As climate change and environmental disasters appear more frequently, sustainable architecture is a must. As an Architecture and Design Consultant, my clients are often concerned about the environmental and ecological impact of their building projects. Furthermore, as a long time Facilities Manager and Project Manager, I have seen countless opportunities to improve the ecological footprint in a corporate setting. Here are seven projects, including two I have the privilege of working on, that have inspired me to focus more on sustainability. I hope each one will give you an idea of what the future of architecture can look like in the face of climate change.
1. As the former Director of Facility Management for KAPSARC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia I was contributed to the acquisition of a LEED (Leadership in Environment and Energy Design) Platinum Certification for the institution. Designed by the incredible Zaha Hadid, KAPSARC was developed as an independent, non-profit research facility in 2013, to bring together an international group of researchers specialized in global energy economics. We ensured that the energy consumption levels met the requirements for the LEED Platinum Certification, considering every detail of the residential campus, research center, and office complex.
2. I was also thrilled to work on the King Abulaziz Center for World Culture, iThra, one of the most sustainable buildings in the Gulf region. Designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta, the facility has been engineered to be as eco-friendly as possible. 50% of the construction waste such as wood, steel, and paper are recycled, and most wood finishes are upcycled. A vertical garden was installed in Knowledge Park to house no fewer than 15,000 plants! As Project Manager for the Facilities Management Advisory Services from 2015 to 2016, I advised my client, Saudi Aramco, on the scope of the Facility Management, operations, and maintenance for the entire mega project. We assisted in ensuring that the LEED Certification requirements were met for the facility.
3. Improving from Within
Located in Seattle, Washington the Bullit Center building is one of the most sustainable projects to date. It combines multiple features that make it environmentally friendly and incredibly sustainable. Some of its qualities include radiant heating, solar panels, attractive staircases, and regenerative elevators.
4. Good for Us, Good for the Planet
Built in 2017, CopenHill is a sustainable and eco-friendly power plant situated in Denmark. It transforms waste to energy and can power over 100, 000 houses in the region. It turns 400,000 tons of waste per year into clean energy all while emitting zero toxins. Not only is it an eco-friendly energy producer, but it is also a reputed sports facility that offers activities such as skiing or hiking. It does the dual task of helping the environment and keeping people healthy by providing access to all sorts of exercise throughout the seasons.
5. Read Sustainably
Situated in downtown Austin, Texas, the Austin Central library has many qualities that make it stand out. It is equipped with a six-story atrium which provides daylight to more than 80% of the regularly occupied spaces. It also has a huge rainwater harvesting system that ensures the re-use of rainwater for the building’s facilities. It is eco-friendly and promotes culture and history, all while providing a way for humans to reconnect with nature through its many gardens and greeneries.
6. Handmade Meets Eco-friendly
The Etsy headquarters located in Brooklyn, New York are an amazing example of sustainability in architecture. They imitate nature’s principles in their interior by incorporating greeneries and outdoor spaces, being animal friendly, banning smoking, ensuring natural lighting, and promoting physical activity such as yoga. They have solar panels and a rainwater saving system which serves to hydrate their flora. All the materials they use are natural and harmless to the environment; they even have a food composting system to ensure zero waste. Their motive is to redefine sustainability and to set an example for future corporate infrastructure.
7. International Inspiration
Situated in Amsterdam, the Edge is an eco-friendly building that is controlled by an app. It makes use of LED technology instead of classic lights. The system is controlled by sensors connected to computer which allow lighting to only function when needed, which is estimated to save up to 80% of energy compared to conventional methods.
For more information on sustainable building, or to get started on making your space more eco-friendly, contact lina@linamushcab.com or visit www.linamushcab.com.