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Sustainability: Building Design

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue in building design as businesses and private individuals are more aware of the affect that their buildings and their local environment can have on the wider environment.

Buildings consume precious material resources and energy, and produce other wastes that are potentially damaging. The sustainable design and construction of buildings is a crucial factor in energy saving (heating, cooling, lighting). Building in a more sustainable way will save energy and assist in meeting targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Sustainable building design and construction also creates a comfortable, attractive and healthy place for people to live and work in. For example, there is increasing evidence that well managed buildings with natural ventilation help to promote health and wellbeing.

Increased energy, water and running costs for buildings and more demanding regulations also mean that it makes good commercial sense to anticipate requirements and aim for best practice and quality design.

Sustainable building design must incorporate:

• reduce overall energy use and maximise potential for Renewable Energy supply and use
• minimise waste and maximise reuse and recycling both during construction and after occupation
• conserve water resources, enhance Water quality, incorporate water sensistive design and minimise vulnerability to flooding
• minimise polluting emissions to water, air and soil and minimise noise and light Pollution
• maximise use of materials from sustainable sources