The Seven Principles of Sustainable Construction: A Comprehensive Guide

Construction is vital to human health and happiness, and sustainability in this space means building in a way that meets the present generation’s needs without detracting from future generations’ ability to do so.

What are the seven principles of sustainable construction? What are some examples of sustainable building practices, and how can crews implement them? How do these eco-friendly construction methods benefit the environment and address the problems humanity faces — namely, staying warm and comfortable without upsetting nature’s delicate balance? Let this comprehensive guide inspire you with what’s possible so that your crew can build better. 

Why Sustainable Construction Matters

Next to transportation, the construction industry takes one of the highest environmental tolls, accounting for 37% of global carbon emissions. Improving this sector’s carbon footprint has tremendous economic potential. According to the World Economic Forum, accelerating the green transition of the building value chain can unlock $1.8 trillion in market opportunities.

However, construction can also beautify and improve the landscape, providing safe and attractive dwellings and gathering places. Proper city planning ensures people can travel safely from place to place, with features like greenbelts providing a needed connection with nature in urban landscapes and havens for commuters who prefer to walk or bike rather than drive. Some structures, such as the Bullitt Center and the Forge, combine sustainability and architecture so beautifully that they qualify as works of art.

Challenges arise in coordinating the many moving parts of any construction project. For example, project managers must balance the immediate cost-effectiveness of using certain materials and techniques against their environmental toll. Some materials may cost more to initially produce, but their durability and recyclability make them more affordable over the long term than inferior versions requiring more frequent replacement.

Understanding the seven principles of sustainable construction helps to guide project managers and others in construction leadership through this decision-making process. Once they master a basic understanding of how green construction principles operate at every stage of project completion, they can plan more effectively and make better choices on the fly.

Practicing eco-friendly construction methods can also improve a company’s bottom line. More than 80% of consumers say they will pay more for sustainability, even amidst cost-of-living and inflationary concerns. Pair that with incentives many governmental organizations have for green construction, and it’s clear how adopting such practices can help firms win bids and hone their reputation as a builder that cares.

There’s simply no reason for firms to overlook sustainable design practices. Understanding the seven principles of sustainable construction is a must for construction contractors in the 21st century. 

What Are the 7 Principles of Sustainable Construction? 

Leaders can use their knowledge of green construction practices to create the most eco-friendly project within the confines of their budget and project scope. For example, using a less sustainable building material may sometimes be desirable if it increases energy efficiency significantly in a home located in an extreme climate like parts of the desert southwest. 

Below, we’ve included examples of sustainable building practices and how to implement them to make your next project more eco-friendly. Understanding the following seven principles of sustainable construction benefits everyone in the construction industry, particularly leadership. Here are the seven principles of sustainable construction explained.

1. Sustainable Design

Improving a project’s overall eco-friendliness starts at the drawing board. Sustainable architecture principles apply from a project’s inception through its completion and even beyond. That’s because part of sustainable design entails planning for the entire life cycle of a building, including its eventual demolition or need for ongoing repairs.

Sustainable design incorporates a life cycle assessment that measures the environmental impact of a building during its construction, operation and decommissioning. Researchers recently completed such a comparative whole-building life cycle assessment across buildings in Europe. They found significant disparities in environmental performance from one region to another, with those in Eastern and Central areas demonstrating the highest carbon emissions. 

This knowledge provides an excellent foundation for evaluating sustainable construction principles. What is it about the homes in this region that demand higher energy use, especially considering the lower emissions registered in more severe weather regions like the North? How can crews improve practices to lift such properties to a higher standard? Architects must evaluate these questions when planning renovations. 

How Do Sustainable Design Principles Look in Action? 

Here are several examples of how sustainable design principles look in action. 

Site Selection

Sustainable design begins with site selection. While it’s easier to build on open ground, doing so means using land that could otherwise remain available for agricultural or forestry use. Reforesting the world is a crucial step toward overall sustainability, as they act as carbon sinks to keep emissions levels in check. 

Therefore, it’s generally best to build in existing areas. Doing so often entails demolition. One of the first questions crews must ask themselves is what is the most sustainable way to clear the space. Modern techniques that reclaim as many materials as possible for reuse are an eco-friendly construction method that also saves cash — why buy new when you can reuse? 

