ENCARGOS TÉCNICOS BLOG
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION
Reducing the carbon footprint.
Sustainable architecture and construction are becoming increasingly popular as individuals, governments and businesses seek to minimise their carbon footprint and the negative impact buildings have on the environment. While architects and engineers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of sustainable development and environmental protection, sustainability is often seen as a balance between quality and cost.
The field of architecture often relies on new technologies and materials to ensure that buildings are stylish and modern. While it is essential to reflect the times, it is also important to ensure that environmentally conscious design remains a central focus in the creation of sustainable structures. Many architects have sought to balance these competing priorities by designing buildings that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are environmentally friendly. To help achieve these goals, new standards such as BREEAM, LEED and Passivhaus have been created, which emphasise the importance of focusing on sustainability from the earliest stages of the project.
Regardless of size, the importance of a sustainable building lies in its ability to create and preserve a good environment for people, homes and businesses.
This concept of architecture aims to do just that: to use only environmentally friendly techniques and materials during the construction process, to take into account site conditions, to incorporate them into the design wherever possible, and to try to minimise the negative impact of buildings through energy efficiency, space optimisation and the use of appropriate materials.
The right choices.
In recent years, a number of techniques and materials have been developed that make it possible to create buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable. These techniques and materials aim to make the building as environmentally friendly as possible and reduce the negative impact of its presence on the environment. They also allow architects to develop attractive designs without compromising functionality.
Imagine integrating a rainwater harvesting system into building design, using the collected water to flush toilets, water gardens and clean streets. Imagine relying on solar thermal energy as a source of heating and cooling, ventilating buildings naturally and taking advantage of natural light to avoid using electric lighting all year round. These are some of the ideas behind sustainable architecture and construction, an architectural philosophy that is gaining popularity in many countries.
According to Wikipedia, sustainable architecture is a term used to describe buildings that meet the requirements of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The most widely accepted principles of sustainable architecture relate to issues of energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
The concept of sustainable architecture has been around for over 30 years, but it is fair to say that debates and differences of opinion between architects and governments on how to define it have simply added to the confusion and uncertainty for those who want to take on this movement.
To enter with any degree of confidence into decisions about sustainable architecture, multiple aspects must be taken into account.
The building must be designed in a space where it can coexist with its surroundings. Thus, whether it is located in the centre of a city, in an old area, or on a small plot of land, or whether it is in an open rural area, etc., it must be planned taking into account its natural surroundings and the reality of urban life (traffic, public transport, social services, sanitation, etc.).
Each building must be designed, constructed and operated to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.