Architecting A Sustainable Tomorrow: Principles of Green Building Design

Volume 8, Issue 10, October – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Architecting a Sustainable Tomorrow: Principles of

Green Building Design
Hamza Ali Chowdhry
The Total Office
Abstract :- The concept of sustainability became a of excessive carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the
predominant part of modern society by the end of the overconsumption of fossil fuels. What may not have been
twentieth century. As in many other fields, sustainability immediately apparent was that globalization and global
has also become a vital component in architecture. warming became intertwined due to the overconsumption of
industrialized society (Keenet Frampton, 2020). As both
Sustainable architecture is the perfect blend of Daly Cobb and Max-Neef have articulated, economic
aesthetics and ecology, creating resource-efficient growth in developed countries is no longer intrinsically
structures that benefit the overall well-being of their linked to increased well-being.
inhabitants. Sustainable design can significantly enhance
the quality of life for individuals who reside within these The Department of Trade and Industry has laid out a
buildings and, more importantly, it can have a profound set of action themes for the construction industry,
impact on the environment (Ugreen). emphasizing design for minimum waste, lean construction
practices, energy efficiency in construction and use,
The term 'sustainable architecture' places a strong environmental preservation, biodiversity conservation, water
emphasis on the latter, with a primary focus on the resource conservation, community respect, and
discipline itself and the products that result from it. The comprehensive monitoring and reporting.
definition of sustainability centers around two crucial
factors: the fundamental 'needs'—such as food, shelter, Sustainability should not be viewed merely as an
and clothing—and the other 'needs' that enable academic or professional pursuit; instead, it should be
individuals to lead ethical and comfortable lives (Terry embraced as a way of life that influences every facet of
Williamson et al., 2003). individual behavior and decision-making.
Keywords:- Sustainable Architecture, Sustainability, II. PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE

Principles, Healthy Built Environment, Ecology, Sustainable ARCHITECTURE
Development, Architecture.
The Royal Institute of British Architects has identified
I. INTRODUCTION key parameters that define sustainable design, categorizing
them into six main groups: land and ecology, community,
Historically, conventional architecture adhered to a health, materials, energy, and water. Each of these
linear model, which essentially transformed valuable categories outlines specific procedures for achieving optimal
resources, such as fresh air, energy from fossil fuels, and benefits. For example, within the land and ecology category,
clean water, into detrimental elements like stale air, smoke, you'll find a range of activities such as the use of brownfield
noise, and environmental pollutants. This conventional sites, the reuse of existing buildings, considerations for
approach paved the way for a new wave of construction appropriate density, investment in landscaping, and more
planning (Lànyi, 2007). (Paola Sassi, 2006).
The concept of sustainability, which first appeared in In the pursuit of sustainable architecture, two
1972, has undergone various interpretations and overarching goals have been proposed. The first goal centers
applications. Thirty scientists initially used the term to on minimizing the environmental impact of construction,
advocate for smaller, de-industrialized communities as a while the second emphasizes the positive and appropriate
means to improve the quality of life. Among the numerous contributions that buildings should make to the social
definitions, Bruntland's stands out: "to meet the needs of the environment (Ibid). Sustainability, a subject of paramount
present without compromising the ability of future importance to humanity, bears the responsibility of
generations to meet their own needs" (Brundtland preserving our planet. Sustainable and eco-friendly
Commission, 1987). architecture represents a significant step toward achieving a
better existence (Mahdavinejad, 2014).
Since the onset of the twenty-first century and the era
of globalization, cultural and ethical dimensions of Green architecture offers a host of benefits, including
sustainability have permeated virtually every aspect of daily environmental, social, and economic advantages.
life, including architecture. Rapid development has given Environmentally, it aids in reducing pollution, conserving
rise to concerns about the greenhouse effect, a consequence natural resources, and preventing environmental
IJISRT23OCT1513 www.ijisrt.com 1172

