Building design
Better design is the key to building and operating more sustainable buildings. Decisions made at the design stage have the greatest overall impact on the sustainability of construction projects. Below are some of the key issues for achieving sustainable buildings.
Design flexible buildings
To become more sustainable, it is important that buildings are designed to accommodate changing requirements. By doing so, buildings will last longer and greater value will be extracted from the resources (materials) invested in the buildings
Integrate services within the structure
The integration of services within the structural elements of buildings saves resources by reducing the storey height thereby reducing the external cladding required. By reducing the storey height in tall buildings it is possible to increase the total lettable floor area by adding extra floors within the same building height.
Design for low maintenance
Low maintenance is important in reducing operational costs and environmental impacts. It can be facilitated by use of robust forms of construction, efficient and durable painting or protection systems and easily maintained servicing and façade systems.
Design for operational efficiency
Energy consumption in buildings accounts for nearly half of all energy used in the UK. Government’s Energy White Paper has set out a target to reduce CO2 emissions by 60 per cent by 2050. 50 per cent of these savings are expected to come from greater energy efficiency
Design structurally efficient buildings
Structurally efficient buildings are more sustainable because they save resources by using materials efficiently and therefore sparingly.
Design for deconstruction
Reusing and recycling construction products and materials have a significant contribution to make to achieving sustainable development. To optimise the reuse and recycling rates of construction products it is important that consideration is given to designing buildings and structures to facilitate their future deconstruction.