Another role of sustainable design in construction is providing efficient means of ingress and egress. Here, crews must work in conjunction with city planners and area officials. Is the building site accessible via public transportation? Can people walk or bike to the location, and are there spots to store their ride and personal belongings upon arrival? How will completing the project disrupt other area activities, such as traffic? 

The building’s orientation also plays a role in sustainable design principles. For example, the right layout sets the stage for a passive solar layout to maximize energy efficiency. 

Passive Solar 

Passive solar structures absorb natural heat, store it and distribute it around the building. This reduces the need for fossil fuels and increases overall energy efficiency.

Passive solar design operates on the following five elements: 

• Collectors refer to well-positioned glass within 30 degrees of true south. 
• Absorbers are any exposed surface capable of absorbing heat. Dark surfaces are best. 
• Thermal mass refers to the material makeup of the surface storing the heat. 
• Distribution refers to mechanical aids like fans but more so the overall design of such spaces to encourage heat flow. 
• Control refers to features like smart thermostats and blinds that adjust the amount of light to resident needs. 

For example, a building with a strong passive solar design will have plenty of windows along its south side. Some might even contain a darker layer of bricks behind the glass to absorb and store the heat. They won’t cordon this area off with individual offices whose walls prevent heat distribution. This area will remain open to facilitate the flow of heat throughout the facility, with smart blinds automatically dimming things down when it gets too hot.

Resource Efficiency 

Passive solar design is only one example of resource efficiency. This sustainable design principle also extends to other materials and methods used during the construction process and building operation. 

For example, one consideration when choosing sustainable building materials is their origin. Those that originate from nearby sources get a big bump on the eco-friendliness scale merely by virtue of the reduced shipping emissions produced in transporting them from point A to point B. 

Methodology also matters. For example, using dynamite to demolish buildings is often among the fastest ways to clear a site. However, it creates significant environmental hazards, as chemicals can leak into the soil when the walls crumble. Furthermore, such methods pose a substantial risk to nearby communities and structures.

Conversely, deconstruction methods take longer but can minimize the environmental toll while keeping more money in crews’ pockets. For example, the deconstruction of one such home in Riley, Vancouver, resulted in sparing 84% of the materials from landfills. Only 16% went to waste, while the rest was reused or recycled. 

Minimizing Environmental Impact 

Minimizing a construction project’s environmental impact often coincides with site selection. For example, those breaking ground on new construction must undergo an environmental site assessment that identifies potential sources of contamination that could adversely affect human health. The process begins with a three-part evaluation that consists of:

• A review of historical land use records
• A visual inspection 
• Interviews with those familiar with the property’s history

If officials find contamination, the property owner must go through phases two and three of the environmental site assessment process, rectifying the harm and rendering the land safe for development and use. 

Part of minimizing environmental impact encompasses project efficiency. All parties benefit from work completed ahead of schedule. Prioritizing productivity also reduces a project’s carbon footprint. For example, projects taking place in crowded urban areas often disrupt traffic, causing increased car idling and emissions. Even in more populated suburbs, the rubberneck effect can cause congestion around projects, so completing work timely helps the planet.

2. Durability 

The second of the seven principles of sustainable building is durability. Simply put, the longer a building lasts, the smaller its overall footprint. Furthermore, minimizing maintenance requirements also qualifies as a green construction practice, as residents will need fewer chemicals and fuel to keep everything in running order. 

Fortunately, crews already evaluate durability factors, so implementing this sustainable construction practice doesn’t require much of a shift. Factors that project managers and architects must determine include:

• Material properties: Materials such as concrete, steel and polymers have predetermined characteristics like tensile strength, compressive strength and fracture behavior that affect their durability when used for certain tasks. For example, while hempcrete is a sustainable material for low-rise construction like single-family residences, it isn’t suitable for skyscrapers as it lacks the requisite compressive strength. 
• Environmental conditions: The environment can also impact the durability of materials. For example, wood studs left exposed to the elements can warp and even foster mold growth. Moisture, temperature variations and chemical exposure can all impact the durability of construction materials, and crews must use requisite caution to protect them from damage. Additionally, they must evaluate the impact of extreme heat, condensation, freezing temperatures and even road salt on the completed structure. 
• Load conditions: Sustained, heavy loads undergo fewer shifts but can experience accumulated stress and cracking. Dynamic loads shift but can cause materials to deform over time. Wind, water and earthquakes all impact the precise techniques used to create the right balance. 
• Construction techniques: Finally, the right methods, such as proper concrete pouring, increases durability. Poor techniques, conversely, can lead to insufficient bonds and excess porousness that quickly weakens structural integrity. 

