BEING A LECTURE DELIVER
BY
Asst. Prof. DR. Paul AGBOOLA
Department of Architecture
Faculty of Architecture and Engineering,
Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, 34310, TURKEY
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WEEK Two
Introduction to Sustainability in
Architecture
• Definition and History of Sustainability
• The role of Architects in Environmental
Sustainability.
• Sustainable Design Principles
• Justifications for Sustainability in
Architecture
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Sustainability in Architecture
Definition of Sustainability
Sustainability in architecture
refers to the practice of creating
buildings and environments that
minimize their negative impact
on the environment while
optimizing energy efficiency,
resource use, and well-being. It is
based on the concept of meeting
the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of
https://www.myclimate.org/en/information/faq/faq-
future generations to meet their detail/what-is-sustainability/
own needs.
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Sustainability in Architecture
https://marketbusinessnews.com/financial-
glossary/sustainability/ 4
Sustainability in Architecture
Sustainability, as a concept, can be understood as a feel-good
buzzword with little or no substance. Many architects and social
activists seem to share a conceptual framework, which allows them
to continue on their normal course of action with a token reference
to how concerned they are with sustainability. The so-called green
architecture movement seems to be populated with such architects.
The advocates of green architecture claim a common objective of
reducing the impact of the built environment by:
i. Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
ii. Protecting occupant health and improving employee
productivity
iii. Reducing waste, pollution, and environmental degradation
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Sustainability in Architecture
• The degree of human
progress toward
sustainability depends on
the involvement of all
levels and contexts of
society. The United
Nations declared a decade
of “education” for
sustainability (2005–2014)
with the aim of
“challenging us all to
adopt newbehaviourss
and practices to secure
our future.”
https://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/what-does-
sustainability-really-mean/
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Sustainability in Architecture
The importance of sustainability
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in-environment/ 7
Sustainability in Architecture
The importance of sustainability
Our planet, from a human perspective, faces a number of
challenges, including:
Climate Change
• The burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil, and gas – releases
greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and a greater
incidence of droughts, hurricanes, and other extreme
weather events.
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Sustainability in Architecture
The importance of sustainability Contd.
Resource Depletion
• Since the Industrial Revolution, we have been using up the
Earth’s natural resources, such as forests, water, and
minerals, at an accelerating rate. Today, we are consuming
them much faster than they can replenish.
Pollution
• Waste and pollution of the air, land, sea, rivers, and lakes
damage our ecosystems and harm our health.
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Sustainability in Architecture
The importance of sustainability Contd.
Social Inequality
• Across the world, many people do not have access to
essentials like food, clean water, education, decent housing,
or health services. Sustainability aims to tackle these issues
by considering the long-term consequences of our actions.
• For example, when developing new farming methods, we
must prioritize not only increased production but also making
food more accessible and affordable for all.
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Sustainability in Architecture
The adoption of sustainable
development principles is of
the utmost significance to
ensure that economic progress
and environmentally
responsible.
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developments-110310.html 11
Sustainability in Architecture
Scheme for investigating the importance of perception and self-efficacy with regard to the
SDGs for the SE to advance the harmony and compatibility between humans and nature
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Sustainability in Architecture
Pillars of Sustainability
• Sustainability rests on three interconnected pillars:
Environmental
• We need to reduce pollution, conserve biodiversity, wisely use
renewable resources, promote energy efficiency, and protect
natural habitats.
Economic
• Our economy needs to be stable and healthy – one that provides
jobs and opportunities for all of us.
Social
• We need strong communities with equitable access to resources,
food, clean water, decent housing, education, and healthcare.
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Sustainability in Architecture
https://sigmaearth.com/the-three-sustainability-pillars-
explained/
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Sustainability in Architecture
What Can We Do?
We can all do something to support sustainability. For example:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Waste less, reuse items, and recycle materials.
Conserve Energy
Turn off lights, use energy-efficient appliances, and choose renewable
energy options when possible.
Support Sustainable Businesses
Purchase items from companies that are committed to reducing their
environmental impact and promoting social responsibility.
