SUSTAINABLE

ARCHITECTURE
AMIT RANJAN ROY
KARTIK SHARMA
PRATYUSH SAXENA
YASHVARDHAN KHETAN
What is sustainable architecture?
◦ The World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainability as development that
meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs.
◦ When applying this complex concept to architecture, it then refers to design that creates healthy living
environments while aiming to minimize negative environmental impacts, energy consumption, and use
of human resources.
◦ Sustainable architecture is reflected in a building’s materials, construction methods, resource use and
design in general. The design must also facilitate sustainable operation during the building life cycle,
including its ultimate disposal. While it has to be functional and aesthetically superior, the space has to
be constructed with the mind-set of achieving long-term energy and resource efficiency.
◦ Sustainable architecture is also referred to as green architecture or environmental architecture. It challenges
architects to produce smart designs and use available technologies to ensure that structures generate
minimal harmful effects to the ecosystem and the communities.
Why is sustainable architecture important?
◦ While metropolises are continuously expanding, the Earth itself is not getting any bigger. This growth has a
huge impact to the environment because the process of developing new habitats for our communities
constantly requires a huge chunk of our natural resources. The Earth is not an unlimited well that can
replenish itself to match the pace of modernization.
◦ According to the UN Environment Global Status Report 2017, building and construction account for more
than 35% of global final energy use and for nearly 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions. While these
numbers are lower than those in 2010 due to a higher awareness regarding sustainability, there’s still a long
way to go.

◦ Environmental Benefits of Sustainable Architecture:

• Conservation and restoration of natural resources
• Reduction in energy consumption and waste
• Protection of ecosystems and environmental biodiversity
• Improvement of air and water quality
◦ Economic Benefits of Sustainable Architecture:
• Reduction in long-term costs and dependence on traditional energy sources
• Improvement in productivity of inhabitants
• Upgrade asset & property values
• Competitive advantage

◦ Social Benefits of Sustainable Architecture:

• Improve the living conditions, health and comfort of inhabitants
• Improve air and water quality
• Minimize demand on local utility infrastructure

◦ Source of this information:

◦ What is Sustainable Architecture - Barker Associates (barker-associates.co.uk)