Green architecture, or green design, is sustainable architecture. The “green” architect or designer attempts to safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices.
It is all about incorporating earth-friendly materials, natural ventilation, and more natural daylight into the buildings we live, work, and play in. Green architecture contributes a fair share of effort towards mitigating climate change and environmental damages that are slowly destroying our planet.
Consciously designed to minimise negative environmental impacts, green architecture champions the principles of moderation and efficiency in energy and resource use, building materials, and even the effects and impacts on the natural ecosystem in which a building resides.
Energy efficiency can be increased in a variety of ways: for example, by orienting buildings to take full advantage of seasonal changes in the sun’s position and by the use of diversified and regionally appropriate energy sources, which may – depending on geographic location – include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, water, or natural gas.
The most desirable materials are those that are recycled or renewable and those that require the least energy to manufacture. The best scenario is that they are locally sourced and free from harmful chemicals. These materials are made of non-polluting raw ingredients and are durable and recyclable.
Architecture 2030 is a non-profit organization established by the architect Edward Mazria. Its goal is that all new buildings, developments and major renovations are carbon-neutral by 2030. According to Mazria, this target can be accomplished by implementing innovative sustainable design strategies, generating renewable power on-site and/or purchasing renewable energy.