Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture is an integrated part of sustainable development, which is an

important concern today. Sustainable development meets the needs and demands of life without
sacrificing conditions and resources for people in future generations.
Making a design in sustainable architecture can’t be done poorly. It needs to fulfil the
requirements, so that people who live there are safe and not in danger. The requirements are :
a. Site & Land Use
Site & Land Use is related to the wise management of land in the design and development process so
that it does not cause environmental damage in the future due to the development.
b. Community
Community is related to social life. Architects need to pay attention to the social impact of erecting a
building somewhere, how the surrounding community reacts to the building.
c. Health and Well-being
A building must not cause a bad health impact on the surrounding environment, both for humans and
other living things, so the health aspect is a matter of great concern.
d. Materials (Building Materials)
Sustainable architecture is related to the selection of sustainable materials, not damaging the
environment if the materials are used and materials with low energy and production costs.
e. Energy
The use of renewable energy is highly recommended in sustainable architecture, for example the
installation of solar panels on roofs. In addition, energy saving in buildings is also important, so it is
necessary to have an energy-efficient design, such as maximizing sunlight during the day to reduce
the use of lights.
f. Water
Sustainable architecture is also required to be very wise in the use of water. Not all regions of the
world have adequate water sources, so wise water use, water recycling and storing water reserves for
the dry season are one of the sustainable building strategies

Purpose and Benefit

Sustainable design can improve the quality of life by eliminating the need for non-renewable
energy. When a design solution includes sustainable energy to improve that design function, the work
is done for free. It is a way of understanding and connecting with location, environmental conditions
and places.
First of all, our homes and buildings have an impact on carbon emissions. The United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) recently confirmed that our homes and buildings produce 40% of
the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, a sustainable design strategy is essential to reduce
environmental damage. Every home construction requires or consumes a lot of natural resources
during construction and uses enormous energy throughout its life.

Example – Potato Head

Material Example - Ecobricks

Building materials such as straw, bamboo, recycled plastic, wood, ferrock, blown-in
fiberglass, sustainably harvested wool, trass, concrete, sheep wool, panels made from paper chips,
clay, hemp linen, seagrass, coconut, wood fiber plates, calcium sandstone, local stone available are
some of the sustainable building materials.
Sustainable architecture also includes the use of recycled materials such as reclaimed wood
and recycled copper or recycled metals. It is also important to see if certain materials can be fully or
partially recycled or can be recycled and used or not.
One of the many material, there’s one type of material that we can easily find. It’s called
Ecobricks. An ecobrick is a plastic bottle densely packed with used plastic to create a reusable
building block that achieves plastic sequestration.The concept behind ecobricks is to utilize and
upcycle post consumer plastic, benefiting our Earth. These plastic bottles are precisely packed with
clean and dry used plastic to avoid the growth of bacteria. Ecobricks can be used to produce various
items, including furniture, garden walls and other structures. These plastic packed bottles are
produced primarily as a means of managing consumed plastic by sequestering it and containing it
safely, by terminally reducing the net surface area of the packed plastic to effectively secure the
plastic from degrading into toxins and microplastics.
Not only do Ecobricks help reduce plastic waste, they also help clean up lower income
communities that have been polluted with plastic. Ecobricks have been used to build gardens,
furniture, and even schools. The ecobricks website talks about a project using ecobricks to build a
park almost five years ago in April 2019. This Ecobrick build project took place in Probolinggo, East
Java, Indonesia. Thirty-three GEA (Global Ecobrick Alliance) trainers and 200 volunteers gathered at
a park in Probolinggo, East Java to build a seating and garden area. They used a total of 1200
ecobricks, other organic materials and cement to create a mandala seating arrangement.

