhus. But the Architizer archives are full of examples \u2014 hence a dedicated section of Sustainability Categories in Architizer’s A+Awards Program.<\/p>\n Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n Past winners include commercial buildings like Oslotre Arkitekter\u2019s HasleTre, Amazon HQ2 at Metropolitan Park<\/a> by ZGF Architects<\/a> and Foster + Partners<\/a> Omb\u00fa<\/a>, cultural institutions like the Bundanon Art Museum + Bridge<\/a> by Kerstin Thompson Architects<\/a> and the Echo building at TU Delft<\/a> by UNStudio<\/a>.<\/p>\n Not to mention private houses such as Sumu Takushima<\/a> by tono.inc<\/a>, and Shore House<\/a>. This is before we come to major urban interventions and transport developments. One Green Mile in Mumbai<\/a>, and the Amazon Bus Station<\/a>, Bel\u00e9m, Brazil.<\/p>\n Amazon HQ2 at Metropolitan Park<\/a> by ZGF Architects<\/a>, Arlington, Virginia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Commercial Building, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n BIM –<\/strong> Building Information Modeling is a powerful management framework that provides detailed insights into every aspect of a building\u2019s construction and maintenance, boosting efficiency and cutting waste.<\/p>\n AI –<\/strong> Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly big part in streamlining and fine-tuning building processes, ensuring the most efficient and effective solutions are deployed<\/p>\n Bio insulation –<\/strong> Insulation brings down energy use, and in doing so a building\u2019s operational footprint. We need a lot more of it, but the materials involved are often damaging to the environment. Mycelium – the root-like structure of fungal communities – is one of many bio alternatives now available<\/p>\n 3D printing –<\/strong> Accuracy counts for plenty in the sustainable age, and 3D printing is as accurate as it gets. Improving the impact again by maximising resources, it\u2019s also possible to use recycled raw materials to produce whatever structure you\u2019re printing, turning construction into a circular process involving pin point precision.<\/p>\n Energy production –<\/strong> In an ideal world, the future of buildings isn\u2019t just carbon positive, it\u2019s also energy positive. While hospitals, airports, and other key infrastructure sites have long had on-site energy production for obvious reasons, new projects are incorporating solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal technology. The result means contributing to, rather than extracting from, over-stretched national grids.<\/p>\n Water conservation –<\/strong> Emissions, gases, carbon, and even biodiversity impact all get more air time than water, yet with population growth alone we\u2019re running out of H20, and can\u2019t survive without it. Rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling systems, and low-flow taps are just some examples of how architects are considering this often overlooked issue.<\/p>\n Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer<\/a>\u00a0and sign up for our\u00a0inspirational newsletters<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Top image: Interpretation Center of Biodiversity and Pile Dwellings in the Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park<\/a> by Atelje Ostan Pavlin<\/a>, Ljubljana, Slovenia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Cultural Building, 12th Annual A+Awards<\/em><\/p>\n The post Architecture 101: What Is Sustainability in Architecture and Design?<\/a> appeared first on Journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work by uploading projects to Architizer\u00a0and sign up for our\u00a0inspirational newsletters. Net zero. Carbon neutral. Nature-friendly. Future-ready. Green. Pro-planet. Whatever industry you\u2019re in, there are no end to the buzzwords and top-line phrases we use to imply and infer actions that directly benefit the Earth, slow […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":633,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[10],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/631"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=631"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/631\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":647,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/631\/revisions\/647"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/633"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=631"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=631"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.camperscorner.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=631"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What are the benefits of sustainable architecture?<\/h3>\n
What is embodied carbon and why does it matter for architectural sustainability?<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nHow important are regenerative and eco-friendly materials in sustainable design?<\/h3>\n
What role do adaptive and modular spaces play in sustainable design?<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nHow can biophilia, or incorporating plants and nature into buildings, help with sustainability?<\/h3>\n
\nHistory of Sustainable Architecture<\/h2>\n
What is the history of sustainable architecture?<\/h3>\n
\nExamples \/ Case Studies<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nWhat certifications exist to establish standards for sustainable buildings?<\/h3>\n
\n
\nBREEAM –<\/strong> Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
\n
\nWELL Building Standard –<\/strong> Certification based on human health and well-being in relation to a building
\n
\nGreen Globes –<\/strong> Green Building Initiative certification and rating system
\n
\nLiving Building Challenge –<\/strong> Certification of sustainable design and construction leading to net positive impact
\n
\nDGNB –<\/strong> Measurement of a building\u2019s effect on ecology, economy and society
\n
\nEnergy Star –<\/strong> US Environmental Protection Agency certification for operational energy efficiency
\nNational Green Building Standard – rating and certification of homes and apartments for energy, water, maintenance, indoor environmental quality, more
\n
\nPassivehaus Standard –<\/strong> Certification designating a home as being environmentally \u2018passive\u2019, indicating no or positive impact
\n
\nFitwel Standard –<\/strong> Focused on the health and wellbeing effects of apartments, retail and commercial buildings<\/p>\n<\/p>\nWhich architects are associated with sustainable architecture?<\/h3>\n
What are famous examples of sustainable architecture?<\/h3>\n
\nThe Future of Sustainable Architecture<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nWhat technologies are being developed for the future of sustainable architecture?<\/h3>\n