sustainable architecture, definition of

A general term that describes environmentally-conscious design techniques in the field of architecture. Sustainable architecture is framed by the larger discussion of sustainability and the pressing economic and political issues of our world. In the broad context, sustainable architecture seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space. Most simply, the idea of sustainability, or ecological design, is to ensure that our actions and decisions today do not inhibit the opportunities of future generations.

This term can be used to describe an energy and ecologically conscious approach to the design of the built environment.

Wikipedia Entry

• Surry Hills Library wins Sustainable Architecture Award
  The Surry Hills Library and Community Centre in Sydney, Australia was recently awarded the 2010 National Award for Sustainable Architecture by the Australian Institute of Architects.

• The most sustainable building in Germany is a timber beauty
  Germany's most sustainable building is in Berlin, and it's a beauty. The EDGE Suedkreuz Berlin is a seven-story office complex consisting of two buildings comprising 32,000 square meters of floor space. It has been built by TCHOBAN VOSS Architekten using...
• What are the advantages of having a green home in the US?
  With a current zeitgeist around environmental protections and sustainability, more homeowners than ever are focused on green design and eco-friendly features...
• Marvel at this prefabricated architecture dome for events
  With a focus on minimal site impact and environmental protection, the Darwin Bucky project sets a standard for sustainable modular architecture. [...]
• How to become a sustainable architect in 3 easy steps
  If you care about climate change, you may have considered becoming a sustainable architect. But how do you become a sustainable architect, and what does that look like in practice? Here is our step-by-step guide to pursuing a career in sustainable architecture.[...]
• Two eco-focused higher education buildings in Utah
  Architectural and design firm MHTN has a record of introducing sustainably-minded solutions that embrace the function of the building while reducing its environmental impact...
• 5 reasons why building green is the best way forward
  Each year, the construction industry accounts for 6.9 billion U.S. tons of greenhouse gas emissions. This quantity is only surpassed by the transport and energy industries. To minimize our construction footprint, green building is becoming increasingly...
• This architect has spent two decades on sustainable design
  Any little thing you can do to be more sustainable is a good thing, such as placing a barrel outside to capture rainwater for watering the garden or landscaping plants...

Related Tags: sustainable, esd, architecture, green building