Sustainable House Design

According to the UN Environment’s Global Status Report of 2017, buildings, and construction account for more than 35% of global final energy use and nearly 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions. 

Architects can play a critical role in combating climate change by designing energy-efficient, sustainable buildings that reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

Sustainable building practices must be embedded into every aspect of the design process to create buildings which improves the health and well-being of the building’s occupants at the same time as reducing the negative effects of the building on the environment.

Initially this involves careful consideration of the approach to design. The size, orientation, layout, and conceptual approach to the design will establish the ground rules to ensure that the environmental and structural strategies work in harmony with the architecture. 

This foundational approach will then inform the approach to the building services to incorporate renewable and energy saving installations. Careful consideration of building materials to reduce heat gain and thermal losses will improve the occupant’s health and reduce environmental pollutants.