Green Architecture and Its Future Importance

It’s no secret that sustainability is a must if we as a species want to continue on earth.

Experts predict that unless we do something to curb global warming, the future looks very bleak for us.  We can expect more droughts, intense storms, and floods as well as other devastating consequences.

You may be wondering what this has to do with you as an architect, and what you can do about it.

The short answer is green architecture.

Architecture affects the environment

Your designs affect the environment. They are linked to construction, and your buildings are going to be around in the environment for a long time.

James Wines points out that. “In the early 21st century the building of shelter (in all its forms) consumed more than half of the world’s resources… The architecture was also responsible for 40 – 50% of waste deposits in landfills and 20 – 30% of greenhouse gas emissions.”

There is little support coming from government, legislation or education. It is up to each one of us to take action and reduce these harmful practices.

The built environment is growing by about 3 billion square feet in the US alone every year. Now is the time for architects to step up and make a difference.

What is Green Architecture?

Green architecture involves implementing sustainable design into your buildings.  Such as, facets that are gentler on the environment. Also, taking into consideration how buildings impact the environment.

Green Buildings

Take a look at the Bosco Verticale in Italy.  This building consistently gives back to the environment using trees to reduce smog, noise, and heat as well as produce oxygen.

The Bullit Centre in Seattle is the world’s most sustainable building. It minimizes environmental damage in every way possible.

Green architecture costs on average 3% more than traditional building methods.  Now that’s a hard sell to your clients – until you explain the alternative to them.  Buildings are around for a long time and have far-reaching, long-term effects on their surroundings.

The Way Forward

Technology has given us the freedom to design as no one has before.

With greater awareness and increased availability of suitable materials and systems, we have the means to slow down the steady march of global warming. We have the tools to create low-impact structures by embracing solar and wind power, natural ventilation, harvesting of rainwater, recycling of wastewater, roof gardens, re-use of building materials and increased use of earth-friendly materials.

We have the tools to create low-impact structures by embracing solar and wind power, natural ventilation, harvesting of rainwater, recycling of wastewater, roof gardens, re-use of building materials and increased use of earth-friendly materials.

Using healthy, durable materials that need little maintenance, and reducing waste, are a few things we can do in the name of sustainability.  Design was never meant to be stuck in the past, reach out for a brighter, greener future in your work.

At Antech Interiors we are all too familiar with innovative design – we support you in all your green architecture initiatives.  Sign up for our newsletter and keep up to speed with what we have to offer in the line of suitable materials and ideas.

We are committed, with you, to making the world a better, more beautiful place.