Sustainable Design

One of the most worthy objectives of responsible architecture is Sustainable Design, sometimes referred to as Green Building or Green Architecture.

‘Sustainable design’ aims to center on environmentally-conscious ways to design the buildings in which people live, work, and play. When buildings are designed with environmental sustainability in mind, they challenge architects to find as many ways to use renewable resources in order to heat, cool, and provide power to the building. Socially responsible architects also create structures that do as little damage to the environment as possible, aside from making sure that the buildings are beautiful, strong, comfortable and functional. As the human race steps boldly into the advanced technology age, his ability to create as many products as possible using sustainable architecture holds the key to keeping the planet ecologically-balanced and habitable for future generations.

Sustainable architecture employs many different concepts that have shown the capacity to limit the natural resources people consume while helping them to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Energy efficiency is usually a major concern in sustainable design and engineers use a wide range of methods and techniques to reduce or minimize the energy needs of their buildings. Many architects use ingenious and creative methods that allow some buildings to produce, store, and use their own energy. One of the most important elements for ensuring efficient energy use within a building is insulation. Proper and effective insulation allows a building to use less energy to warm, cool, or power it by minimizing energy loss. When unified to a good heating, air conditioning, and ventilating system—this combination alone can save a huge amount of money on utility bills and help with sustainability.

One of the most popular items used in sustainable architecture is the use of solar panels. Solar panels are an excellent way of capturing energy that can be used to heat, cool and power a building. It can also provide excess capacity that can be shared. Some companies offering solar panels will install the panels for free at their expense and, in exchange, collect the government subsidies. Solar power actually costs less than what you pay now for utility bills, with low, predictable, and locked-in rates. The savings can add up to thousands. Homeowners don’t need thousands to buy a solar power system, they only need a good roof. Creative architects are also working with ways to capture, store and use wind power in residential and commercial properties.

Sustainable Design is vital in mankind’s search for ways to save the planet. It also saves money on utility bills. These are small but important steps people can take to save the environment. If you are looking for a designer who can work creatively and efficiently on your Sustainable Design project, contact cynthia@ultramodernhomes.com.