Fun (but sad) fact: The building sector makes up nearly 40% of annual global CO2 emissions. These emissions are made from the operational carbon emissions (lighting, heating and cooling) and from the manufacturing and transportation of building materials i.e. the construction process. As Canada (and many other countries) try to build their way back up from their housing deficit, emissions from the building sector will surely surge. Unfortunately, the shortage of housing supply leaves many unable to afford a place to live. With all these factors in mind came the birth of the genius idea of green buildings or sustainable architecture. 

For the sustainability you don’t yet know.

Rethinking the building sector and the rise in green buildings

Written by Jasmine Gadoua

Fun (but sad) fact: The building sector makes up nearly 40% of annual global CO2 emissions. These emissions are made from the operational carbon emissions (lighting, heating and cooling) and from the manufacturing and transportation of building materials i.e. the construction process. As Canada (and many other countries) try to build their way back up from their housing deficit, emissions from the building sector will surely surge. Unfortunately, the shortage of housing supply leaves many unable to afford a place to live. With all these factors in mind came the birth of the genius idea of green buildings or sustainable architecture. 

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What is sustainable architecture?

Green building involves the design, operation and construction that reduce or eliminate negative impacts on the environment. Site landscape, stormwater management and energy management are some factors that architects would consider when planning for green buildings. HMC architects wrote an interesting article listing their top 6 strategies to design environmentally conscious public buildings. 

Top six categories to design environmentally conscious public buildings

  1. Passive Sustainable Design: A strategy that considers sun orientation, window placement and climate into the design. 
  2. Active Sustainable Design: A strategy that considers the implementation of the most efficient HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems. 
  3. Integrating renewable energy systems. 
  4. Utilizing green materials and finishes. 
  5. Choosing the right native landscape. 
  6. Proper stormwater management systems. 

To learn more, I urge you to visit HMC Architects website

Why is sustainable building development so important? 

The benefits of green buildings are beyond their positive impact on the environment as they have to lead to economic growth and society’s health and society’s health and wellbeing. Implementing global energy efficiency measures can save up to 725 billion dollars in energy spending in the global economy. Individuals owning a green building (whether new or renovated) can lead to a 7 cent increase in the asset value of traditional buildings. 

The social benefits are immense as these “cleaner” designs can improve the health, comfort and safety of occupants. While green architecture may appear to be exclusive for wealthy families only, clean energy systems are proven to help households save up to 22% of their incomes in the long term. A great project to follow that has been on creating greener buildings not only for the sake of the environment, for supporting healthier and happier lives is Better Places of People. 

Though some may assume that green building is costly and unachievable, many architects in our community have showcased the endless and attainable possibilities of integrating sustainability with the building sector. 

The S buildings in Vietnam defy the costly assumption by offering low-cost permanent housing for less than 4,000$. Vo Trong Nghia Architects are the creators of these inventive buildings to solve Vietnam’s housing crisis. Made from a steel frame with a corrugated cement roof, S buildings offer great long-term stability from the heavy rainfalls. Large gaps between walls also allow for natural ventilation and natural light. 

Another exemplary sustainable structure is the Tighthouse, proving how any building can become a passive home. From an existing NYC row house to the first passive home in New York, the Tighthouse is the product work by Studio Cicetti, Anastos Engineering, and ZeroEnergy Design. Its clean design results in 90 percent less heating energy and 75 percent less energy use overall compared to the standard home, making occupants’ utility bills extremely low with no gas bill to pay. The solar thermal and solar photovoltaic panels assist with the supply of site energy to the home. 

Though the initiative with sustainable building development has been great, it’s time the building sector considers applying these sustainable architectural strategies to all projects. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks for all parties, and it is time we make these environmentally conscious designs the new norm!