The Purest Evolutionary Step

What is Sustainable Architecture [to us]?

While the term ‘sustainable architecture’ is relatively young, its roots mirror that of humankind itself, and has evolved over time.As a means of protection from the environment, architecture developed in civilizations across the world through the use of natural resources available. Around the world, mankind learned how to harness their surroundings and adapt to the perils that nature threw at them. From the stone energy-efficient buildings of Mediterranean vernacular architecture to the use of natural alcoves as climate buffers in 17th century Northern European fishing villages [1], architecture was inherently sustainable due to its use of “low-energy, renewable and/or durable materials”.[2]

Subsequently, the last two hundred years have been characterized by the ‘standardization’ of architectural design using the cheapest and most finite materials out of necessity for economic growth and housing demand. The maximum future consideration was making the buildings long-lasting for purely economic benefit.

Nowadays, the construction industry accounts for 40% of energy-related CO² emissions with concrete contributing to roughly 10%.[3] While in recent decades, many architects have woken up to the reality of how architecture must be adapted to the global climate threat, such as the ‘Architecture 2030’ non-profit [4], the ‘zero-carbon house’ and vernacular materials and techniques being used in innovative ways in modern architecture [5], these examples are islands amongst the unsustainable sea of industrial, standardized architecture yet to budge. Furthermore, many buildings designated as ‘sustainable buildings’ are in reality ’not sustainable’ [6], with many under the far too prevalent ‘green-washing disguise’ [7] and others with sustainable intentions, but aren't close to what is necessary to reach targets such as the 30% reduction in the built environment’s energy intensity by 2030 to meet the 1.5 degree Celsius temperature rise goal of the Paris Climate Agreement.[8]

Rather than a set of principles, sustainable architecture is a process which has adapted throughout time out of necessity. Reducing the impacts of climate change is the biggest problem that architecture and all industries face in the 21st century and there is no alternative but to have a revolutionary shift of thought towards designing the future. It is not just about saving the planet, but about saving ourselves before it becomes too late. [9] It is for these reasons that we argue that sustainable architecture is the purest evolutionary step we need.

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