Becoming greener architects

What is environmentally friendly architecture?

Environmentally friendly architecture is the act of designing and creating buildings that minimize ecological damage.

This can include the following:

1. Using sustainable materials
2. Making features of the structure energy efficient. e.g. installing solar panels or having large glass window areas to trap in more heat
3. Energy-saving techniques when it comes to the building process. (Using low energy tools)

How do architects help the environment?

Why is environmental design important?

From the fossil fuels used to run the engines of construction vehicles to the excess amounts of waste caused by building work, the construction industry has a hugely damaging effect on the environment. Especially if these projects are large scale.

Therefore environmental design is important as it means that although some aspects of these projects that cause environmental damage are unavoidable, they can make a difference environmentally once completed.

Some examples of green architectural projects include:

• The National Trust HQ
• The Eden project

Why is sustainability important in architecture?

Sustainable architecture combines reducing environmental damage through the building process with making the finished buildings less environmentally harmful in the long-run.

Architects must work to make their projects as sustainable as possible to reduce the damage to the environment and help fix the problems already caused by existing buildings.