ISSN No:-2456-2165
degradation. Economically, it lowers operational costs for resource conservation, the reduction of environmental
water and energy, simultaneously enhancing the degradation, the creation of healthy built environments, and
productivity and well-being of those who occupy these the design for human health, comfort, and overall well-being
spaces (Thomas, 2009). Moreover, green buildings are (Sev, 2008).
designed not only for functionality but also with aesthetics
in mind, all while minimizing their impact on local According to Ayasin Sev, the contributions of
infrastructure, thus contributing to social improvement. construction to sustainable architecture can be categorized
into three key areas: resource management, life cycle
The principles of sustainable architecture can be design, and design for human well-being.
distilled into five major elements: sustainable site design,
water conservation and quality, energy and environment, The construction sector plays a pivotal role in both
indoor environmental quality, and the conservation of local and global economies. In some regions, such as Kenya,
materials and resources. As demonstrated throughout this up to 40% of the economy relies on construction activities,
research, water plays a pivotal role not only in sustaining signifying a significant energy consumption (Melissa and
life on Earth but also in realizing the concept of Theresa, 2008). In summary, the core elements that must be
sustainability in architecture. Water protection and conserved to achieve a fully efficient sustainable reality are
conservation can be achieved throughout a building's life energy, water, materials, and waste.
cycle, through practices like dual plumbing for water
recycling in toilet flushing or employing rainwater for An exploration of the past, particularly in cultures
vehicle washing (Stephen & Harrell, 2008). deeply connected to nature, such as indigenous cultures,
offers valuable insights into traditional building techniques,
Natural building methods stand as an approach to culturally sensitive architecture, and community
achieving sustainability, focusing on durability and the use involvement. Embracing traditional construction methods
of minimally processed materials. Natural constructions allows for the preservation of heritage while promoting
prioritize durability and promote the utilization of renewable sustainability. For instance, mud brick construction, when
resources, recycled materials, and salvaged components. As adapted for modern designs, can produce aesthetic results
Michael G. Smith suggests, local ecology, which reflects the without relying on energy-intensive equipment.
relationship between the building site and the needs and
values of the builders and users, becomes a guiding Cultural sensitivities also play a crucial role. An
principle. example is the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, which
integrates traditional Khmer architecture and French
Green construction often relies on renewable resources colonial influences, creating a structure that symbolizes
and is hailed as ecologically responsible due to its ability to Cambodia's history and culture while incorporating modern
estimate a product's life cycle. Additionally, green sustainable design elements.
construction can lead to reduced maintenance and
replacement costs while enhancing occupant health (Cullen, Furthermore, green building practices are essential for
2010). While it's true that ecological buildings may initially reducing environmental damage and fostering eco-friendly
incur higher costs due to their recyclable qualities and social environments (Constructive Voices, 2022)
expected longevity, long-term expenses are significantly
lower thanks to energy and water efficiency (Lànyi, 2007). In summary, sustainable architecture delivers
Careful planning and professional guidance can mitigate significant benefits at both the local and global levels.
these upfront costs, ultimately making ecological buildings a Locally, it improves the quality of life by mitigating
cost-effective choice. environmental risks and enhancing energy efficiency.
Moreover, it promotes resource conservation, leading to
III. LOCAL AND GLOBAL IMPACT OF improved management of non-renewable resources and
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE positive impacts on the local economy.
As the world's population grows and technology usage On a global scale, the adoption of sustainable
continues to expand, the demand for housing has soared, architecture practices creates healthier built environments
leading to the creation of increasingly complex structures and contributes to the conservation and protection of
like the Burj Khalifa. Alarming statistics indicate that the resources. This, in turn, preserves sensitive ecosystems,
building and construction sectors are responsible for forests, and watersheds.
approximately 50% of the ecological imbalance and
significant environmental consequences (Muimi, 2018). IV. RESULTS
The fundamental contrast between traditional and Sustainable architecture boasts numerous and critically
sustainable architecture lies in their priorities. Traditional important environmental benefits. Extensive research
architecture primarily emphasizes cost, performance, and demonstrates that green buildings can substantially reduce
building quality. In contrast, sustainable architecture energy consumption by 30-40% when compared to their
encompasses human and environmental needs while traditional counterparts. Additionally, they can curtail water
considering climate responsiveness. It revolves around

ISSN No:-2456-2165
usage by 20-30% and cut CO2 emissions by up to 35% increasing from $288.9 billion in 2021 to $377.2 billion by
(Mariotti, 2023). 2026. This trend is underscored by the decisions of the two
largest global economies.
In 2021, China boasted the world's largest green

Defining a green building has become increasingly construction market, with a value exceeding 178 billion US
subjective, rendering the assessment of their efficiency a dollars, while the United States had a market worth roughly
matter of judgment. The effectiveness of green buildings 83 billion US dollars. This highlights China's industry
depends on their proper execution and the strategic leadership and underscores the significance of investing in
integration of mechanical, electrical, and resourceful green building technologies and infrastructure to further
systems (Arup et al., 2014). To ensure their efficiency, enhance the industry's value.
various certification systems have been established,
including BREEM, LEED, and Green Star. In 2020, the global building efficiency market recorded
a substantial $341.8 billion in sales, indicating significant
In this article, we examine two buildings to illustrate growth in this sector.
why they are considered eco-friendly constructions. The
first, the Ausgrid Learning Centre in Australia, has achieved Given the unprecedented challenges brought on by a
a certified 6-star rating under the Green Star system. It growing global population and the widespread use of
excels in various categories, such as indoor air quality, technology, environmental concerns are compounding
energy efficiency, transportation, water efficiency, the use rapidly. In this context, sustainable architecture emerges as a
of restorable materials, and land utilization. The Air Change fundamental pillar for the future of our planet. As analyzed
Effectiveness meets the criteria for at least 95% of the in this article, architecture plays a vital role not only in
designated area. Peak energy demand is reduced by an terms of the economy but, more importantly, in addressing
impressive 30%. External lighting efficacy meets AS1158 demographic and environmental challenges. By prioritizing
requirements for 95% of outdoor spaces. The building sustainable architecture, we can drive positive changes on a
adopts 25% less than the maximum local planning. Potable global scale, addressing climate change and enhancing local
water consumption is remarkably reduced by 90%, and a well-being, both physically and mentally.
commendable 90% of the steel in the project is either reused
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Volume 8, Issue 10, October – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

Architecting a Sustainable Tomorrow: Principles of

Keywords:- Sustainable Architecture, Sustainability, II. PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE

IJISRT23OCT1513 www.ijisrt.com 1172

IJISRT23OCT1513 www.ijisrt.com 1173

In 2021, China boasted the world's largest green

IJISRT23OCT1513 www.ijisrt.com 1174

IJISRT23OCT1513 www.ijisrt.com 1175

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