Globally increasing sea levels, and changes in plant and animal life are already being felt as a result of climate change. In order to create sustainable built environments that aid in climate change adaptation and mitigation, architects and designers have a critical role to play. Green architecture, usually referred to as sustainable or eco-friendly architecture, is concerned with lessening the environmental effect of construction and fostering climate change resistance. This blog discusses the value of green architecture in tackling climate change, emphasizing its significance in attempts to adapt to and mitigate the problem. We will also highlight noteworthy cases and examples that show the beneficial effects of green building. A broad phrase used to describe the utilization of natural systems to benefit both humans and the environment is "green infrastructure."
Buildings have a large environmental effect since they require a lot of energy and produce greenhouse gas emissions. In reality, buildings and construction use around 36% of the world's energy. In response to the issues posed by climate change, architects are increasingly incorporating sustainable design concepts. The infrastructure that are energy efficient utilise less energy than conventional structures do. Buildings that utilise less energy are constructed from a range of materials and using a number of technologies. Energy-efficient structures may lower energy use in a number of ways, including:
Utilising insulation: Insulation keeps heat inside during the winter and cool air inside during the summer, helping to lower the energy used for heating and cooling.
Using energy-efficient appliances : In order to reduce the energy costs since they consume less energy than conventional appliances.
Making use of natural light: Using less artificial lighting can help conserve electricity.
Using smart thermostats can help you conserve energy since they can be set to change a building's temperature depending on the time of day and how crowded it is.
The broader term of green building facilitates better environmental consciousness through:
a) Energy Efficiency: Green buildings are made to consume less energy, depend less on fossil fuels, and emit less greenhouse gases. Energy-saving elements like effective insulation, cutting-edge lighting systems, and renewable energy sources all significantly lower carbon emissions.
b) Resource Conservation: The prudent use of resources is emphasised in green building. This entails using recycled materials, putting water-saving techniques into practise, and using sustainable building techniques. Green buildings help to create a more sustainable future by minimising waste and saving resources.
c) Improved Indoor Environment: By improving indoor air quality, maximising natural lighting and ventilation, and adding biophilic design features, green architecture places a priority on the well being of its inhabitants. These factors not only increase comfort but also encourage productivity and general well being.
Some Use Cases:
a) The Edge, Amsterdam: This environmentally friendly office block is sometimes recognised as the greenest structure on earth. It makes use of a variety of cutting-edge elements, including rooftop solar panels, smart sensors for optimum energy use, and energy-saving lighting. The Edge demonstrates the possibilities of green building and establishes a standard for sustainable design.
b) Bosco Verticale, Milan: Translating to "Vertical Forest," : A pair of residential towers known as Bosco Verticale are covered in luxuriant landscaping. Incorporating more than 900 trees and thousands of plants not only creates a wonderful beauty but also improves biodiversity, reduces energy use, and purifies the air.
c) One Central Park, Sydney: Vertical gardens, solar panels, and a natural ventilation system are all included in this renowned residential construction. A peaceful cohabitation between the built environment and nature is created by the facades clothed in greenery and the unique design components.