Who is Using Sustainable Architecture?
It may feel like a ‘fad’ to have buildings and properties created to be sustainable, but as the world moves further away from old-fashioned and outdated methods, and has a keen eye on environmental issues at every level (from consumers to investors), it is hardly surprising that when properties are being developed, they are looking at net-zero, sustainability, and functionality that can reduce overheads (such as buildings that create more power than they use).
Construction companies, such as Mace, Canary Wharf Group, and Skanska have all been championing sustainability, and they are not the only ones.
Companies that have been noted for sustainability initiatives and utilising green construction include:
- Bank of America
- Office Depot
- Best Buy
- Kohl’s
- Walmart
- Hewlett-Packard
- Pfizer
These companies have realised that as more legislation and input is coming in from governments across the world, and that consumers are looking to spend with industry leaders who don’t just talk the talk, that their investment in properties needs a more modern, and green approach.
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Who are the Leading Green Architects?
It’s a growing field, and there are sure to be up-and-coming designers and developers who will make a name for themselves as sustainable architecture becomes more popular.
Some of the most famous names in the field at the moment include:
Frank Lloyd Wright – Known as one of the greatest modern architects, he is well known for using natural materials in their original authentic form, and he takes great pride in paying attention to material usage, maximising natural features, and causing minimum impact to the surrounding environment.
Ken Yeang – Author of the ‘Dictionary of Ecodesign’ this Malaysian architect combines architecture and ecology and believes that ecodesign is not just about integration but also prevention, and also focuses on having minimum impact on the environment.
William McDonough – An architect known for upcycling and recycling, he also follows the ‘Cradle to cradle’ philosophy, highlighting good materials, economy, energy, water, and lives. He believes in allowing for maximum usage of materials, which are later recovered and regenerated for different projects.
Michael Reynolds – An architect who is slightly more unorthodox than some of his peers, he has simple principles that rely on a harmony of function, design, and environment, and is credited with coining his approach as being ‘radically sustainable architecture.’
Sustainable architecture benefits everyone and regardless of your design ideas, or desired outcome – there are a wide range of architects that can make these projects happen, and in a way that actually makes a real difference both at the time of creation, and for the lifetime of the premises.