Green Building: The Future of Construction and Architecture

In the field of construction and architecture, our tech and methodologies are always changing. We advance the way we build towards the future, and we tend to innovate new ways to build structures bigger, better, and faster. Let’s see green building.

It comes at no surprise that green building, or sustainable building, has caught our attention in the world of architecture. Every construction expert and landed house developer has at least heard of green building, which has become a goal for many architects and engineers to achieve; particularly in developed countries where incentives are given to sustainable buildings.

The construction industry has adapted to consider green building practices, as we start to source materials from sustainable resources, and establish systems that help minimize the carbon footprint that traditional construction entails.

What is Sustainable Building?

Sustainable building means to apply sustainable construction and architectural practices in the building of your homes and other construction projects. Sustainability is often done by incorporating systems and resources that are eco-friendly, and waste reduction for minimized carbon emissions and negative impacts on the environment.

When it comes to sustainable building, architects and designers consider the effects of the finished structure to the environment not just during the construction process, but throughout the entire lifespan of the building.

While sustainable building has been an increasingly popular factor in commercial buildings, private properties, housing, and landed homes are also getting into the green building aesthetic as people move toward building a brighter future at no expense to the environment.

Taking the Green Aesthetic

Sustainable building follows the idea of biophilic urbanism, or the intention to show nature and natural processes in our urban design and infrastructures. Often, these are done through the integration of efficient waterway and energy systems sources from nature, as well as foliage and air-purifying plants for better, cleaner air circulation.

The green aesthetic can show through biomimicry, or the way we mimic natural processes in our design, such as in the case of the Council House 2 in Melbourne, which was made to have the look and temperature control system of termite mounds.

There are a couple of aspects of green building that contribute to the biophilic urbanism that we tend to incorporate in our sustainability projects. These consider the lifespan of the structure, as well as the efficiency of resources like water, air circulation, energy, and materials used. The end project goal should equate to a better quality of life within and around the structure.

More often than not, we take examples from nature, as natural structures typically have the optimal conditions for systems such as air circulation and water purification. Animals and plants, which do not have the advanced technological resources we have, make use of alternative materials and building structures to maintain temperature, structural integrity, and airflow.

The Green Building Initiative

Beijing National Stadium is often referred to as ‘Bird’s Nest Stadium.’

Many countries provide incentives for sustainable building practices, which has increased the number of green buildings in those countries throughout the years. Singapore is one of the leading innovators for the green building initiative, with commercial buildings, malls, and even homes practicing sustainability even long after these have been built.

China, more specifically Beijing, leads the world in green building initiatives, forming colossal structures made with sustainable materials, biomimetic architecture, and other green building practices. The country provides subsidies and incentives for private and public structures alike, as seen in their famous Bird’s Nest Stadium, officially known as Beijing National Stadium.

Over the past decade, more and more countries are joining in the sustainable development initiative, providing incentives to builders who maintain green infrastructure practices in commercial and residential projects.

Finding Contractors

In many developed nations, many contractors have opted for green building practices. However, as green building is a relatively new segment of the construction industry, not all contractors can properly construct sustainable buildings to pass as green buildings.

The majority of green building projects cater to commercial and public spaces, but there are private homes that have integrated sustainability. As a homeowner, the most important aspect of constructing sustainability is to do your own research, and work with your chosen contractor and designers on the proper way to integrate biophilic urbanism into your home.

Green building is an astounding development, as we see the importance of continuing our environmentally friendly practices into the construction of our homes and infrastructures. With sustainability, we are ensuring that our structures build a better quality of life to future generations.

Explore Further: 

• What Is the Difference Between Architecture and Construction?
• Top 25 Architecture Projects of 2023: A Comprehensive List