An informal, comprehensive research on

Green Architecture and Sustainable Design

BY JESTER COGOLLO
Introduction
 Definition
Green architecture, or green design, is an approach to building minimizing harmful
effects on human health and the environment. The "green" architect or designer attempts to
safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction
practices (Madhumita, 2008). It defines an understanding of environment-friendly
architecture under all classifications, and contains universal consent (Burcu, 2015). Green
Architecture is also known as Sustainable development, eco-design, eco-friendly architecture,
earth-friendly architecture, environmental architecture, natural architecture (USGBC, 2002).
 Characteristics
1.) Ventilation systems designed for efficient heating and cooling
2.) Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
3.) Water-saving plumbing fixtures
4.) Landscapes planned to maximize passive solar energy
5.) Minimal harm to the natural habitat
6.) Alternate power sources such as solar power or wind power
7.) Non-synthetic, non-toxic materials
8.) Locally-obtained woods and stone
9.) Responsibly-harvested woods
Most green buildings do not have all of these features, as the main goal of green architecture
is only to be fully sustainable. the highest goal of green architecture is to be fully sustainable.
 Importance
This research aims to discuss the importance of sustainable architecture in addressing
environmental concerns such as:
a.) climate change,
b.) resource depletion, and
c.) pollution.
In climate change, sustainable architecture has 1.) Carbon-neutral and carbon-negative
buildings. A carbon-neutral building doesn’t contribute net CO2 emissions over its lifetime,
considering construction, operation, and decommissioning. Carbon-negative buildings
actively remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they emit. As CO2 emissions covers
the Earth, they trap the sun's heat. This leads to global warming and climate change.

(Carbon-neutral building)
 Sustainable architecture also plays other crucial roles and effects around climate change,
here are some key points highlighting its importance:
2.) Reducing Carbon Emissions - Sustainable architecture focuses on minimizing the
carbon footprint of buildings by using energy-efficient designs, renewable materials and
more.
3.) Building with Timber - Timber, is gaining popularity due to its sustainability
credentials, it is an excellent material for achieving carbon-negative buildings.

(Building with Timber)

4.) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Sustainable architecture integrates

energy-efficient systems, passive design principles, and renewable energy sources.
Sustainable or green architecture is a powerful tool for mitigating climate change,
creating a healthier planet for our future. (Crook, 2021)
In resource depletion, green architecture aims to reduce the negative impact of buildings on
the environment by adopting energy-efficient designs, renewable materials, and efficient
construction processes, architects contribute to minimizing resource consumption and waste.
Architects can influence material choices, construction methods, and building systems. By
promoting sustainable materials (such as recycled or bio-based materials) and efficient
construction practices, they help conserve natural resources and reduce waste. (Cutieru,
2021).

(Hemp concrete – an effective renewable material)

In pollution, according to Martin, R.M.S. (2020), green or sustainable architecture reduces
environmental contamination. It emphasizes the use of environmentally-conscious materials
during construction. By minimizing waste and emissions, architects contribute to reducing
pollution in urban areas.
In addition, sustainable architecture also plays a vital role in multiple concerns related to
pollution. It optimizes energy use, improves human health, reduce flooding risks, etc.

 Principles of Sustainable Design

Sustainable design integrates an environmentally friendly approach and considers natural
resources as part of the design process. It aims to create solutions that minimize negative
environmental impacts while enhancing well-being and promoting a circular economy
(Elmansy, 2014). Some key principles are as follows:
a.)
b.) Harmony with Natural Systems - Design buildings and products that exist in harmony
with nature’s systems. An example of how this principle is applied in a real-world
architectural project is ‘Solaz Los Cabos’ by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos in Mexico.
This hotel covers an area of 9.5 hectares amidst the extraordinary natural
surroundings of the Baja California peninsula. It prioritizes integration with the
environment, achieved through the use of organic forms.

(Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos)

c.) Resource Efficiency - Optimize resource use by minimizing waste and maximizing
efficiency. Applied in a real-world architectural project, we have the ‘Zero Carbon
House’ by John Christophers in the UK where he transformed his own home into one
of the most sustainable houses.

(Zero Carbon House)

d.) Life Cycle Thinking - Consider the entire life cycle of a product, from production to
disposal.
e.) Renewable Energy - Prioritize renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil
fuels. An example of its real-world architectural project application is the ‘CopenHill
Energy Plant and Urban Recreation Center’ by Bjarke Ingles Group (BIG). It
combined waste-to-energy plant alongside a recreational facility. It incinerates waste
to generate electricity.

(CopenHill Energy Plant and Urban Recreation Center)

f.) Material Selection - Choose sustainable materials with low environmental impact.

g.) Adaptability and Flexibility - Design for adaptability and longevity. An example of its
real-world architectural project application is the ‘Wisperweide School’ by OMA in
Netherlands. It is actually the first school ‘to be built’ using Schools by Circlewood’s
prefabricated wooden modular system.
h.) Biophilic Design - Incorporate natural elements to enhance well-being.
i.) Social Equity - Ensure designs benefit all communities and promote social equity. A
particular example of its real-world architectural project application is Zhuhai Jinwan
Civic Art Centre in China. It exemplifies social architecture by maximizing human
interactions and productivity in communal settings, prioritizing inclusivity,
accessibility, and a sense of belonging for all visitors.

(Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre – Project Concept)

a.)
Energy-Efficient Design Strategies
 Energy-Efficient Design Strategies

a.) Effective Insulation - Proper insulation helps maintain indoor temperatures, reducing
the need for excessive heating or cooling. Insulating walls, roofs, and floors is crucial.
b.) Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems - High-efficiency HVAC systems, such as
heat pumps, geothermal systems, and radiant heating, contribute to energy savings.
c.) Maximizing Natural Lighting - Design buildings to maximize natural daylight. This
reduces reliance on artificial lighting during the day.
d.) Renewable Energy Systems - Incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels,
wind turbines, and geothermal systems. These systems generate clean energy and
reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
e.) Water Conservation - Minimize water usage through efficient plumbing fixtures,
rainwater harvesting, and smart irrigation systems. Water conservation directly
impacts energy conservation

 Case Studies of Exemplary Energy Performance

a.) Belmont Multi-unit Residential Building Retrofit (Vancouver, BC) - This retrofit
achieved deep energy savings in an existing building. It demonstrates resilience to
climate change and serves as a model for other projects.
b.) Solar Settlement (Freiburg, Germany) - A community of solar-powered homes
that generate their electricity using photovoltaic panels. It showcases the
integration of renewable energy systems1.
c.) Various Buildings in the Pacific Northwest - A detailed analysis of 22 high-
performance buildings, including near net-zero new construction and deep energy
retrofits. These cases emphasize ultra-low energy consumption and resilience to
climate change. (Ekande, 2019)
Materials and Construction Techniques
 Sustainable Materials
a.) Clay Bricks - These have been used for centuries and have a lifespan of around
500 years. They can be reused for multiple building projects or crushed down into
chips for aggregate in concrete or gravel replacement.
b.) Plant-Based Polyurethane Foam Boards - These sustainable insulation boards are
made from plant-based plastics, such as bamboo, hemp, or kelp oil. They offer
good heat transfer resistance, sound insulation, and resistance to mold and
insects1.
c.) Hempcrete - A sustainable alternative to concrete, hempcrete is made from hemp
fibers mixed with lime. It provides excellent insulation and is carbon-negative

 Low-Impact Construction Methods

a.) Lean Construction - A collaborative approach that minimizes waste and
optimizes project delivery.
b.) Prefab, Modular, and Industrialized Construction - Using pre-manufactured
components to reduce waste and improve efficiency. (Crosbie, 2022)
Site Planning and Landscaping
 According to WBDG (2024), site planning involves arranging structures on land and
shaping the spaces between them based on their uses, playing a crucial role in architectural
projects and contributes to sustainable design. The roles are as follows:
a.) Site Planning and Sustainability
b.) Strategies for Minimizing Site
c.) Preserving Natural Habitats
d.) Promoting Biodiversity

 Integration (green spaces, rainwater harvesting systems, and permeable surfaces in

sustainable site design.)
Benefits are to: 1.) Enhance quality of life, 2.) Improve environmental conditions, 3.)
Promote outdoor recreation, and 4.) Protect biodiversity.
Examples include parks, gardens, urban forests, green corridors, rooftop gardens and
community spaces,
Components:
a.) Rain Barrels - Collect rainwater from rooftops.
b.) Permeable Surfaces - Allow rainwater infiltration.
c.) Green Roofs - Absorb rainwater and provide insulation. Rain Gardens: Filter and
manage stormwater runoff.
Social and Cultural Aspects
 Social and Cultural Implications

a.) Biophilic Design - Green architecture integrating natural elements. Exposure to nature
improves mental health, reduce stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
b.) Indoor Air Quality - Sustainable buildings prioritize non-toxic materials, proper
ventilation, and air purification systems positively impacting occupants’ health.
Green buildings also often incorporate public spaces, parks, and community gardens. These
areas promote social interactions, encourage physical activity, and strengthen community
bonds.
 Case Studies of Sustainable Buildings - Social and Cultural needs.

a.) ‘The Bullitt Center’ in Seattle, USA - A living building that generates its energy,
treats its water, and promotes occupant health. Fosters community engagement
through shared spaces, educational programs, and public tours.
b.) ‘The Edge’ in Amsterdam, Netherlands - A smart, energy-efficient office building
with strong focus on employee well-beings. The design encourages social interaction,
features green terraces, and provides panoramic views of the city. (World Green
Building, 2024)
References:
Roy, Madhumita. (2008). Importance of Green Architecture Today. Department of
Architecture, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.
Cutieru, A. (2021). How Emerging Practices Approach Sustainability in Architecture.
ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/971859/how-emerging-practices-approach-
sustainability-in-architecture
Crook, L. (2022). Ten ways in which architecture is addressing climate change. Dezeen.
https://www.dezeen.com/2021/04/22/architecture-climate-change-earth-day/
Martin, R. M. S. (2020). The Importance of Green Architecture in Reducing Pollution in
Urban Cities1. Far Eastern University Manila, Philippines Institute of Architecture and Fine
Arts.
https://www.academia.edu/43023687/The_Importance_of_Green_Architecture_in_Reducing
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Ekande, S. (2009). The impact of sustainable design strategies on energy efficiency in
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buildings/
Elmansy, R. (2014). Principles of Sustainable Design. Designorate. https://www.conserve-
energy-future.com/sustainable-construction-materials.php
Climatebiz. (2022). Recycled building materials1. Climatebiz.
https://climatebiz.com/recycled-building-materials/
World Green Building Council. (n.d.). Case study library. Retrieved February 20, 2024,
https://worldgbc.org/case-study-library/
“Achieving Sustainable Site Design Through Low Impact Development Practices.” WBDG -
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https://wbdg.org/resources/achieving-sustainable-site-design-through-low-impact-
development-practices.