Advantages

A. The Rising Popularity of Sustainable Architecture

With our society’s increasing concern for the environment, it’s no surprise that green building
continues to grow in popularity and you may be wondering what is green design? From residential
structures to corporate facilities, architects are discovering new sustainable design processes to
preserve our ecosystem while reducing our carbon footprint. Here are ten benefits of green building
and green construction practices and how this architectural trend can protect the generations of
tomorrow:
B. Improved Indoor Environment: Quality of Life
 When it comes to our quality of life, it’s no secret that our surroundings have a major impact on
our health. Over the past several decades, designers around the globe have made massive progress,
developing sustainable architecture that can dramatically affect the inhabitants of such buildings and
drastically reduce the negative environmental impact that buildings may have. From interior design
elements like improved lighting sources, thermal conditions, ergonomic features and even upgraded
air quality, occupants residing or working in green structures have experienced a marked
improvement in their health, stress levels and overall quality of life.
C. Saving Water: Reduce, Reuse, Replenish
Another tangible benefit of sustainable building: water efficiency. Research shows that green
architecture can not only reduce water waste through water-efficient plumbing fixtures but also reduce
the strain on shared water resources. By installing specially-engineered systems to purify water, it
enables water recycling and also allows for alternative sources of water (such as rainwater). These
developments not only save this vital natural resource but protect clean water sources for the future.
D. Enhanced Health: Eco-Friendly For Life
Living in a sustainable building can save your life – literally. According to studies, people who reside
in green structures experience a myriad of health benefits due to the eco-friendly materials utilized in
construction. For example, green buildings avoid using building materials that may contain harmful
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or plastic by-products which have been known to release toxic
fumes and carcinogens into the atmosphere. These dangerous materials are linked to respiratory
disease, allergies, and other health disorders, and in extreme cases, an increased risk of cancer.
E. Reducing The Strain: Shared Resources, Increased Efficiency
With our planet’s ever-increasing population (particularly in large cities across the globe), our local
shared resources are being threatened as demands continue to grow. Based on the advancements and
sustainable practices and technologies developed by ingenious architects worldwide, vital resources
such as water and energy are being protected. By increasing efficiency, green structures are capable of
reducing the environmental impact on such resources, which can potentially be protected and
preserved for future generations.
F. Reduced Operational Cost and Maintenance: Traditional vs. Green
One of the greatest benefits of green buildings are their lower maintenance costs – featuring specially-
engineered design elements to lower energy consumption and help reduce energy cost and water bills
for each occupant. These efficient structures can save corporate and residential owners a bundle.
Although the expense required for building owners to build such structures may be initially higher
than traditional non-green forms of architecture, the cost over the long term is recovered
exponentially.
G. Energy-Efficient: Non-Renewable vs. Natural Resources
As a green architect, energy efficiency is a primary goal in green building design. Developing
structures that derive their energy from natural sources – such as the sun, wind, and water – is
extremely beneficial to the environment, protecting the ecosystem from pollution associated with non-
renewable sources (such as oil and coal). An added benefit: non-renewable energy sources are not
only toxic but costly, while their energy-efficient counterparts (such as solar energy vs. traditional
electricity) can save thousands over the lifetime costs of the infrastructure.
H. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Saving The Planet One Step At A Time
There has been an increase in large corporations opting for green initiatives. According to
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings account for 30% of all greenhouse gas
emissions in the United States. Landlords and large businesses have taken heed, as increasing
sustainability is an opportunity to do something positive for both business and society as a whole.
I. Keep It Clean: Protecting Our Ecosystem
Global warming has been a growing concern for a number of years, and it’s no wonder – our planet
has seen a drastic depletion of our natural resources, while pollution and the consequent climate-
change is at an all-time high. Sustainable architecture is not only energy-efficient and healthier for its
inhabitants, but it also benefits the planet. By reducing our reliance on non-renewable resources
(fossil fuels such as coal and oil), green architecture can actually promote and maintain a cleaner
environment.
J. Efficient & Sustainable Material: Minimal Use For Maximum Impact
Upcycling has taken the architectural world by storm – by using recycled material and reusing
resources (and even repurposing old structures), sustainable architects, engineers, and green designers
are tapping into existing resources to reduce carbon footprints and save natural resources. By
implementing sustainable strategies into the design process, like reducing waste, preserving natural
resources (such as water and wood), protecting our air supply, and limiting energy use, green building
companies can create extremely efficient structures that can withstand the test of time.
K. Durability For The Green Homeowner: Built To Last
For educated homeowners, going green is a no-brainer: from energy and water savings and improved
air quality to overall durability, sustainable materials have been proven time and time again to last
longer. Green materials (such as recycled decking and roofing) not only endure for years exposed to
the elements but require much less maintenance. In addition, because many of them are free from
harmful chemical treatments, they are healthier for the environment (and the inhabitants they serve).

Disadvantages
 Higher initial cost: The initial cost of sustainable architecture techniques and buildings can be
slightly higher than the conventionally used methods.
 Funding: Sustainable methods generally have a hard time getting funds from banks as many
techniques are still considerably new.
 Location: Since green buildings depend on the sun for energy, they need to be located in a
position that will have the best sun exposure which may demand placing them opposite to
other neighborhood homes.
 Availability: Some sustainable materials and technologies may not be readily available in all
areas.
 No air cooling features: Some sustainable buildings may not have air cooling features.
 A long time to construct: Sustainable buildings may take longer to construct than traditional
buildings.
 The cost of construction: Sustainable buildings may be more expensive to construct than
traditional buildings.

Summary
 Sustainable Architecture is a concept that can benefit the environment with its recycling
concept. Using materials that are wasted, but converted into a building component that adds aesthetic
value and does not harm the environment, like ecobricks made from plastic bottle waste. However,
this concept is still under development. Building materials need to be tested for their durability and
durability, so that the residents of the building can maintain their health, security and safety

DI [GIDAW] ALOG

Characters: Ary, Giri, Manadi, Bhargo, Agra. Wija

 Maya: Architecture major interested in green building design.
 Jaden: Environmental science major passionate about climate action.
 Lily: Civil engineering major, focused on construction materials.
 Carlos: Urban studies major, fascinated by sustainable city planning.
 Zara: Interior design major, focused on eco-friendly interiors.
 Sam: Business major, curious about the economics of sustainability.

