Sustainable Architecture | Materials for the Architecture of Tomorrow
Importance of Material Choice
The choice of building materials has a significant impact on the sustainability of a project. Many traditional materials, such as concrete or steel, have a high carbon footprint.
Alternatives like recycled or renewable materials offer a solution. Additionally, the durability and reusability of materials play a crucial role.
Focus on Sustainable Building Materials
- Wood as a Building Material: Wood is one of the oldest and most sustainable building materials in the world. Modern technologies like Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) make wood even more versatile and durable. It is used not only in residential construction but also in large infrastructure projects. An example is the HoHo Vienna, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world.
- Recycled Concrete: Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials worldwide but has a high environmental footprint. Recycled concrete, made from demolition materials, offers an eco-friendly alternative. Companies like LafargeHolcim are developing technologies to make concrete more sustainable.
- Eco-Friendly Paints and Coatings: Environmentally friendly paints are solvent-free and contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They improve indoor air quality and are often made from natural ingredients like linseed oil.
Tips for Selection:
• Prefer materials with environmental certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or Cradle to Cradle.
• Use local resources to minimise transport emissions.
• Think long-term: Invest in materials that are durable and low-maintenance.
Operational Efficiency: Sustainable Energy and Water Usage
Energy Efficiency: The Key to Sustainability
The operational phase of a building often accounts for the largest share of its environmental footprint. Here, much can be achieved through intelligent technologies and sustainable systems.
- Renewable Energy: Solar panels and small wind turbines are simple ways to generate energy on-site. An example is the Bullitt Center in Seattle, a “Net-Zero-Energy” building that produces more energy than it consumes.
- Smart Controls: Systems like smart thermostats or lighting controls reduce energy consumption by optimising operations. These technologies can be controlled via apps, making them particularly user-friendly.
- Insulation and Windows: Good thermal insulation and high-quality windows ensure that heating and cooling losses are minimised. Companies like Rockwool and Knauf offer innovative solutions.
Reducing Water Consumption
- Greywater Recycling: This involves collecting water from showers and washing machines, treating it, and reusing it for toilet flushing or irrigation.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater can be easily collected and used for gardens or cleaning.
- Water-Saving Technologies: Fixtures with flow restrictors or sensor controls can reduce water consumption by up to 50%.
Practical Examples:
- The “WaterHub” system at Emory University in the USA recycles 40% of the campus’ water usage.
- Smart irrigation systems use weather data to optimise water consumption in gardens.
You are invited to read the Chapter I
Sources
- Arup
- Trasbordo
- Red Engineering
- Hoare Lea
- Green Building Council
- Green Building Council Australia
- Architect Magazine
- Lafarge Holcim
- Aquaco Water Recycling
- SMA Solar Technology
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