Sustainable Design in the 7 Principles of Sustainable Construction

Sustainable design, or green design, is fundamental to sustainable construction methods. It involves mitigating buildings’ environmental effects from the very roots through careful planning and assessment. It also has a lasting impact on the other principles of sustainable construction. 

Importance of Sustainable Design

Early planning and design involve many decisions when constructing a building. Affirming the importance of green building strategies distinguishes environmentally friendly buildings from ecologically damaging ones. The LEED rating system is a good reference point when incorporating sustainability features into a project. 

Sustainable Design Strategies

Green building design takes various forms. Site selection is one of the most important considerations, especially as competition over land use increases over time. Structural choices like passive solar design can also affect a construction project’s impact, especially in the long term.

How Sustainable Design Supports the Principles of Sustainable Construction

Understanding the relationship between sustainable design and construction principles is much simpler than you’d think. Here’s an overview of how it supports each facet of green construction and examples of sustainable design in the 7 principles of sustainable construction:

• Durability: Green design involves considering the factors impacting durability. For instance, it considers the material properties and strength to ensure the building can support its uses. Having a good blueprint is key to a strong foundation. 

• Energy Efficiency: Sustainable design impacts energy efficiency in construction through its inclusion. Integrating features of a solar-generating facility or windmills within the design of a property can make it more environmentally friendly.

• Waste Reduction: Waste reduction is an imperative part of green construction. One way green design helps is by innovating the plan to include organic waste disposal. These bins would convert the trash into fertilizer for the surrounding grounds. 

• Indoor Air Quality: Adding windows, open-air areas, and other green design practices can improve indoor air quality. Integrating biophilic design can also assist with this goal of natural ventilation and circulating pollutants. 

• Water Conservation: Sustainable design is integral to water conservation due to the fixtures necessary to achieve this goal. For instance, planning out low-flow fixtures and green roofs in residential and commercial spaces can minimize resource consumption. 

• Sustainable Building Materials: Deciding on the building materials in a construction project is very important when executing green design. Using greener options like bamboo and recycled materials is a good step forward.

Benefits of Sustainable Design 

All construction companies can still work on integrating green design within their line of work. Only 47% of executives within the industry classify environmental impact as a major concern. Here are the benefits of incorporating them in construction projects:

Plans the Life Cycle of a Building

A good life cycle is the main way sustainable design contributes to environmental sustainability in construction. Running an impact assessment allows experts to see how a building can affect the ecosystem around it from conception to operation. Some even go as far as accounting for the decommissioning of these structures when the time comes. 

Optimizes the Construction Process

Green design ensures a building is already optimal for having as minimal environmental impact as possible from the get-go. For instance, passive solar design converts the sun’s energy to heat and cool spaces. Such choices can avoid making inclusions that would disrupt their environmental impact. 

Ensures Quality of Occupants

Eco-friendly design is more than just good for the environment. It can also improve the quality of life of the occupants of a space. For example, the idea behind passive solar design is to create an accommodating environment with minimal resource use. Taking advantage of the natural elements can be cost-efficient and lead to 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Sustainable Design Essential in Construction?

Green design is essential in construction because it is fundamental to mitigating environmental impact. Other principles, such as durability, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and more, are all executed because they are backed up by green design. 

How Does Sustainable Design Contribute to Environmental Sustainability in Construction?

Sustainable design contributes to environmental sustainability by asking architects, engineers, and other construction professionals to consider their building plans’ impacts. Being purposeful and choosing what’s better for the environment is paramount to greener structures. 

What Are the Best Practices for Implementing Sustainable Design in Building Projects?

Green design implementation practices like life cycle assessments are key to understanding how buildings affect their surroundings. Planners should also account for environment-related factors when designing a structure, such as recyclability, repairability, reusability, and disassembly. 

What Are the Challenges and Solutions to Adopting Sustainable Design in Construction?

One of the main challenges of adopting green design in construction is the cost. Initial sustainable construction expenses can seem relatively high at first. However, they can be quite cost-effective in the long run. It’s important for professionals to have a sense of urgency about how imperative eco-friendly buildings are. 

Recognize and Recreate Green Design

Minimizing environmental impact should be a key goal for every professional and team in the construction industry. Sustainable design is a core principle at the forefront of such an approach. Recognize its role and implement it within projects.