Get Involved
Support organizations and initiatives promoting sustainability in your
community and around the world.
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Sustainability in Architecture
Sustainable Transportation
Opt for walking, cycling, carpooling, or public transportation to reduce
your carbon footprint.
Water Conservation
Fix leaks, take shorter showers, and install water-efficient fixtures to
minimize water waste.
Choose Local and Seasonal Foods
By choosing local and seasonal foods, we support nearby farmers and
minimize the environmental impact of long-distance transport of
produce.
Invest in Renewable Energy
If possible, install solar panels or invest in green energy projects, such as
wind turbines, hydroelectric power, geothermal systems, or bioenergy
facilities. 16
Sustainability in Architecture
Historical Background of Sustainability
• The idea of sustainability, though widely popularized in recent decades, has
roots in indigenous and traditional building practices that adapted to local
climates and available resources.
• The term “Sustainable development” gained prominence with the 1987
Brundtland Report, which defined it in a broader environmental and societal
context.
• In architecture, sustainability started being formally integrated into the
design process in the 1960s and 1970s as environmental movements pushed
for ecological awareness in building design.
• Over time, green building standards and rating systems, like LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building
Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), were
developed to guide sustainable practices in construction.
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Sustainability in Architecture
The Role of Architects in Environmental Sustainability
• Architects play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability by
designing buildings that reduce resource consumption, minimize
environmental harm, and improve the quality of life for occupants.
Their key responsibilities include:
• Energy Efficiency: Architects design structures that optimize natural
light, ventilation, and insulation, reducing the need for artificial
lighting, heating, and cooling.
• Material Selection: They choose sustainable materials that are
renewable, low in embodied energy, or recyclable, which helps
lower the carbon footprint of a building.
• Water Management: Architects incorporate water-saving strategies
such as rainwater harvesting and efficient plumbing systems into
their designs. 18
Sustainability in Architecture
The Role of Architects in Environmental Sustainability Contd.
• Urban Planning: In larger-scale projects, architects contribute to the
creation of sustainable cities and communities, integrating public
transportation, green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly environments.
• Resilience: Architects design buildings that can withstand the
impacts of climate change and natural disasters, ensuring longevity
and adaptability to future conditions.
• The architect’s commitment to sustainable practices is essential to
the overall effort to reduce the environmental impact of the built
environment and address challenges such as climate change,
resource depletion, and urbanization.
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Sustainability in Architecture
Sustainable Design Principles
• The following are the core principles that guide sustainable architecture:
• 1. Energy Efficiency: This involves designing buildings to reduce the
amount of energy required for heating, cooling, lighting, and other
operations. Key techniques include passive solar design, high-
performance insulation, and the use of renewable energy sources like
solar or wind power.
• 2. Resource Conservation: This focuses on minimizing the consumption
of non-renewable resources like water, energy, and materials. It
encourages the use of renewable and locally sourced materials, as well as
the reuse and recycling of building components.
• 3. Site Impact: Sustainable architecture takes into account the
ecological characteristics of the building site, ensuring minimal disruption
to the natural environment. This includes managing stormwater,
preserving natural habitats, and promoting biodiversity. 20
Sustainability in Architecture
Sustainable Design Principles
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Sustainability in Architecture:
Sustainable Design Principles Contd.
• 4. Indoor Environmental Quality: Buildings are designed to create
healthy environments for occupants, with adequate ventilation, non-toxic
materials, and access to natural light. This improves air quality and
promotes the well-being of inhabitants.
• 5. Lifecycle Thinking: Sustainable buildings are designed with the entire
lifecycle in mind—from material extraction, construction, and operation
to eventual demolition or recycling. This approach reduces waste,
enhances durability, and ensures buildings remain efficient over time.
• 6. Adaptability and Resilience: Buildings must be designed to adapt to
changing needs and withstand environmental stresses such as climate
change or natural disasters. This includes flexible spaces that can be
repurposed and design strategies that account for future conditions.
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Sustainability in Architecture
Justifications for Sustainability in Architecture
• Sustainability in architecture is increasingly recognized as a crucial approach to
addressing pressing global environmental, economic, and social challenges. Its
justifications are based on a variety of factors that span ecological
responsibility, human well-being, and economic viability.
