Eco Policies and Their Role in Architecture
The built environment is responsible for around 42% of total annual global emissions making it a significant contributor to carbon pollution. Thus, it is vital to focus on sustainable building practices through designing a structure that is energy-efficient using eco-friendly materials, tapping renewable energy, and advocating water conservation practices.
Eco-friendly policies are significantly influencing the architectural landscape driving a shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly designs. Here’s how.
Retrofitting Existing Structure Energy-Efficiency Through Insulation and Technology
Architectural structures are part of our links to the past demonstrating the cultures, values, and technologies of different periods. Therefore, preserving historic buildings strengthens a sense of community and cultural identity. These historic buildings and landmarks also attract tourists boosting local economies. If you’re visiting a different country, you’ll likely go for historic and guided tours to see the local architecture and its history.
You will also notice that buildings are retrofitted to make them energy-efficient without destroying the original form and structure. Well-preserved historic buildings not only attract visitors supporting economies, but they also increase property values in the neighborhood. Reusing existing buildings reduces the need for new construction materials and energy. Thus, preserving historic buildings helps minimize the carbon footprintassociated with demolition and new construction.
Energy-Efficiency Through Insulation and Technology
When building new structures, the construction sector including architects and designers must abide by local government regulations and policies. As a result, architects are aligning their design principles and work to comply with the standards set by authorities.
For example, many countries have embraced building goals mandating energy efficient construction practices, such as improved insulation, high performance windows, and efficient heating and cooling systems. Enhanced insulation contributes to energy efficiency by reducing heat loss in winter and improving heat gain in summer. In effect, insulation acts as a barrier preventing heat from escaping a building reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Insulation also assists in keeping your home cool during the hot summer months by blocking heat from entering your house.
Additionally, proper installation helps reduce moisture buildup which can cause mold and mildew growth, thereby, improving indoor air quality. By reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, you can save money on your utility bills. Research demonstrates that buildings with high-efficiency standards have the potential to reduce energy usage.
However, to attain these benefits, it is vital as well to adopt advancements in science and technology according to Day and Gunderson. Similarly, it is critical to include green energy sources like solar and wind power into building designs to reduce carbon footprint, decrease reliance on the power grid, and lower utility bills.
Use of Sustainable Materials and Conservation Practices
In line with sustainable design principles, architects lean towards using locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions and support local communities. Hence, they recommend recycled materials such as reclaimed wood and recycled steel when constructing not only to minimize waste but also to promote eco friendly practices. Renewable materials such as bamboo, cork, straw, and rammed earth can also reduce the environmental impact of construction.
Another area where architects can make an important impact is water conservation. During construction, fitting water efficient fixtures can drastically lower water consumption. Furthermore, reusing wastewater for non-potable uses like irrigation and flushing is another strategy while adhering to green building certification standards supports sustainable design practices and reduces the environmental impact of new constructions.
Examples of these types of certification include Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM), and WELL Building Standard. Building certification offers environmental benefits by using less energy and water leading to lower carbon footprint. These structures have also better indoor air quality making them a healthier environment for occupants. Increased property values and lower operating costs are the economic benefits of certified buildings.
Governments pursue eco-policies to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. Architects adhere to these policies by creating and designing buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also environmentally responsible. Modernizing existing structures, promoting energy-efficiency through insulation, using sustainable materials, and encouraging conservation practices are strategies that could make a huge difference in reducing carbon footprint.