With several parts of the country reeling from an all-time high temperatures and unexpected rainfall breaking out in others, Nature has forced us to introspect and take action on climate change. An article on climate change by NASA termed it as ‘a rapidly closing window’. The Sustainable Development Goals or the SDGs rolled out by the UN also envisions bringing forth a solution to the degrading condition of the world by 2030. This is where Sustainable Architecture comes in. For those unversed, Sustainable Architecture refers to the planning of buildings that contribute positively towards the sustainable goals to keep our Earth alive. These buildings are designed and planned, keeping in mind their visual and aesthetic appeal while minimizing the carbon footprint.
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Sustainable Architecture:
While Sustainable Architecture may sound fairly easy, there are a few components that check the boxes for an architectural design or a structure to be considered sustainable. These are:
● Optimization of size
Choosing a sustainable architectural design doesn't necessarily mean compromising on comfort. Such structures simply help switch to better alternatives that are also easy on the environment. In this case, the architects study the nature and terrain chosen for the structure and then come up with a design optimal for the place based on its geography, orientation, wind patterns, etc. to help make the most of the natural resources.
● Avoid harming the fossils
Another major objective of sustainable design architecture is to minimize people’s dependence on fossil fuels and other forms of nonrenewable energy. To inculcate this in the design, the structures are planned keeping in mind the renewable sources of energy. To give you some context, If a part of the house or the structure receives enough sunlight, solar panels could be fixed there. Enough ventilation and vertical gardens may be provided on the walls of the structure in an attempt to keep the temperature cooler than outside.
● Environment-friendly raw materials
Now, this doesn’t mean we build houses or buildings out of banana peels and paper. Environment-friendly raw materials refer to products that have minimal amounts of greenhouse emissions, low embodied energy, and toxic content. Such products are carefully analyzed by the architects before putting them to use in the design. Some examples of environmentally preferred products are bamboo flooring, recycled steel, low- VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints, etc.
● Water is Gold
The goal here is to reduce the strain on the local water bodies and optimize the use of water. Some of the examples that can be given here are rainwater harvesting systems, leak-proof plumbing fixtures, treating and reusing greywater for other purposes, etc. This not only lessens the threat of water depletion in the area but also brings us a step closer to sustainable and healthy living.
● Pedestalizing the indoor environment quality
We must keep in mind that it is as important to maintain our health as it is to help the earth survive. Enhancing the indoor environment quality will not only ensure a healthy and long life for the occupants but also pave the way to a sustainable future. Implementations such as proper ventilation systems help reduce the usage of AC all the time.
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What happens when architectural designs are wrongly used?
A study conducted by the Gensler Research Institute states that in the US, 72% of adults agree that climate change is a serious issue. Now the question is how well are we prepared to tackle this climate change which might ultimately lead to the end. The answer to this question too is provided in the research and it is - only 18% of adults feel that the communities are prepared to tackle the major problem of climate change.
You might be thinking how small changes done using sustainable architectural designs can really help in tackling climate change. Let me tell you what happens when sustainable architectural designs are not used while planning a house or a building.
● Higher Waste Generation
Creating a house or a building from scratch is definitely not a one-person job. Such creations take months of hard work collectively put in by many laborers. Building a structure results in a lot of waste generation, especially if sustainable structures are not kept in mind. People tend to prioritize convenience over sustainability and that will lead to an increased carbon footprint throughout the entirety of the building.
● Depleting Air Quality
If the indoor air quality is not kept in consideration, the buildings turn out to be poorly ventilated and may also contain materials that release harmful chemicals into the air. This will lead to a rise in respiratory issues among the residents.
● High Maintenance
Often, the buildings not made with a sustainable plan make use of materials with a short life span. Such materials are easily destructible and the residents might need to change frequently. This can also result in burning a hole in your pocket.
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● Missed Economic Opportunities
Sustainable architectural designs not only do good for the environment but also help you in pocketing some extra cash that would have otherwise gone towards electricity bills, maintenance costs, tax savings, etc.
Constructing a sustainable building will ensure increased air ventilation and the provision for using renewable energy which will lead to lesser electricity costs. Furthermore, many governments list tax incentives and budgetary allowances for those houses or buildings which have a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certificate.
Conclusion:
Sustainable architectural designs are a package deal indeed. While helping the earth heal, it also helps your pocket heal. People across the world are making the informed switch to sustainable designs. Some of the sustainable buildings in India are the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi, Infosys in Mysore. As climate change is an imminent threat to ours and future generations, these are the slightly bigger steps we can take to ensure a safer and better future for our children.
About Vanguard Design
Established in 2010, Vanguard Design is a firm that focuses on urban design, architecture, and interior design. Our expertise lies in crafting inspirational, functional, and sustainable designs with a futuristic touch for a wide range of projects, encompassing product design, architecture, and urban planning. Our creations are guided by a blend of aesthetic and functionalist innovation.
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