Manadi : Hey Bhargo, working on your studio project ?

Bhargo : Yes, me and Agra have been working on the design concept but nothing comes out
of our mind, any ideas?
Manadi : Sure! What’s your design want to be?
Agra : I want it to be unique, new concept that rarely been done, but still have some aesthetics
value to the building. The one concept that has beauty but environmental friendly. How abou that?
Manadi : Maybe you can try a sustainable concept, i’ll ask Ary and Giri for help
Bhargo : Thanks man, we’ll wait.

(Ary, Giri, and Wija come into the class)

Wija : Good morning

Ary : Hey there. Somethings in the mind?
Manadi : I want you guys to help about sustainable architecture.
Giri : Oh i know this one. Sustainable Architecture is a concept where we use a renewable or
recycle one to be the materials
Ary : And it can be for the structure or the furniture.
Wija: That’s right. It can be a solution to so many environmental problems. Imagine
designing buildings that produce more energy than they use. Considering that buildings are such a
huge part of the carbon problem. I mean, they account for, like, 40% of global energy consumption,
right? If we can make architecture more sustainable, we could drastically cut emissions.
Giri : True, and it’s not just about energy use. It’s also about the materials we use to construct
buildings. Concrete and steel, for example, are huge carbon emitters. I’m really interested in
alternative materials like recycled plastics or cross-laminated timber that are way more eco-friendly.
Bhargo : Ahh I see. So it can improve the quality of life by eliminating the need for non-
renewable energy right?
Agra : Maybe you have some examples about the concept?
Manadi : Remember Potato Head?
(WEEE ISI YANG POTATO HEAD COK AKU MAU PROGRESS)
Carlos: Yeah, but we also have to look at the bigger picture. Sustainable architecture has to fit
into the context of sustainable cities. What’s the point of a green building if the surrounding
infrastructure isn’t designed for things like public transit or renewable energy grids?
Zara: I agree. But sustainability doesn’t just stop at the building’s structure. As an interior
design student, I think we need to consider sustainable choices on the inside too—like using non-
toxic, renewable materials for furniture and finishes, and designing interiors that make the most of
natural light and ventilation. It’s the full package!
Sam: Hmm, you all make it sound really cool, but I always wonder about the costs. Do
people actually want to pay more for sustainable buildings, or is it still seen as a luxury thing? As a
business major, I feel like the economics of it all is what really drives change.
Maya: That’s a fair point, Sam. But I think things are shifting. While green buildings might
have higher upfront costs, they save a lot of money in the long run. Energy efficiency, lower
maintenance costs, healthier environments—people are starting to see the value in that.
Jaden: And let’s not forget the urgency of climate change. Governments and businesses are
starting to put more money into sustainability because they have to, not because they want to. Policies
are pushing for stricter regulations, and that’s making sustainability a more standard practice rather
than an option.
Lily: Plus, advancements in technology are helping lower costs. Solar panels, for instance,
have gotten way cheaper over the years. I imagine in the future, things like green roofs or rainwater
harvesting systems will be a lot more affordable, too.
Carlos: Also, we’ve got to think beyond just one building. Neighborhoods designed with
sustainability in mind—like integrating public transport, walkability, and energy-efficient
infrastructure—make it easier for everyone to live sustainably without it costing a fortune. It’s about
planning for the long term.
Zara: Exactly. We need to think of sustainability as an integrated process. It’s not just about
slapping on a solar panel and calling it green. From the materials in the walls to how people use the
space inside, it all has to be thought through.
Sam: I’m starting to see that now. Even from a business perspective, people are looking at
sustainability more holistically. If developers can market a building as healthier, cheaper to maintain,
and better for the planet, it’s a win for both the environment and the bottom line.
Maya: Yeah! That’s why I’m so excited about this field. Architecture is such a creative way to
address these global issues. We get to shape the future of cities, homes, and even how people live.
 Jaden: And we kind of have to, don’t we? If we’re going to meet global climate goals,
sustainable architecture will have to be a big part of the solution. Every new building should be
designed with the planet in mind.
Lily: And that means rethinking everything—from materials to energy systems. I love that
we’re entering a time when innovation in architecture can lead to real, positive environmental change.
Carlos: Right, and the challenge is to make sustainable design the new normal. It’s up to us to
change how people think about cities, buildings, and how they interact with the environment.
Zara: Yeah, and if we can make sustainable choices desirable and accessible to everyone, it
could totally transform how we live.
Sam: You know, after hearing all of this, I’m definitely more convinced that the future is
green. And maybe the economics aren’t just about profits today, but about creating a better, more
sustainable world tomorrow.