Green Architecture’s Role in Modern Development

Jun 22

Green architecture represents the future of sustainable, responsible commercial and residential development from the ground out. While it’s often considered a modern reaction to climate change, it’s built on the heritage of utilizing natural, local building materials and skilled labor. While there is considerable momentum, the philosophy faces several headwinds.

What is Green Architecture?

Also known as green development and sustainable architecture, the premise is simple. It strives to minimize any negative impact on the local environment by using green architectural materials. The foundations of the philosophy are largely built on ancient building practices, where it was nearly impossible to make anything using materials not immediately available. Ancient structures also relied on creative ways to ventilate and insulate buildings naturally.

The Green Architect: What Sustainability Looks Like

Today, most developers offer to source more sustainable building materials and meet LEED certification standards, but few meet the standards of green design. Architecture is only the beginning, and the construction process includes several variables.

Renewable Energy

Green commercial development often includes on-site renewable energy generation and, in some cases, storage. Solar panels are the most cost-effective renewable energy source for most businesses, though geothermal energy is also being used to address commercial heating and cooling needs.

Green HVAC Systems

From commercial heat pumps to orienting building layouts to maximize wind and sunlight, heating and cooling are both more complex and far simpler with sustainability in mind. Heat pump technology’s rapid improvement allows for substantially lower energy costs, but the simple practice of accounting for the sun’s heat and wind patterns adds real value to the project as well.

Green Building Materials

Sustainable green architecture eschews petroleum-based building materials for natural alternatives. Traditional lumber may still play a role in sustainable development, but it’s often augmented by natural wood sources with faster regeneration rates, like bamboo and cork. You’ll also find straw bales, reclaimed wood, and materials like hempcrete.

Going Green: Align Design and Development

Businesses worldwide are working to reduce their carbon footprints without sacrificing growth. Green architecture provides a real-world framework to meet those climate goals while delivering value to employees, owners, and stakeholders. Keen is dedicated to supporting your environmental and business objectives with green development at the core. Let’s get started - contact a Keep representative to learn more.

Cody Sovis