Es inevitable: el ser humano tiene un impacto en el medio ambiente. De hecho, un grupo de arqueólogos de las Universidades de Washington y de Maryland, así como del Instituto Max Planck para la Ciencia de la Historia Humana, realizó recientemente un estudio que concluyó que incluso los cazadores recolectores y los primeros agricultores de hace 3.000 años ya alteraron de manera importante el planeta.
Today, this impact is much greater, which is why the term coined the term “Anthropocene” to define a new epoch that has just begun, in which human impact on the climate and biodiversity is leading us toward a situation with unpredictable consequences.
In light of this, it is important to take action to minimize the impact that most of our actions have on the planet. And one of the simplest ways to do this is to work toward limiting the effects of one of the sectors most harmful to the environment: the construction industry. How? Through sustainable architecture.
What is sustainable architecture?
Sustainable architecture creates architectural designs that aim to make use of natural resources to reduce the environmental impact caused by building construction. Therefore, it seeks to optimize the materials and bioclimatic parameters provided by the environment, as well as to improve construction techniques, so that both the process and the result are as sustainable as possible.
It is also commonly known as sustainable architecture , although they can actually be considered slightly different concepts. Sustainable architecture refers primarily to the energy and natural resources needed for construction . Sustainable architecture, on the other hand, focuses mainly on ensuring that the building is self-sustaining and that its use has a minimal impact on its surroundings .
Why is it important to invest in sustainable architecture?
According to data provided by the UN, following the COVID-19 pandemic, carbon dioxide emissions from the construction sector have rebounded and recently reached an all-time high. Specifically, this industry accounted for 34% of energy demand and approximately 37% ofCO2 emissionsassociated with energy and its operations in 2021. These emissions were up to 5% higher than in 2020 and 2% higher than the pre-pandemic peak in 2019.
Therefore, choosing sustainable architecture means taking a close look at this obvious problem and striving to improve a sector as important and necessary as construction. And in different ways: choosing sustainable materials reduces waste and allows the planet to replenish them, while developing environmentally friendly construction techniques and designs minimizes the impact of the architectural processes themselves.
What are the principles of sustainable architecture?
Let’s take a look at the characteristics that define sustainable architecture:
Environmental Study
The first step toward sustainable architecture is to gain a thorough understanding of the site where we will be building. Conducting a detailed study of this space provides us with valuable insights that will ensure our efforts are effective.
For example, assessing the climate conditions will help us choose appropriate materials and allow us to incorporate sustainable, energy-efficient solutions into the house. And assessing the available natural resources will make it easier for us to utilize them during construction—as is the case with water.
Seamless integration with the environment
Building on the previous point, architects can design their buildings to blend harmoniously with their surroundings. The goal is for them to appear as just another element of the landscape and to look as natural as possible.
Use of Environmentally Friendly Materials
By definition, building with sustainable materials is the best way to ensure that the construction process does not come at a “cost” to the planet. Using materials such as wood, clay, or plant fibers allows for the creation of environmentally “friendly” homes. It’s also usually more economical, because, for example, using recycled materials to clad ceilings, facades, or roofs is inexpensive and has a minimal impact on the environment.
Use of Local Resources and Minimization of Transportation
Transporting materials from where they are sourced to the processing site and from there to the construction site also has a significant environmental cost. Therefore, in sustainable architecture, it is important to use local materials and resources so that their transportation is kept to a minimum.
Comfort
Sustainable architecture also aims to make buildings comfortable from various perspectives: thermal, acoustic, and so on. Designing with the goal of eliminating—or at least reducing — thermal bridges will ensure that the building is well insulated, thereby facilitating more efficient energy use and proper temperature control.
In addition, it is also important to ensure proper use of natural light to limit the building’s reliance on electric lighting. Acoustic comfort is also essential so that the house is well insulated from outside noise and does not cause disturbances to future tenants.
Energy Efficiency During the Construction Process
Buildings should not only be designed to make the best use of energy through sustainable techniques. Their construction process itself must be designed to utilize renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power and even biomass and geothermal energy.
How is CULMIA committed to sustainable architecture?
At CULMIA, we are committed to sustainability in everything we do, which is why we strive to create environments that are environmentally friendly. Thus, our goal is to design and promote homes that stand out for:
- To achieve an energy rating that maximizes thermal comfort, improves the user’s quality of life, enables savings on energy consumption costs, and reducesCO2 emissions.
- To provide spaces with optimal environmental quality through measures such as noise reduction, optimization of lighting and air quality, and the use of sustainable materials, among others. This contributes to the comfort and health of our customers.
To that end, we are working through various lines of action:
Applying the BREEAM Method to Our Construction Projects
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) is the world’s leading method for assessing and certifying sustainable buildings. It establishes 49 building requirements across 10 categories (such as energy, water, materials, and health and well-being) to promote economic, health, and environmental benefits.
Creating and promoting our own health and sustainability certifications
We have two certificates of our own. Our Cuarzo certification defines the criteria by which a home is designed and built to meet people’s current health needs. Meanwhile, our Jade certification establishes the criteria for designing and building homes in accordance with current sustainability needs.
As a member of the GBCe
CULMIA is an associate member of the Green Building Council Spain (GBCe), a leading platform for collaboration and the transition toward a sustainable model in the construction sector.
Taking the LEED system into account
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) provides international certification and recognition that the building or project under review meets efficiency standards and satisfactorily fulfills its sustainability requirements.
Monitoring Energy Savings in Some Developments
Because we are concerned about energy consumption and thermal comfort in our homes, in addition to designing energy-efficient buildings, we also analyzed the actual energy consumption of homes in some of our developments over a two-year period. After this period, we provide our customers with a report on the results, along with a series of tips to help them achieve more responsible and efficient energy consumption.
Download our free guide to healthy housing and sustainable construction
If you have any questions about the sustainability of our developments, please don’t hesitate to contact us. And if you’d like more information about the relationship between architecture and the environment, we invite you to download our comprehensive guide on healthy living and sustainable construction here. We assure you it’s well worth it!
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