Green Architecture: What it is and its importance

GREEN ARCHITECTURE

At some point in your daily life, you have probably encountered the term "green architecture" being tossed around whether in the social media or public conversations, academic contexts or even in the construction industry, but have you ever wondered what green architecture actually stands for?

 If so then, be sure to stick to the end of this blog, and you will have a clear and complete understanding of its meaning, purpose and impact on the world we build.

What is green architecture? 

The term green architecture has been interchangeably used with other terms and phrases such as sustainable architecture, Eco-friendly architecture, climate responsive design, green building among others. But what does this phrase really entail? 

Many people view green architecture as an approach to designing buildings that are purely made of traditional materials like timber and clay. However, as much as it could be hard to believe, an entirely post-modern building made of high tech materials can be scaled as much "greener' than a traditional one.

But how is this possible? Doesn't green architecture entail having some "green roofs" or the use of renewable materials and the inclusion of solar panels where possible? How can then an entirely post-modern building be more sustainable than a traditional one? The answer lies on on how the "greenness" of a building is measured.

Photo: the use of solar panels in green architecture

The degree to which a building is considered sustainable depends on how efficiently the building interacts with its surrounding environment, not merely by the materials used in its construction. Therefore, a green design is an efficient design, meaning that it aims to achieve more (positivity) while causing less( negativity). And that's the entire point.

More of natural lighting and less of artificial lighting, more of recycled and local materials and less of new or imported materials, more of renewable energy band less of fossil fuel dependence, more of natural air ventilation and less of mechanical air conditioning...and so on. Just do more good with less harm, achieve more comfort, efficiency and beauty while using fewer materials, less energy consumption and causing least negative impacts if the building to its surrounding.

Green buildings and occupants 

Green architecture is not only an approach to only protect the biosphere and the resources from over-consumption or just to save energy and cut down on fuel costs. Buildings entail occupants, right? Then what's the whole point of protecting the surrounding environment or cutting down on fuel costs if the impact of the spaces we create to the occupants is not taken into consideration?

 In as much as green buildings are meant to have the least impact on their surroundings in various ways, which include but not limited to reducing pollution, waste and carbon emissions, water and energy conservation, resource conservation among others, they also don't forget their occupants.

Photo: integration of nature into interior spaces.

 

 Sustainable buildings take their users into consideration through their design. They focus on having the best aspects in terms of indoor air quality, thermal comfort in their spaces achieved via passive strategies as well as comfortable acoustic properties that enhance productivity of their occupants. 

They also maximize the use of natural lighting as opposed to artificial lighting, which improves the overall well being of the occupants. In addition to this, they also tend to connect the interior spaces to the external environment, thus merging the built environment with the natural environment.

How green buildings perform 

 Now that we have seen how green buildings aim to protect both the natural environment and the occupants, we should also look into how they also take care of themselves. Remember, a well must be full before it can quench others' thirst and that's no different case from our green buildings. Although active human maintenance cannot be fully evaded, their design aim to make this maintenance process easier and less demanding in terms of resources.

These Eco-friendly buildings collect and reuse rainwater automatically, they utilize passive temperature regulation strategies and other smart technology devices that monitor and regulate their lighting or energy use. They are built of durable materials whose longevity minimizes on the on the need for frequent repairs and or replacements. 

They employ the use smart systems that monitor their performance hence minimizing daily or regular manual check-ups. Ideally, green buildings work with the people and nature, and not against them.

Therefore, the notion that green buildings are meant to entirely take care of themselves is not entirely true, because green architecture still needs human active maintenance in order to thrive best. Even the sun still needs the earth in order to cast a shadow, and therefore, while green buildings are self-sustaining in various ways, they are never self-existing and a little help from humans makes a whole difference.

Sustainability and the community 

Every community fights to maintain their unique identity, and green architecture helps exactly with that. For a building to be termed as Eco-friendly, one of its aspects is that it has to co-exist harmoniously with its surrounding context.

Sustainable designs aim at creating such buildings. They keep the culture of the people at the heart of their design. They source information from the surrounding context, and use it to create spaces that resonate with the culture of its occupants. Green architecture creates spaces that bring people together, not to separate them. 

Photo: use of courtyards to bring people together

Green buildings bring life and community into their spaces through various strategies  including but not limited to use of local materials, climate responsiveness, integration of traditional techniques, creation of spaces that encourage social interactions such as parks and courtyards among many others. It is architecture for the people, which not only celebrates identity and connection, but also tells the everyday stories of the people who dwell within its walls.

Economic value of green architecture 

Let's not forget about the economical value of green architecture. The initial cost of constructing a green building may be overwhelming. This is as a result of the amount of investment done in the materials and systems used to achieve a sustainable design. However, this cost is usually worth it as it pays off in the long run.

The economic value of green architecture is achieved in various ways. First, it is in the ability of green buildings to to reduce energy and water consumption through the use efficient systems and conservation technologies as well as utilization of renewable energy sources. The less dependence on fossil fuels thus lowers utility bills in the long run and ensures  running costs stability despite the ever fluctuating fuel prices.

Sustainable buildings also enhance property value as green buildings are more likely to attract higher market demand and resale prices. They are more competitive in the real estate market as buyers, tenants and homeowners prefer more sustainable Eco-friendly buildings.

Sustainable buildings are also made of more durable and sustainable materials, which resist the environmental impacts of their surroundings, and thus preserving the value of such property over a long period time which results in a positive impact on the property's resale price.

Other economic impacts of green buildings are seen in the use of natural lighting as opposed to artificial lighting and the utilization of better indoor air quality. This may have a direct impact on the users of a space by improving their overall well-being hence improving their work productivity.

We call all agree that green architecture is a sustainable approach to design that aims at promoting the overall human well-being  in addition to preserving the environment at its best. green architecture strives to achieve a balance between environmental sustainability, economic efficiency and human well-being. It goes beyond its environmental roles to promote not only social but also economic benefits by promoting healthier living spaces and cost-effective buildings in the long run.

Green architecture therefore bridges the gap between human innovations and environmental responsibility, thus shaping a future where design and sustainability co-exist harmoniously.

I hope this blog has helped you understand what green architecture is and why it matters. I'll really appreciate hearing your thoughts. Did you find this post helpful? Please share your feedback in the comments below.