What is Sustainability?

When people hear the words “sustainable design” they usually think of some basic ideas. Solar panels, recycled materials, and build the structure next to some trees to drive home the idea. This has been the general consensus for decades and a stigma that the architectural industry has had to deal with. In the past few years, sustainable design has pivoted into something much more potent. Which begs the question: what is sustainability?

Real Sustainability:

Sustainability now is a cutting edge methodology that blends the environment with a structure to enhance and improve existing infrastructure. Aside from solar panels and recycling, these methods include:

• Green Rooftops: rooftops are replaced with self-sustaining gardens which improve insulation and prevent water/snow damage.
• Solar Orientation: the angling of solar panels and piping to use the sun to heat and provide more power.
• Living HVAC: Certain plants (mostly ferns) are used in conjunction with an AC/Heater to purify the air.
• Compost/Soil Insulation: A cheap and more effective alternative to chemical insulation.
• Green Siding: Using vines and trees as blinds and shades that also regulate building temperature.

Benefits:

The perks to utilizing sustainable design include:

• Monetary: Using recycled materials often yields a 20-85% in cost of resources to build the structure. Additionally, alternate power sources pay for themselves within 5-7 years and reduce reliance on third-party power stations.
• Business: companies utilizing green design report 10-20% improved productivity from employees since they get sick less from the purified air. Additionally, the environmental conscientiousness improves PR.
• Mental: studies have shown that people who live and work in green buildings are happier, healthier, and more efficient.
• Government: US government provides tax breaks and kick-backs to environmental designs.
• Environmental: Integration with natural world causes a 40-60% reduction in a building’s carbon impact.

https://www.usgbc.org/press/benefits-of-green-building

Follow our projects to see how we utilize these techniques in our work!