The Benefits of Working with an Eco Friendly Architect
In this blog post we look at the benefits of working with an Eco Friendly Architect and how they can help to set you on the right path. Devastating environmental news highlights the increasing crucial importance of the construction of the buildings we live in and the role they play in reducing carbon emissions. But where do we start?
What is Sustainable Design?
Construction and renovation, along with maintenance and energy for running buildings, contributes greatly to the carbon demands. The 2017 UN Environment’s global status report estimates 35% of CO2 emissions come from buildings and construction. So, it is no longer enough to add a few sustainable additions as an afterthought. Sustainability must be embedded in every element of the design process. Working with an experienced eco friendly architect will ensure that this happens.
The most sustainable designs benefit from a fabric first approach. It starts before specification, with a design which minimises the use of materials both in the construction and subsequent maintenance of the building. Once material selection starts, it’s looking at durability, longevity and embodied carbon. It’s not about creating bland abominations but a thoughtful process to avoid identikit design, unsuitable for the location and climate. Passivhaus is a fabric first approach.
Protecting the environment
Truly sustainably designed buildings go beyond reducing the negative effects of construction. Passivhaus certification will ensure that a building is achieving the most energy efficient results possible, especially when the plus or premium levels are achieved. But truly sustainable design transcends the walls of the building to protect existing habitats, enhancing biodiversity and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
The symbiotic nature of the building with the environment has long been understood. For example, Ancient Moorish architecture used evaporative cooling to withstand extreme temperatures. The modern sustainability movement emerged in the 20th century with architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright championing organic architecture, seamlessly integrating buildings with the natural environment. And the exploration of efficiency and functionality by the Bauhaus movement. Today, Passivhaus architects, and biophilic designers are pushing boundaries, highlighting the importance of the natural environment within the construction field. The benefits of working with a Passivhaus Architect can be complemented by other disciplines such as stuctural engineers, landscape designers and interior designers.
Improved indoor environment: Improved health and wellbeing
The understanding of the fundamental importance of good buildings is centuries old. Despite this, sub-standard homes remain common and even high-quality, high-cost homes are sub-optimal. Anecdotal reports have long highlighted that Passivhaus residents experience health benefits from living in these highly efficient homes. New research is increasingly supporting these claims. Some of the reported benefits include:
- Fewer chest infections
- Reduced pain
- Decreased feelings of anxiousness and depression
- Generally feeling happier and more relaxed
- Improved concentration
The research highlights consistent warm temperatures, reduced damp, decreased indoor air pollution and less noise infiltration. Passivhaus achieves this through good attention to detail, high levels of insulation, draft free and thermal bridge free design, triple glazed windows and active ventilations. There are more details on our Passivhaus page. And for those of you who are concerned about over heating head over to our blog on how Passivhaus keeps you cool.
Running costs reduced: Future proofed spending
With 10-30% of deaths being attributed to cold homes, some 6,900 deaths per winter (Guertler; 2018), it’s important to consider how an eco friendly home can cut your heating costs. The highly efficient standard of a Passivhaus means that your heating season will be reduced. This is because a Passivhaus holds the warmth generated during daily living activities and solar gain. This means that a certified Passivhaus requires a fifth of the expenditure to keep warm compared to a standard new build home. Additionally, temperatures are maintained throughout the twenty-four-hour period and are generally warmer than a non-Passivhaus.
Carbon footprint reduction: saving the planet one step at a time
The carbon burp is a fun name for a really serious concern. As we green our buildings with the long-term aim of reducing the carbon emissions associated with heating and maintenance, it’s important not to push carbon emissions now beyond a sustainable level. This begins with a fabric first approach which details out issues without the need for carbon intensive solutions.
A whole house plan is also vital. A whole house plan ensures that you are moving towards your end goals without locking out future improvements or worse ripping out materials and sending them to landfill. They are a roadmap with defined phases that build on previous stages without the need to replace and redo previous phases. Combined with a sensitive specification – to use lower embodied carbon materials and reduced waste – a whole house plan can reduce the total carbon cost of your project, reducing the burp.
If you would like to discuss the benefits of working with an Eco Friendly Architect on your project why not send us an email studio@ecodesignconsultants.co.uk or arrange a visit, 01908 886854
