For Architect Sustainability Portal

2024.04.23 Architecture

Sustainable Architecture Around the World Part 3

Breath-taking beauty and unprecedented distinctive architecture have long been highly esteemed as "masterpieces". However, in recent years, buildings have come to be evaluated not only based on their design, but also on their sustainability.

According to the World Green Building Council in 2019, approximately 39% of the world's carbon emissions are related to the construction and building industry, with 28% being emitted through building operation such as air conditioning and electricity usage, and the remaining 11% being emitted through materials and construction.

To reduce such environmental burdens, various approaches to sustainable architecture have been undertaken, including the selection of building materials, construction methods, and effective utilization of energy and water resources. Furthermore, in addition to reducing environmental impact, sustainable architecture aims to solve issues such as providing habitat for living things and creating employment opportunities in economically disadvantaged areas, and strives to harmonize with the surrounding environment and solve problems.

Sustainable architecture is often evaluated based on the following three points.

Environmental Consideration

Sustainable architecture emphasizes minimizing the impact on the natural environment during the construction process and the use of buildings. Examples include the use of renewable energy, the implementation of energy-saving equipment, and waste recycling.

Social Aspects

Sustainable architecture gives priority to the health and comfort of residents or users. Considerations include residents' health, contribution to the local community, and the use of public spaces.

Economic Aspects

Sustainable architecture is required to be economically sustainable as well. Reduction of energy costs, efficient use of construction materials, and the development of long-term maintenance plans are important.

In the column, we will gradually introduce some famous examples of sustainable architecture from around the world.

20. Media Tower

  • Environmental
  • Economic

The "Media Tower" in Germany is a typical example of sustainable architecture. This building has been designed with a focus on environmental considerations and improving energy efficiency.
Firstly, by using high-performance insulation materials and double or triple-glazed windows, the building enhances thermal performance and minimizes energy waste. Additionally, solar panels and wind turbines are installed on the roof to promote the use of renewable energy. Inside the building, energy-saving equipment and LED lighting have been introduced to optimize energy consumption. Furthermore, the sustainable resource management such as waste recycling and water reuse is actively implemented. The building's design also takes into account the health and quality of life of the residents by utilizing natural light and ensuring ventilation. The “Media Tower” has been recognized internationally as an outstanding example of architecture that combines sustainability and comfort.

21. Bullitt Center

  • