Author Name : Myra Malhotra
Climate change has become a critical problem that is affecting every sector of industries. With rising temperatures worldwide, the way we construct and design buildings is being forced to adapt. Designing a building is no longer just about the aesthetics and the layout, it affects the future of our planet as well. Global issues such as heatwaves, earthquakes, flooding, etc. are compelling designers to change their approach.
There are several ways in which architects can help mitigate the effects of climate change. One of the most significant ways an architect can do this is by designing energy-efficient buildings. Not only does this reduce carbon emissions, but it will also bring down the cost of energy. Buildings are major consumers of energy. They use up to approximately 40% of total energy consumption worldwide. Making buildings more energy efficient would lead to a drastic reduction in energy consumption. It would also limit the negative effects of energy generation on the environment. Architects can give priority to the passive techniques that capitalize on natural elements like sunlight and wind to minimize a building’s energy consumption.
Material selection is equally important. Architects are increasingly turning to low-carbon alternatives such as mass timber instead of steel and concrete. Opting for materials with lower embodied energy, like sustainably sourced or reclaimed wood, recycled steel, bamboo, clay, or eco-friendly insulation, significantly decreases a building’s overall carbon footprint. For example, choosing materials like aluminium sunshades can lower energy consumption by at least 10% as they reduce the need for frequent heating and cooling. New technologies, from carbon-absorbing concrete to bio-based insulation, are being deployed in projects beyond the experimental stage, establishing the groundwork for reducing a building’s embodied carbon from the ground up.
Constructing net-zero buildings is a significant way in which architects can help combat climate change. These buildings produce as much energy as they consume, resulting in zero carbon emissions. Achieving net-zero requires careful planning and design, as well as the use of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources. The total emissions of greenhouse gases throughout the whole life cycle of the building, starting from raw material extraction up to operation and demolition, are minimized down to zero. It is possible due to emissions reduction by using on-site renewable energy sources or carbon offsets.
The arc at Green School, Bali, is one of the many examples where architects have used all natural materials in the construction, minimizing carbon emissions. The intricate roof is made entirely from bamboo. The project is a testament to the role of architects in combating climate change and setting up new standards in our built environment.
The Glorieta Cibeles Tower is another such example. It’s a complete upcycle of a structure abandoned after the historic 1985 earthquake. The intervention demonstrated that old deteriorated structures can be restored while exceeding all the current requirements of comfort, efficiency, sustainability, resiliency, and flexibility, becoming an example of urban recovery and renewal.
Architects do not just build buildings anymore; they create the future for the planet. The decisions architects make, whether they be regarding energy use or building materials, contribute to making the future of cities sustainable and prepared for the upcoming problems that will occur. From designing energy-efficient buildings to constructing net-zero buildings, the industry is showing that innovation and sustainability can coincide. In light of global warming and climate change, architecture needs to step up to the plate and start designing for the future.
