Statistics from the United Nations Environment Programme reveal that around the world today, buildings are the cause of almost one-half of the earth’s total energy usage. These structures also are the source of approximately 40 percent of all emissions of greenhouse gas, 25 percent of the worldwide use of potable water and upwards of 20 percent of the solid waste material produced. This waste is inclusive of non-recycled materials, general outdoor yard rubbish and food waste. 

For this reason, modern architects are making ongoing efforts to decrease the amount of damage done to the natural environment while reducing energy consumption in new and renovated buildings. These architectural designers are also using sustainable construction materials and green building practices for conserving the earth’s natural resources. 

Ways in Which Architects are Incorporating Sustainability as a Major Factor in Building and Renovating Designs Today 

Modern architects today are producing designs for new building construction and existing structures’ renovations that focus strongly on the use of sustainable materials, building procedures and technology, such as the following: 

• Constructing Energy-Efficient Buildings. – Architects today are using green, eco-friendly designs to plan and construct new buildings that are energy-efficient. These contemporary structures will require the consumption of less energy for continuous operation and produce a reduced carbon footprint than previous structures of the same type and size. They will be better insulated with double-glazed windows and doors, and water conservation will be ensured by the installation of auto-turnoff tapware for bathroom basins and toilets that operate by auto-flush sensors. Kitchens and utility rooms will also be equipped with sink tapware that turns off water flow by a timed auto-turnoff system. Numerous buildings will be solar powered, and automatic waste disposal systems will be used whenever possible. 

• Renovating Structures Using Renewable Materials. – When such sustainable building products and items as repurposed doors, windows, tiles, bricks, stones, and timbre are used to renovate buildings, the earth’s natural resources will not become depleted from overuse. When trees in forests are replanted as they are harvested for use as wood for building and construction projects, the earth’s woodlands will not be overused. When older structures are renovated using measures to reduce usage of water, gas, oil and other energy-producing resources, this will help prevent excessive use or abuse of our reserves of these valuable natural resources. As hydro-power and electricity are more widely used to fuel vehicles, including construction site machinery and equipment, the earth will also benefit greatly from the resulting reduction in overuse of other depleted resources and from reduced air pollution. 

• Incorporating Green Designs. – By designing new buildings and renovating older ones so that these structures require less use of valuable natural resources to build and operate, architects are now using their knowledge of green design wisely. Modern green, sustainable buildings of all sizes enhance the health of everyone who inhabits or spends time in their interiors today. These structures contain no harmful, toxic pollutants in their construction and have the capacity to source their own energy and water supplies. No pollutants are created during the operation of any of their operating systems. These healthy green buildings can improve the well-being of the entire community to the benefit of the planet as a whole and all of its inhabitants. 

By consulting our sustainable architectural design, building and renovating experts of Marchese Partners with locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and international cities, you will receive optimal quality advice, designs and masterplans as well as top-tier building or renovation services. You can reach our excellent consulting team of exemplary architects, engineers, interior designers and builders today by phone, by email or on the firm’s website at marchesepartners.com.au.