In the past few years, sustainable building design has moved from a niche consideration to a fundamental requirement in the AEC industry. As our community becomes increasingly aware of climate change and its challenges, the demand for buildings that minimize negative impacts on our planet has grown significantly. Sustainable building design aims to meet this demand by integrating eco-friendly practices throughout the entire lifecycle of a building.
So, what constitutes as sustainable building? According to the EPA, green building or sustainable building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life cycle from sitting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability and comfort.
All in all, a building is considered sustainable when it achieves a balance between reducing its environmental footprint and increasing the well-being of its users. This is achieved through careful planning and implementation of various strategies that prioritize efficiency, conservation, and innovation.
The goal of this guide is to help you set realistic sustainability goals for your projects and walk you through the key principles and strategies that will ensure your work stays resilient to the environmental challenges of the future.
How to set sustainable design goals
Setting clear sustainable design goals is essential for a project to meet its environmental objectives. But how exactly do you set your goals? Let's break it down into manageable steps to help guide you through the process.
Identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for sustainable building design
Start by identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which are measurable values that track the project's sustainability performance. Important KPIs can include reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, or obtaining a healthy indoor environment.
But how do you choose the right KPIs for your project? Consider the project's context, such as location and budget. For example, if your project is in a region with high energy costs, prioritizing energy efficiency might be most relevant. Similarly, in areas prone to water scarcity, water conservation should be a key focus. By tailoring KPIs to your specific circumstances, you ensure they are both relevant and feasible.
Developing a sustainable design plan
The next step is to develop a sustainable design plan for your project. Begin by clearly defining your objectives based on the chosen KPIs. To ensure that the plan aligns with their expectations and the project’s goals, engage stakeholders, including clients and design team members. Conduct a thorough site analysis to understand the environmental context and identify opportunities for integrating sustainable practices.
After defining your goals, the next step is to select strategies that address your KPIs (you will read more about a few key strategies below). For instance, using locally sourced materials can reduce transportation emissions if that's what you aim for. On the other hand, installing high-efficiency HVAC systems can significantly cut energy use if that's your primary concern.
Finally, make sure to establish a system to monitor progress, allowing for adjustments based on performance data and project developments. For example, regular energy audits can help track improvements and identify further opportunities for savings.
Sustainable design principles and strategies
Having established a base understanding of sustainable building design, we can now focus on actionable strategies to integrate into your projects. Here are some critical sustainable design strategies, their implementation methods, and the benefits they bring to your buildings and the environment.
1. Integrating renewable energy systems
Integrating renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines into your design can provide reliable, cost-effective energy. These systems work best when combined with passive design strategies that maximize natural energy use, such as orienting the building to capture the most sunlight.
Renewable energy systems reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions. This not only makes the building more sustainable but can also result in long-term cost savings on energy bills.
For example, The Bullitt Center in Seattle (which is one of the largest "net positive" energy buildings in the world) utilizes solar panels to generate more energy than it consumes annually.
Bullitt Center by Miller Hull. Photo credit: Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2. Implementing energy efficiency strategies
Natural lighting utilization and efficient lighting systems
Designing your building to take advantage of sunlight can significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting. For instance, placing windows strategically and using light shelves can enhance daylight penetration. Additionally, using energy-efficient lighting systems, such as LED lights and smart lighting controls, can further cut energy consumption and minimize waste.
Energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems
Implementing energy-efficient HVAC systems is another effective strategy. These systems, designed to use less energy for heating and cooling, can substantially reduce your building's overall energy consumption and lower emissions. Consider systems with variable-speed motors, high-efficiency filters and smart thermostats.
The Edge by PLP Architecture. Photo credit: AValečka, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3. Selecting sustainable building materials and construction techniques
Choosing the right materials can make a big difference. Environmentally conscious materials, such as those that are recycled or locally sourced, help reduce waste and promote sustainability. For example, using reclaimed wood or recycled metal not only minimizes environmental impact but also adds unique character to the building.
With the advanced rendering capabilities of the software available today, you can easily visualize how these materials will look in your design, helping you make informed choices about your projects.
Apart from materials, sustainable construction methods are essential too. A well-built structure by experienced professionals ensures longevity and efficiency. By focusing on precision and quality during the design and construction process, you can avoid issues that lead to waste and inefficiency.
4. Utilizing water conservation and management practices
Efficient water systems and greywater reuse
Water conservation is critical in sustainable design. Implementing efficient water systems that use low-flow fixtures and appliances can significantly reduce water use. Additionally, greywater reuse systems, which recycle water from sinks and showers for irrigation or toilet flushing, further minimize water waste and reduce the environmental impact of the building.
Environmentally conscious stormwater management
Stormwater management is also important. Techniques like porous pavement, green roofs, and retention ponds help manage runoff, reduce flooding risks, and promote groundwater recharge. These systems allow rainwater to be absorbed and filtered naturally, benefiting both the environment and the building.
The reusing of greywater can make the plumbing project quite complex and increase the possibility of intersecting with other piping or electricity traces. Luckily, you can utilize technology here too. For example, Enscape’s MEP capabilities can help address these complexities by providing detailed visualizations and simulations of the plumbing systems.
5. Creating healthy and productive indoor environments
Maximizing natural light and ventilation
Natural lighting and ventilation can improve indoor air quality and promote occupant well-being.
In fact, the lack of it has a visible impact. A recent study found that over a third of employees feel that they don’t get enough natural light in their workspace. 47% of employees admit they feel tired or very tired from the absence of natural light or a window at their office, and 43% report feeling gloomy because of the lack of light.
