Ecological architecture : the principles
The philosophy of sustainable development applied to architecture focuses on the design and construction of buildings that respect the environment, and by extension, once the building is completed, to the health and well-being of users, as well as the quality of life of neighboring communities.
Ecological architecture therefore strives to implement clean technologies, minimize the impact on the environment, reduce energy consumption, improve the management of buildings and the health of users.
The choice of natural materials, integration into the land and the environment, the internal layout of the various rooms according to natural inputs, needs and effective consumption of energy, the design of green spaces or waste management are all elements by which the architect, according to the wishes of a client who is conscientious of the environment, can make a building ecological and a vector of health and well-being.
The energy consumption of the building
A large part of sustainable architecture is therefore based on controlling the energy consumption of a building:
reduction of energy losses through the implementation of effective thermal insulation, in particular through the judicious use of materials
minimization of energy needs, in particular thanks to the orientation of the building according to the sun and the location on the site
recovery of natural energy, for example with the implementation of natural ventilation and cooling systems
production of alternative energies such as photovoltaic or wind power in order to reduce external energy inputs and, if possible, construct positive energy buildings
Reduction of rejects
Another important part of sustainable architecture is minimizing pollution and the generation of waste. This can be implemented by harvesting rainwater, especially for watering, and recycling wastewater, integrating waste sorting and composting systems for organic matter. The use of non-polluting materials can also be a means of reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds.
The objectives of sustainable architecture are therefore oriented towards the implementation of sustainable construction practices and technologies that aim for long-term ecological efficiency, without neglecting the short-term and the particular needs during the construction of the building.
Thus, the responsible architect will take all the necessary measures to reduce the environmental nuisance of the site as much as possible, to also implement sustainable construction.
Source : Architecte Bâtiments