The Role of Sustainable Architecture in Reducing Energy Consumption

The construction industry is one of the highest consumers of world energy and one of the highest producers of carbon dioxide. With the majority of construction industry building design and construction practice relying on the use of mechanical systems for climate control to attain comfort levels for building users, the energy required for this is excessive and contributes negatively to the environment. The use of sustainable practices in building construction has emerged to address the negative effects of the construction industry. This involves the use of design practices that consider the environment and reduce energy consumption in the design of the building. This includes the use of passive design features, where building orientation, natural ventilation, natural lighting and the use of thermal mass, assist in improving comfort levels, while reducing the reliance on artificial energy systems to control the climate in the building. Furthermore, sustainable architecture includes the use of renewable energy and ecofriendly resources, high performance building technology, components and energy efficient systems to improve the building overall performance. A descriptive analytical methodology has been employed and it is concluded that the early adoption of sustainable design elements and or practices, within the construction industry, contributes to reducing energy consumption and or emission levels from buildings.