• Environmental Responsibility: The construction industry is a major
contributor to environmental degradation, consuming significant amounts of
natural resources and producing a substantial portion of global carbon
emissions. Sustainable architecture minimizes resource depletion and reduces
pollution by utilizing eco-friendly materials, renewable energy sources, and
efficient building technologies. By integrating renewable resources such as
solar energy, wind power, and sustainable building materials like recycled
concrete, bamboo, or reclaimed wood, architecture can reduce its carbon
footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change
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Sustainability in Architecture
Justifications for Sustainability in Architecture Contd.
• Climate Change Mitigation: One of the primary drivers of sustainable architecture is the
need to mitigate the effects of climate change. Buildings are responsible for approximately
40% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily due to energy consumption for
heating, cooling, and lighting. Sustainable architecture incorporates energy-efficient
systems, passive design strategies, and low-energy technologies to minimize reliance on
non-renewable energy sources. The goal is to create near-zero energy buildings (nZEB) that
produce as much energy as they consume, thus limiting GHG emissions and reducing the
overall environmental impact.
• Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy: The adoption of sustainable architecture
promotes the efficient use of resources throughout the building's lifecycle, from design and
construction to operation and eventual demolition or reuse. This approach supports the
principles of the circular economy by emphasizing the reuse and recycling of materials,
reducing waste, and prolonging the lifespan of buildings. In doing so, architecture
contributes to a more sustainable built environment, where the extraction of raw materials
is minimized, and waste is kept within the system to create a closed-loop process.
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Sustainability in Architecture
Justifications for Sustainability in Architecture Contd.
• Human Health and Well-being: Sustainable architecture goes beyond environmental
concerns by considering the health and well-being of building occupants. Indoor
environmental quality, including air quality, lighting, temperature, and acoustic comfort,
plays a vital role in human health and productivity. By using non-toxic materials, improving
ventilation, and incorporating biophilic design elements (such as access to natural light and
green spaces), sustainable buildings can enhance the physical and mental well-being of their
occupants. This leads to healthier living and working environments, reducing the likelihood
of respiratory illnesses, allergies, and stress-related conditions.
• Economic Viability and Cost Savings: While sustainable architecture may require a higher
initial investment, it offers significant long-term economic benefits. Energy-efficient systems
and materials result in lower utility costs, reduced maintenance expenses, and extended
building lifespans. Additionally, as governments and institutions implement stricter
regulations and incentives for sustainable practices, buildings designed with sustainability in
mind can benefit from tax credits, grants, and increased market value. Over time, the
operational cost savings from reduced energy consumption and improved building
performance outweigh the initial investment, making sustainability economically viable for
both developers and occupants. 25
Sustainability in Architecture
Justifications for Sustainability in Architecture Contd.
• Resilience and Adaptability: In the face of growing environmental uncertainties,
sustainable architecture emphasizes resilience and adaptability. Climate change has led to
more frequent and severe natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, and heat waves,
which pose significant risks to the built environment. Sustainable buildings are designed to
be resilient, incorporating features that allow them to withstand extreme weather
conditions and adapt to changing environmental conditions. By using durable materials,
designing for passive survivability, and creating self-sustaining energy systems, architects
can ensure that buildings remain functional and safe even during disruptions.
• Cultural and Social Sustainability: Sustainable architecture also acknowledges the
importance of cultural and social factors. Buildings should not only be environmentally
responsible but also culturally sensitive and socially inclusive. By incorporating local
materials, design traditions, and community needs, sustainable architecture fosters a sense
of place, identity, and belonging. This approach strengthens the connection between people
and their environment while promoting social equity and inclusivity, ensuring that the
benefits of sustainable development are shared by all members of society.
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Sustainability in Architecture
Conclusion
• The justifications for sustainability in architecture are deeply
rooted in the urgent need to address environmental
degradation, mitigate climate change, promote human well-
being, and ensure economic viability. Sustainable
architecture represents a responsible, forward-thinking
approach that balances the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs. It is not just an option but a necessity for creating
a resilient, healthy, and sustainable built environment.
