Sustainable design in architecture is increasingly important as the world faces environmental challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. Sustainable design seeks to minimize the negative impact of buildings on the environment by reducing energy consumption, using renewable resources, and reducing waste.

At NITTE SAPD, students are encouraged to follow sustainability at every stage of their design. The curriculum covers the basic principles of sustainable architecture, including the design of energy-efficient buildings, the use of renewable resources, and the reduction of waste and pollution. Students learn about specific strategies and technologies used in sustainable building design, such as passive solar heating and cooling, natural ventilation, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting.

They also learn about the environmental impact of building materials, including their production, transportation, and disposal. Students learn to conduct a life cycle analysis to evaluate the environmental impact of a building. The focus is on the design of sustainable communities, including the use of green spaces, public transportation, and mixed-use development.

In the Sustainable Design Studio, students apply the principles of sustainable architecture to a design project. They work in teams to develop a design for a sustainable building or community, and then present their project to the class. Sustainable architecture is typically taught through a combination of lectures, case studies, site visits, and design projects. Students may also have opportunities to work with local architects or organizations to gain real-world experience in sustainable design.

Using sustainable designs can have several benefits, including reducing the environmental impact of buildings by minimizing energy consumption, using renewable resources, and reducing waste. Sustainable design can also have a positive impact on the health and well-being of building occupants. For example, buildings with good indoor air quality, natural lighting, and access to green spaces can promote better health and productivity. In the long term, sustainable design can lead to cost savings. Energy-efficient buildings can reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs, while the use of sustainable materials and construction methods can reduce maintenance and repair costs.

Sustainable design is an important aspect of social responsibility in architecture. By designing buildings that minimize their impact on the environment, architects can contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone. Sustainable buildings, also known as green buildings, are designed and constructed with the goal of minimizing the impact on the environment, conserving resources, and promoting the health and well-being of occupants. Sustainable architecture involves integrating environmental considerations into every stage of the building design process, from site selection and orientation to the selection of materials and the construction methods used.

The key principles of sustainable design in buildings include prioritizing the use of environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled content, rapidly renewable resources, and materials with low environmental impact. Sustainable building design also prioritizes occupant health and well-being through the use of natural ventilation, low-emitting materials, and strategies to reduce indoor air pollution. Sustainable building design takes into account the environmental impact of building sites and incorporates landscaping strategies such as the use of native plants and the implementation of rain gardens to reduce stormwater runoff. Strategies such as modular construction and adaptive reuse can extend the life of a building and reduce waste.

Overall, sustainable design in buildings aims to create buildings that are efficient, healthy, and environmentally responsible, with the goal of reducing the impact of buildings on the natural environment and promoting the health and well-being of occupants.

 By,  Ar. Pln Thanisha Changappa, Assistant Professor