One of the many benefits of sustainable construction is that it requires less frequent repair and rebuilding. Fortunately, improving durability doesn’t require decision-makers to modify their existing processes. Staying abreast of new materials and techniques and evaluating their use in the field in smaller projects first is often sufficient for gradually going greener.

3. Energy Efficiency

Improving energy efficiency in construction is a two-sided problem. On one end, improved insulation techniques and materials create a stronger building envelope, reducing overall heating and cooling needs. Additionally, shifting to clean, alternative fuels reduces or eliminates a building’s reliance on fossil fuels, getting the structure to net-zero emissions while strengthening and diversifying the nation’s energy grid. 

Improved Insulation 

Improving a building’s envelope has become more sustainable with the implementation of improved insulating materials. For example, polyurethane spray foams and rigid boards are perhaps the most popular insulating materials in commercial and residential construction. Until recently, this substance was nearly impossible to recycle. However, a new foam-to-foam recycling process using green catalysts promises to make these materials circular. 

In a circular economy, builders use the same materials repeatedly instead of relying on new raw materials. However, plastics are notoriously difficult to recycle because of the complex crosslinked polymers they contain. These new recycling techniques promise to reduce greenhouse gases while saving energy and decreasing waste and landfill use. 

Polyurethane insulation rose in popularity because of its superior ability to hold onto gas bubbles. However, construction crews can also avail themselves of these other sustainable insulation types as part of their eco-friendly construction measures: 

• Sheep’s wool: Sheep live in some of the world’s most frigid environments, and the many air pockets their wool forms keep houses toastier, too. 
• Mineral wool: This material is extremely heat-resistant, albeit expensive. 
• Cotton: This material can come from leftover denim for making jeans or other clothing. 
• Hemp: Hemp grows extremely fast, and its fibers make an excellent fire-resistant insulating material. 
• Aerogel: Samuel Stephens Kistler invented this superhero of home insulation. Although expensive and requiring specialty application, its molecular structure makes it nearly impossible for cool or warm air to pass through it. 
• Icynene: This option rivals Aerogel for effectiveness. It expands to 100 times its size and can cut the average power bill by 30% to 50%. 

Construction techniques play a huge role in determining how effective improving a building’s envelope is in lowering its carbon footprint. For example, wrapping pipes and addressing all points of air ingress and egress reduces power use from any source. 

Alternative Energy 

Alternative energy sources are the other half of the puzzle in increasing energy efficiency. There are several alternative energy sources, but the two most applicable to most commercial and residential construction projects are solar and heat pumps. 

Solar 

Solar has come a long way, with more efficient panels now able to absorb more. Construction crews also have more methods for implementing this technology than ever before. When done right, they can increase the nation’s energy security by diversifying the grid. 

Today’s inverter technology allows current to travel both ways instead of only one direction — from the power plant to the consumer. Crews planning new residential projects can include a solar-generating facility in their designs, perhaps in conjunction with a community garden. Such innovations can greatly increase resident value and the selling point of new homes while making the nation more secure. 

Residents benefit from a clean source of affordable power to their homes. Should the grid go down, the unit can function as an independent generating station, keeping resident lights on despite outages elsewhere. Additionally, the excess energy generated by their panels can help supply other areas until officials restore connectivity. 

Multiresidential housing projects aren’t the only structures that benefit from solar energy. Urban buildings also benefit from it. Solar photovoltaic windows and cladding can work alone or in conjunction with green roofs to significantly improve energy efficiency. Additionally, crews building downtown highrises now have a new tool in solar photovoltaic windows and cladding that lets the sides, not just the top, of such structures transform the sun’s rays into usable electricity. 

Solar panel-covered parking lots are another innovation builders can consider. South Korea has even improved its infrastructure with a panel-covered bike lane that savvy crews could emulate, providing pedestrians with an enclosed, sheltered path between buildings while increasing energy efficiency.

Heat Pumps 

Heat pumps come in two types — air-to-air and geothermal. Both forms act like taxi drivers, transporting heat from where it isn’t needed to where it is. Air-sourced heat pumps work like an air conditioner in reverse and may function as air conditioners during the hot months. They absorb heat from outside air, even as low as freezing, and redirect it inside. In the summer, they do the opposite, moving the hot air from inside the house out. 