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Sustainability in Architecture
Tutorial Questions:
• Q1. Why is environmental sustainability important?
• Expand on this answer
• Environmental sustainability is critical because of how much
energy, food, and artificial resources we consume daily. The
rapid increase in population has increased agricultural and
manufacturing, which has resulted in higher emissions of
greenhouse gases, unsustainable energy consumption, and
deforestation.
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Sustainability in Architecture
Tutorial Questions:
Q2. What are the most important aspects of environmental sustainability?
Expand on this answer
• This pillar focuses on environmental preservation for future generations.
Environmentally sustainable businesses improve efficiencies, minimize the use
of resources and waste, and track and measure carbon emissions throughout
the supply chain.
• Q3. What is an example of environmental sustainability?
• Expand on this answer
• Sustainable approaches include solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass energy.
Crop rotation, crop cover, and wise water use are examples of agricultural
sustainability, whereas forestry sustainability includes selective logging and
forest management.
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Sustainability in Architecture
Tutorial Questions:
Q4. Who created the three pillars of sustainability?
Expand on this answer
The Brundtland Report, Agenda 21, and the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable
Development have all been cited as the origins of the ‘three-pillar’ concept.
Q5. What are the five P’s of sustainability?
Expand on this answer
The 17 SDGs are organized around the five pillars of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships. These 5 Ps
demonstrate how the SDGs are an interconnected framework rather than a collection
of individual goals.
Q6. What is the purpose of sustainability?
Expand on this answer
Sustainable living practices help reduce pollution while conserving natural resources
such as water and electricity. Businesses and individuals who care about sustainability
are also less likely to infringe on the natural habitats of wild animals, helping to
maintain our planet’s biodiversity. 30
References
• Brundtland, G. H. (1987). Our Common Future. World Commission on Environment and
Development (WCED). United Nations.
• Kidd, C. V. (1992). "The Evolution of Sustainability." Journal of Agricultural and Environmental
Ethics, 5(1), 1-26.
• Dresner, S. (2008). The Principles of Sustainability. Earthscan.
• Du Pisani, J. A. (2006). "Sustainable Development – Historical Roots of the Concept."
Environmental Sciences, 3(2), 83-96.
• McLennan, J. F. (2004). The Philosophy of Sustainable Design. Ecotone Publishing.
• Steele, J. (2005). Ecological Architecture: A Critical History. Thames & Hudson.
• Vale, B., & Vale, R. (1991). Green Architecture: Design for an Energy-Conscious Future. Thames
and Hudson.
• Hosey, L. (2012). The Shape of Green: Aesthetics, Ecology, and Design. Island Press.
• American Institute of Architects (AIA) (2021). Architect’s Guide to Sustainable Design.
• Yeang, K. (1995). Designing with Nature: The Ecological Basis for Architectural Design. McGraw-
Hill.
• McLennan, J. F. (2004). The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture.
Ecotone Publishing.
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References
• United Nations (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development. UN General Assembly.
• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) (2020). Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) Certification: A Framework for Healthy, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Green Buildings.
• Rogers, R. G. (1997). Cities for a Small Planet. Faber & Faber.
• Gissen, D. (2003). Big and Green: Toward Sustainable Architecture in the 21st Century.
Princeton Architectural Press.
• Vale, B., & Vale, R. (1991). Green Architecture: Design for an Energy-Conscious Future. Thames
and Hudson.
• Edwards, B. (2010). Rough Guide to Sustainability: A Design Primer. RIBA Publishing.
• CIBSE (2021). Sustainable Engineering Design: A Whole-System Approach. Chartered Institution
of Building Services Engineers.
• European Commission (2020). A Renovation Wave for Europe: Greening Our Buildings, Creating
Jobs, Improving Lives. Brussels: European Union.
• Yeang, K. (1999). The Green Skyscraper: The Basis for Designing Sustainable Intensive Buildings.
Prestel.
• https://marketbusinessnews.com/financial-glossary/sustainability/
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