Sustainability is defined as “It is a wide policy concept in the global public discourse that consists of three main “dimensions” or “pillars”: environmental, economic and social. The original semantic meaning of “sustainability” and “to sustain” refers to the ability to continue over a long period.
The US Environmental Protection Agency defines it as “the ability to achieve continuing profitable substance while guarding the natural systems of the earth and providing a high quality of life for its people.” Many other definitions are applied to specific aspects of social, economic, and environmental activities.
Why is sustainability a concern for us?
There are five main reasons for concern about sustainability.
- depletion of finite world resource
- third world development and its associated impacts on ecology and resources
- exponential population growth
- global climate change
- growing inability of environmental sinks to absorb waste
Sustainability Buildings
According to EIA CBECS
According to the Energy Information Agency, buildings use 40% of the total energy we consume and emit 43% of carbon dioxide that we release; they use 70% of the nation’s electricity consumption.
Eduard Maas RIA, the founder of architecture 2030 in the 2010 imperative webcast On February 20, 2007. He said our building stock will comprise 75% of new or remodeled buildings in 2030. buildings are an important factor in whether. We will have a sustainable society in the future. We still have an opportunity to influence these buildings’ design, construction, and operation.
What is sustainable design?
“It is the philosophy of designing physical objects, the built environment, and services to confirm with the principles of ecological sustainability”.
The Principle of sustainable design includes the ability to:
- optimize site potential
- minimize non-renewable energy consumption
- use environmentally preferable products
- protect and conserve water
- enhance indoor environmental quality
- Optimize operational and maintenance practices.
Historically the issue of sustainability of buildings has not been a major design determinant; such factors as style and initial cost have been more important to us during most of our past.
If we are to begin constructing truly sustainable buildings, the process must start with a design; we must educate the designers of our facilities in the science and technique of sustainable architecture. A sustainable building uses the minimum of resources over its lifetime consistent with the responsible needs of the occupants.
How is sustainable design measured?
The concept of sustainable building design has developed as thoughtful architects, engineers, scientists, industry masterminds and others become aware of the issues. People began to apply their ideas to building design and publish their designs. Some made many claims of sustainable design, and in some cases, the shares were disputed by other thoughtful people. Sustainability is the need for a measuring stick. Sustainable designs are measured with GBtools.
Role Of Designer in Sustainability
We Should understand the designer’s role in the sustainable world. The designer can provide innovative solutions through products or services. It is a critical problem that faces our planet due to the irresponsible consumption of natural resources. The designers play an important role in providing solutions to this problem and ensuring less consumption of resources and less water.
The capabilities to consider sustainable solutions that can replace existing products or envision new ones in the new product development (NPD) process. For example, Apple improved its products over the years to become more sustainable. Electricity consumption during the sleep mode improved 97% compared to the first introduction.
The role of designer starts with a very first design thought in the process of development. In every part of the process, they should consider sustainability wisely.
Sustainable architecture strategies
It uses design strategies that reduce the negative environmental impact of a built environment.
While Designing a public building, keep in mind the suitability. The architects use the following sustainable architecture strategies:
Passive Sustainable Design:
Like considering sun exposure and climate when sitting and being thoughtful about window placement and operation, passive strategies are used to stylishly manage daylighting and natural ventilation and go a long way in reducing energy conditions for the structure.
Active Sustainable Design: Architecture consults with mechanical and electrical masterminds to apply high-impact electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other systems, which are designed to have small environmental footsteps.
Renewable Energy Systems:
Renewable energy systems, involving those that harness solar and wind energy, are also great options for some structures.
Green Building Materials and Finishes:
By making it a precedent to buy steel, wood, concrete, and finishing stuff, similar to carpet and furnishings, from companies that use environmentally responsible manufacturing approaches or recycled materials, architects up the figure on sustainability.
Native Landscaping:
Landscaping options can significantly impact collaborative structure water consumption. Architects can greatly break irrigation demands by applying trees, plants, and meadows native to the area. Landscaping can similarly be used as part of a passive energy strategy. Planting trees that shade the roof and windows during the hottest time of daylight can reduce solar heat gain inside the structure.
Principle of sustainable designs
The term “sustainable design” has been used in multiple areas, including but not limited to product design, fabric design, interior design, and graphic design. Sustainable design refers to the design process that integrates an environmentally friendly approach and considers nature resources part of the project. Sharlyn Underwood, American Society of Interior Contrivers (ASID) Virginia chapter chairman and innards developer with Smith Lewis Architecture, defines sustainable design in the architectural sector this way “Sustainable design is the rehearsal of designing buildings so that they live in harmony with natural systems.”
Sustainable design acts as a philosophy applied by different companies, governmental realities, and non-governmental associations to achieve a better by-and-by for the human race through the wise and low-volume consumption of Earth’s coffers. Companies and governments with advanced design strategies have further implicit in applying sustainable design.