Geothermal heat pumps operate on similar principles but rely on the air trapped underground, where it maintains a constant temperature. Although geothermal heat pumps are costlier to install because of the need to excavate, they do an outstanding job of providing heat and power to otherwise cold places. For example, Iceland currently meets more than 70% of its energy needs via this sustainable construction method. 

Other Alternative Energy Sources 

The benefits of sustainable construction practices, such as including solar or heat pump installation with each new build or renovation, go beyond protecting the environment. They also lower costs for consumers. While other alternative energy sources aren’t as frequently integrated into new builds, crews can consider them in some cases to make a project more eco-friendly. These include:

• Wind: Although few properties outside agricultural institutions use windmills, they are a viable alternative fuel source, especially in windy areas like the Midwest. 
• Biofuels: Biofuel heating systems run on alternatives to fossil fuels, such as vegetable oils or cooking fat. Woodstoves and fireplaces are also technically biofuels, although they are inefficient and can create particulate pollution. 

Sensors

Other green construction techniques improve energy efficiency, although not as dramatically as insulation and alternative fuels. One such innovation is the use of sensors. For example, motion and heat detectors can sense when an area is unoccupied, turning off the lights and machinery to conserve power. 

4. Waste Reduction 

Waste reduction is an often overlooked sustainable construction principle. However, it ties in with everything else, including reducing costs. For example, reclaiming materials from demolished buildings saves them from the landfill, reduces the need for harvesting new raw materials and cuts expenses by providing reusable items for the latest build. 

Sustainable building design can reduce waste throughout a building’s life cycle. One simple innovation crews can add to their blueprints is a composting center for organic waste disposal. Instead of sending their lunchtime banana peels and eggshells to the landfill, residents and tenants can deposit them in a special bin, and the scraps will then be used as compost. The rich soil resulting from this eco-friendly construction method can then beautify and fertilize the surrounding grounds or support a nearby community garden. 

Waste reduction also means improving construction techniques to improve efficiency. For example, incorporating the use of AI can streamline operations. Transportation algorithms can calculate the most efficient route for supplies and vehicles and minimize traffic disruptions. Smart devices with sensors apply predictive maintenance, getting heavy equipment like bulldozers in for repair before on-site accidents occur. 

5. Indoor Air Quality 

Most people spend most of their days indoors, marking the importance of indoor air quality as a sustainable design principle. This green construction principle overlaps with several others, such as improving energy efficiency. For example, switching to alternative fuels reduces outdoor air pollution. However, pollutants from conventional energy sources can also infiltrate buildings, impacting resident breathability, even with a secure building envelope. 

Improving ventilation is another piece of the indoor air quality puzzle, which can also tie in with other aspects of green construction. For example, one way sustainable construction benefits the environment is by allowing human-built environments to coexist with natural ones. Creating more open-air spaces like terraces, adding green roofs, and including courtyards, patios and other outdoor living spaces into the design facilitates this union of human and natural spaces. 

Such innovations are especially beneficial in buildings where people work. Research has shown that people in buildings with biophilic designs are more creative and productive than those confined to cold, gray cubicles. Such architecture attracts the best tenants and has a price point to match. 

6. Water Conservation 

Only 1% of the Earth’s freshwater is readily available for human use, and protecting this precious resource matters. Climate change affects its availability, and one role of sustainable design in construction is minimizing its immediate use over a building’s lifetime in conjunction with other eco-friendly technologies. Everything works together — it’s all about utilizing resources wisely and honoring their interconnected nature. Each action creates a ripple effect.

One example of water conservation in action is installing low-flow fixtures in every restroom and kitchen area. Adding motion-activated sinks and soap dispensers conserves waste and ensures no one leaves the faucet dripping. 

Rainwater collection systems are another innovation that preserves the earth’s freshwater supply. Individual builders can install such systems in their projects. Larger, city-wide builds can do more. For example, the cities of Wuhan, Chongqing and Xiamen in China operate as “sponge cities,” incorporating the following key technologies to create sustainable urban environments: 

• Green roofs absorb rainwater, reduce runoff and improve insulation.
• Permeable pavements let fresh rainwater infiltrate the ground, recharging groundwater tables. 
• Constructed wetlands support biodiversity, bring nature into the city and naturally filter and store stormwater. 
• Rain gardens bring natural beauty to neighborhoods while capturing rainwater and reducing strain on city drainage systems. 

