Principles of Sustainable

Architecture

Sustainable Systems
 Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability
To leave the Earth in as good or better shape for future generations than we
found it for ourselves. 
By definition, human activity is only environmentally sustainable when it can
be performed or maintained indefinitely without depleting natural resources
or degrading the natural environment.
•Resource consumption would be minimal
•Materials consumed would be made of post-consumer recycled materials or
from renewable resources (which were harvested without harm to the
environment and without depletion of the resource base)
•Recycling of waste streams
•Energy would be conserved and energy supplies would be renewable and
non-polluting (solar thermal and electric, wind power, biomass, etc.)
 Sustainability
Development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.
definition created in 1987 at the World
Commission on Environment and
Development (the Brundtland
Commission). It is similar to the "seventh
generation" philosophy of the Native
American Iroquois Confederacy

„In our every deliberation, we

must consider the impact of our
decisions on the next seven
generations“- from the Great Law
of the Iroquois Confederacy
Three Dimensions of ‘Sustainability’
Economic dimensions of Environmental Social
sustainability: dimensions of dimensions of
 Creation of new markets and sustainability sustainability
opportunities for sales growth  Reduced waste,  Worker health
 Cost reduction through effluent generation, and safety
efficiency improvements and emissions to  Impacts on
reduced energy and raw material environment local
inputs  Reduced impact on communities,
human health quality of life
 Use of renewable  Benefits to
raw materials disadvantaged
 Elimination of toxic groups e.g.
substances disabled
 ‘Sustainable Building’, ‘Green Building’,
‘Environmental Architecture’, ‘Ecological
Building’

Ecological Building
A movement in contemporary architecture which
aims to create environmentally friendly, energy-
efficient buildings and developments by
effectively managing natural resources. This
entails passively and actively harnessing solar
energy and using materials which, in their
manufacture, application, and disposal, do
the least possible damage to the so-called 'free
resources' water, ground, and air.
Expand the classical building design concerns and
incorporate the following-
• Lessen impact on environment through energy and resource efficiency (conserve or
eliminate energy use. energy saving architectural features, energy conserving building
envelope, and energy-efficient and health-promoting mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
systems)
• Consider the entire life cycle of buildings: cradle to grave (ecologically benign materials,
embedded energy, embodied energy, operational energy, disposal)
• Environmental Form. All possible measures are to be taken to relate the form and plan of the
design to the site, the region and the climate.
• Building practices towards integral quality -including economic, social and environmental
performance
• All the resources that go into building: materials, fuels or the contribution of the users need to
be considered.
• Integrated design, that is design where each component is considered part of a greater
whole, is critical to successful sustainable design.
• Sustainable design is more of a philosophy of building than a prescriptive building style.
• Most green buildings are high-quality buildings; they last longer, cost less to operate and
maintain, and provide greater occupant satisfaction than standard developments.
• Planning and design should be thorough. Sustainable design is "front loaded" compared with
traditional design (early decisions have more impact)
Healthful Interior Environment. All possible measures are to be taken to ensure that materials and
building systems do not emit toxic substances and gasses into the interior atmosphere.
Additional measures are to be taken to clean and revitalize interior air with filtration and
plantings
 Essentials of Sustainable Design

• Understanding Place – nuances of place; solar orientation of a building on

the site, preservation of the natural environment, access to public transport)

• Connecting with Nature –

• Understanding Natural Processes - eg ‘waste’. natural systems are made of

closed loops

• Understanding Environmental Impact - evaluating the site, the embodied

energy and toxicity of the materials, and the energy efficiency of design,
materials and construction techniques

• Embracing Co-creative Design Processes - collaboration with systems

consultants, engineers and other experts happens early in the design
process, instead of an afterthought. Designers are also listening to the
voices of local communities. Design charrettes for the end user

• Understanding People - cultures, races, religions and habits of the people

who are going to be using and inhabiting the built environment. sensitivity
and empathy on the needs of the people and community
 Sustainable Architecture…
"Sustainable architecture involves a combination
of values: aesthetic, environmental, social,
political, and moral... The smart architect thinks
rationally about a combination of issues
including sustainability, durability, longevity,
appropriate materials, and sense of place. The
challenge is finding the balance between
environmental considerations and economic
constraints. Consideration must be given to the
needs of our communities and the
ecosystem that supports them." -- Samuel
Mockbee, Auburn University
 Stages of Architectural
Intervention
1. Production & Transport of
Materials (embedded and embodied energy)
2. Design & Construction
3. Use: Operation and
Maintenance
4. Disposal
 Our Concern

• Climate
• Site
• Energy (electricity, gas)
• Materials
• Thermal Comfort (the behaviour of heat, light,
air, and materials)
• Building Form
• Waste