Greener building approaches
We find out which sustainability decisions architects are making
With global construction predicted to grow by 42% by the end of the decade, there’s never been a better time to build sustainably. We caught up with three architects to learn how specification approaches are evolving.
Green building schemes
Around the world, factors such as extreme weather events and societal shifts present a range of sustainability challenges. According to Sam Kumar, Dubai-based Associate Director at the multidisciplinary design practice U+A, cities across the Middle East face a host of environmental and sustainable challenges: “These range from water shortages to an increased carbon footprint due to rising energy consumption and motorisation.”
In response, Sam says there has been a growth in national sustainability standards that complement global certifications such as LEED® . These regional schemes include Estidama (Abu Dhabi), Al Sa’fat (Dubai), and Barjeel (Ras Al Khaimah).
“Building energy consumption in the region is impacted by cooling loads [the amount of heat that needs to be removed to keep the temperature consistent],” he adds. “The industry is looking to the potential of adaptive facades to provide optimum thermal comfort, both internally and externally.” You can read more from Sam about sustainable specification here.
Reducing embodied carbon
On its completion in 2022, Smart22@ in Barcelona, was recognised as Spain’s most intelligent building, achieving LEED Platinum certification. Juan Velasco is an Associate at GCA Architects, the practice that created the energy-efficient design for Smart22@.
Specifying quality materials that reduce and even avoid future maintenance work is important, according to Juan: “Given that our designs and buildings last over the years, we have to design in a very responsible way.”
Minimising the embodied carbon of Smart22@ was as important as ensuring operational efficiency. “We tried to use locally sourced materials,” he says. “When that wasn't possible, we aimed for materials from the closest locations available.”
While Smart22@’s design takes inspiration from traditional materials such as iron and terracotta, the building uses the latest technology to help minimise operational carbon. “We installed sensors to measure factors such as air quality, meeting room occupancy, and levels of natural light to help reduce electricity use,” Juan explains. The building’s utilities are linked to a smart app, which allows users to monitor the building’s energy performance.
Circular considerations
Some specification decisions aim to have positive impacts beyond the life of the building, as David Hurst, Project Director for UK-based architecture practice Darling Associates, explains.
“Taking apart the original components of a product and reusing them – in either the same or a completely different product – has environmental benefits,” he says. “Building façades represent an interesting opportunity. Often designed for only 20 to 30 years, they typically reach obsolescence well before the building is demolished and replaced,” he explains, highlighting how façade design can become more sustainable.
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