7. Sustainable Building Materials 

Sustainable building materials may come from the natural world or human lab creations. For example, newer plant-based polystyrene products can replace those made from styrofoam, which is notoriously difficult to recycle. However, some builders also look to natural bamboo for similar purposes. Some species grow nearly 2 feet in one day, making it highly sustainable. 

Price can affect the availability of certain sustainable building materials, and some may be more widely available in certain regions than others. However, some of the most exciting sustainable construction materials on the market today include:

• Bamboo: This is one of the most popular building materials in Asia and is gaining popularity in the United States. You can shape it like wood into planks, beams or cabinets, making it useful from the floor to the rooftop. 
• Recycled plastic: Although various plastic products have historically been hard to recycle, new technologies make it possible. 
• Hemp: Hemp can be formed into bricks or hempcrete blocks and is remarkably fireproof. Although it lacks compressive strength for tall structures, it’s fine for single-story residences. It’s also useful for insulation, flooring and cabinetry. 
• Rammed earth and clay: Rammed earth packs dirt into wooden frames to form walls. Clay tiles have long been present in homes across the Southwest United States, are completely recyclable and contain no iffy chemicals. 
• Cork: Farmers harvest cork from living trees, and cork forests act as carbon sinks. It’s also shock and noise-resistant, making it a great soundproofing choice. 
• Recycled glass and steel: Some materials, such as steel, most other metals and glass, are nearly infinitely recyclable with no loss in structural integrity. 

Sustainable Construction Courses 

If you want to expand your knowledge of the role of sustainable design in construction, taking continuing education courses can help. It can also result in certifications that mark you as an industry expert, which can result in winning more bids. 

Perhaps the most beneficial option is to seek LEED accreditation through the U.S. Green Building Council. This accreditation has two tiers. While there are no prerequisites for taking the Tier One LEED Green Associate exam, previous experience in these techniques increases your odds of passing. 

Those who obtain Tier One certification may pursue LEED AP accreditation. This advanced qualification requires you to demonstrate expertise in one of five parts of the LEED rating system: 

• LEED AP Building Design and Construction 
• LEED AP Operations and Maintenance
• LEED AP Interior Design and Construction 
• LEED AP Neighborhood Development 
• LEED AP Homes 

Case Studies 

Multiple case studies demonstrate the principles of sustainable construction in action and how it benefits the environment. Two notable examples are the Sustainable Energy Fund Building in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, and the Dutch Kills Green in New York, New York. 

Ashley McGraw Architects and the TN Ward company designed the Sustainable Energy Fund Building to take maximum advantage of sunlight. Built on passive house principles, the building’s orientation and photovoltaic rooftop design help it achieve net-zero efficiency while remaining a cozy and familiar working space.

The Dutch Kills Green shows how urban planning and construction crews work together to create magic for residents. It includes wider sidewalks and bike lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, optimized traffic flow by reducing lanes and utilized green infrastructure to marry nature and the human-made environment. 

Trends and Predictions About Sustainable Construction Principles

The future of sustainable construction principles looks bright. Adopting them is key to protecting the environment, but that’s not the only factor compelling their use. Cost-effectiveness is a huge driver, as is improved safety, longevity and aesthetic appeal.

Some technologies, such as solar and wind technology, feature a near-zero marginal cost that significantly reduces the cost of electricity generation. That’s a powerful incentive to make the switch. Safety features are likewise hard to argue against. The risk of fire from solar farms, although not nonexistent, is considerably lower than that arising from fossil fuel use.  

Learning to live and build in harmony with nature instead of working against it may be humankind’s biggest challenge. However, the seven principles of sustainable construction show that it’s possible. This industry sector has the power to build tomorrow beautifully and give future generations a cleaner, healthier environment in which to live and work. It all begins with creating the right spaces. 

Consider the Principles of Sustainable Construction 

Learning the seven principles of sustainable construction is a must for those in the industry. You are building America’s future, and the choices you make today will echo throughout generations. It’s a mighty responsibility, but you’ve already taken the first step to learn what’s possible. 

Draw inspiration from the above examples of sustainable building practices. Understand how sustainable construction benefits not only the environment, but countless future generations who will live and work in the world you design. Equip your tools and talent to create a vision of the cleaner, greener world you want to see, and use your industry knowledge to make it a reality.