| Sustainable architecture applies techniques of | | | | many different techniques to reduce the energy |
| sustainable design to architecture. It is related to | | | | needs of buildings and increase their ability to capture |
| 'green buildings', buildings designed with environmental | | | | or generate their own energy. |
| goals in mind. In general, sustainable architecture, | | | | The direction and location of a building is an important |
| seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact | | | | consideration of sustainable architecture. Wind power |
| of buildings by enhancing energy efficiency and | | | | and solar energy are effective and efficient ways to |
| moderation in the use of materials, energy, and | | | | enhance sustainable buildings. The use of photovoltaic |
| development space. | | | | cells, solar hot water panels and wind turbines are |
| Style and design is not compromised by the emphasis | | | | common in order to harness the natural energy from |
| of efficiency and energy savings on sustainable | | | | the sun and incorporate it into a building's design. |
| architecture. In fact, sustainable architecture places | | | | The kind of building materials used is another |
| great emphasis on innovation at all levels, including | | | | important factor. Sustainable building materials used |
| design and style. Many sustainable buildings are known | | | | include recycled denims, blown-in fiberglass insulation, |
| to be striking and awesome in looks. The innovation | | | | and fast-growing wood materials such as bamboo. |
| of sustainability extends well beyond the technology | | | | Toxicity of building materials is also taken into |
| of the field. | | | | consideration. Only elements with very low toxicity |
| Sustainable architecture aims for energy efficiency, | | | | levels, such as low and non-toxic paints and low VOC |
| including an overall cost effective system that uses | | | | (volatile organic compounds) glues are used. |
| the most efficient of cooling and heating systems | | | | Sustainable architecture focuses on the on-site use |
| and overall ventilation. Emphasis is also placed on | | | | of waste, incorporating things such as 'grey water' |
| well-insulated building techniques. The most important | | | | systems for use on garden beds and 'composting |
| and cost effective element of an efficient heating, | | | | toilets' to reduce sewage. These methods, especially |
| ventilations and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a | | | | when combining on-site food waste composting and |
| well-insulated building A more efficient building requires | | | | off-site recycling, can reduce a house's waste to a |
| less heat generating power but more ventilation | | | | small amount of packaging waste. |
| capacity to expel polluted indoor air. Architects use | | | | |