Design features like operable windows, skylights, and open floor plans can facilitate this. A prime example of this approach is the Amazon Spheres in Seattle. The Spheres incorporate abundant natural light through their extensive use of glass and maximize natural ventilation with their open-plan design and plant-filled spaces.
The Amazon Spheres by NBBJ. Photo credit: SounderBruce, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Indoor air quality management and biophilic design
Managing indoor air quality is crucial for human health and productivity. Using low-emission sustainable materials and incorporating indoor plants can significantly improve air quality and ensure appropriate ventilation. Plants not only filter pollutants but also add a touch of nature, creating a more pleasant environment.
This approach, known as biophilic design, integrates natural elements such as plants, natural light, and water features to enhance indoor environments. Biophilic design improves indoor air quality, reduces stress, and fosters a connection to nature, ultimately creating spaces that ensure occupant well-being and productivity.
6. Implementing waste reduction systems
Efficient waste management systems
Set up systems that make recycling and reuse easy for occupants. This includes providing clearly marked bins for different types of recyclables and composting facilities for organic waste. Educate occupants on proper sorting to enhance participation and effectiveness.
Material optimization and construction recycling
Carefully plan material use to minimize waste and recycle construction debris. Prefabrication can reduce offcuts, and materials like concrete, wood, and metals can be recycled or repurposed. Using materials with high recycled content creates a circular economy within your building projects, ensuring sustainability from start to finish.
7. Maximizing site potential
Leveraging location and natural landscape
Selecting a site that utilizes the natural landscape can positively affect sustainability. For instance, building on a site with existing natural features like trees and water bodies can reduce the need for additional landscaping and improve the building’s environmental integration. When designing a new building, a proper environmental 3D architectural model can be a firm base to start with.
Climate-responsive design strategies
Designing buildings to respond to the local climate can optimize energy use and improve occupant comfort. Using sunshades in hot climates or designing buildings to capture and store heat in colder regions can make a significant difference.
Keep in mind that you can leverage technology here too, to ensure a thorough analysis.
For example, when using Enscape with Revit, the Solar Study function allows designers to visualize the impact of sunlight and shadows on the building. This helps in understanding how the building’s shape, position and window placements interact with sunlight throughout the year, enabling informed decisions that enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Adaptive reuse of existing buildings
Adaptive reuse is on the rise as a sustainable approach to urban development. This practice reduces waste, promotes sustainability and preserves historical buildings by repurposing old structures for new uses.
As adaptive reuse becomes more relevant, leveraging BIM technology can facilitate the design process. BIM allows for detailed visualization and planning, enabling architects to accurately assess the existing building and plan modifications. This ensures that all changes, such as adding new systems or reconfiguring spaces, are seamlessly integrated into the building's existing framework, reducing the risk of structural issues and ensuring a successful project.
8. Designing for resilience and long-term sustainability
Designing for resilience and long-term sustainability ensures a building remains functional and efficient throughout its entire life cycle. This involves using durable materials that can withstand extreme weather, integrating renewable energy systems to reduce dependency on non-renewable resources, and designing flexible spaces that can be easily adapted for future needs.
Advanced technologies for monitoring and maintaining building systems can help prevent issues, ensuring efficient operation over time. This approach can help create buildings that are robust and sustainable for the long term.
By understanding and implementing these sustainable strategies, you can create buildings that not only minimize their environmental impact but also enhance the well-being of their occupants. This holistic approach ensures that your projects contribute positively to both the environment and society, helping to combat climate change through reduced carbon footprints and improved resource efficiency.
9. Utilizing technology to make smart early design decisions
This guide has continuously highlighted the importance of utilizing technology to set and reach your project’s sustainability goals, and there is a good reason why. By incorporating building performance analysis early on, architects can make more informed decisions that significantly improve project outcomes. And to do proper building performance analysis, it’s important to choose the right tools.
A new standout software for this purpose is Enscape Impact. Developed by IES and Chaos, Enscape Impact combines energy modeling with real-time rendering. This allows architects to integrate energy analysis into their design workflow, making early-stage decisions based on energy efficiency, simulated energy use, and carbon emissions data. For example, architects can see in real time how choosing different materials or changing the building orientation affects the overall energy efficiency and carbon footprint of their design. Then, they can opt for a decision that works best for both their sustainability and design goals.
If you are interested in trying out Enscape Impact, you can sign up for the beta version here.
Enscape Impact: Demonstrating Energy End Use
Sustainable building certifications
A good way to ensure your building meets high sustainability standards is to check whether it qualifies for well-recognized certifications. These certifications evaluate various aspects of building performance, from energy efficiency to occupant well-being. Here are some of the key certifications:
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): Widely recognized, the LEED Certification assesses energy use, water efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
- BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): Focuses on environmental performance across categories like energy, health and materials.
- Green Star: Primarily used in Australia and New Zealand, evaluates energy and water efficiency, indoor environment quality and innovation.
- WELL Building Standard: Concentrates on the health and well-being of building occupants through factors like air, water, light and comfort.
By pursuing these certifications, you can ensure your building meets rigorous sustainability and environmental standards, contributing positively to both the environment and society.
Building a greener future: the bottom line
With global warming and climate change as primary concerns today, sustainable building design is no longer just an option—it's a necessity. By integrating eco-friendly practices throughout a building's lifecycle, we can create structures that minimize environmental impact and enhance occupant well-being. From setting sustainable design goals with clear KPIs to implementing features like renewable energy systems and sustainable materials, each of these steps contributes to a greener, healthier planet.
Leveraging technology can significantly aid in the planning and execution of sustainable designs. With tools like Enscape Impact, early design analysis becomes possible, ensuring that the right decisions are made from the start and that sustainability goals are met efficiently and effectively.
A free open beta of Enscape Impact is now available. Learn more about it here.
