Sustainable architecture guide: 2030 design principles

With buildings equating for an enormous fraction of the world’s carbon emissions, the focus for scientists, architects and environmentalists has been to develop strategies which increase the efficiency for singular built structures.

Throughout the 21st century, we have seen the rise of use of renewable energy sources, the translation of both active and passive design techniques into the building envelope, orienting windows to allow optimal sunlight and specifying climatically suitable materials which has been key in the move towards sustainable architecture.

This area continues to evolve at a rapid pace, where consideration for the ecosystem beyond a singular built structure has highlighted the profound impact sustainable architecture – and namely, the incorporation of environmental as well as social sustainability has on the built environment.

In terms of achieving efficiency through the different stages including materials, energy and space, thoughtful façade design plays a crucial role in producing high performing buildings and there are now many natural cladding products vital in pioneering the progression towards the future of built environments.