13th Sep 2024
Sustainable design has introduced game changing technologies and innovation to the construction sector that drive environmental change.
Architects, property developers and contractors are tasked with using sustainable design to push the boundaries of creativity and functionality, and achieve whole life performance (WLP) of buildings.
What, then, are the principles of sustainable design and how do they impact the UK built environment?
The UK Green Building Council describes sustainable design as, “the purposeful design of buildings
and places that minimise harmful environmental impacts, drastically reduce carbon emissions, and positively increase health, wellbeing, nature and biodiversity, and social value throughout their lifecycles”.
Sustainable design is central to meeting global net zero carbon emission targets and mitigating construction’s environmental impact. Its key objectives of increasing energy efficiencies and conserving natural resources for the long term form a holistic approach to reducing the 25% of UK emissions that are directly attributable to the built environment.
In promoting a holistic approach to sustainable design, research by the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds states that energy efficient buildings can only be achieved by reducing both embodied carbon and operational energy, ‘through optimised structural design, eco-friendly materials, recycled components and improving reclamation of components’.
To optimise the outcomes of energy efficiencies, building services must be integrated in the early stages of the design process. Green, renewable energy sources such as solar electric, solar thermal, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines drastically reduce a building’s carbon footprint.
The use of sustainable building materials, rather than the depletion of natural resources, is key to truly sustainable design. The carbon emissions produced through manufacturing and transport can be avoided by buying recycled and recyclable materials, locally.
Water is a valuable natural resource. A sustainable building should limit water pollution. Efficient plumbing systems, water-saving technologies and rainwater harvesting conserve and protect water as a natural resource.
Sustainable design should specify ways in which construction teams can minimise waste on site. Materials should be sourced and manufactured responsibly, and the entire lifecycle of the build design should be taken into account including demolition.
Sustainable building designs must meet certain legislation and standards criteria, most notably UK Building Regulations (Part L) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) certification.
Part L of the Building Regulations refers to the conservation of fuel and power, including air permeability, insulation, boiler efficiency, hot water storage, lighting efficiency, ventilation and air conditioning, and solar heat.
A BREEAM certification recognises that a building’s design has considered sustainability elements such as energy and water use, sustainable materials, waste management, pollution, ecology and transport.
BedZED in South London is considered ‘the UK’s first major sustainable community’ of 100 homes, office space, a college and community facilities. Sustainable communities save energy and water, and reduce waste. BedZED is considered a global inspiration for the sustainable design of housing developments.
Passivhaus is a proven solution of net zero-ready new and existing buildings that use little energy for heating and cooling. It adopts ‘a whole-building approach with clear, measured targets, focused on high-quality construction’.
Balancing the construction cost of sustainable design and legislation with the benefits of sustainable practices and the integration of renewable energy, will create challenges for the future of sustainable design.
However, as found in a study in the International Journal of Progressive Research in Engineering, Management and Science the attractiveness of whole life improved building performance will futureproof sustainable design.
Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP) Membership
The CCBP is dedicated to driving positive change across the UK’s built environment. Our members are at the forefront of influence and innovation, regularly contributing evidence-based reports around industry-leading areas of interest.
Find out more about member benefits and how you can help us drive change.
References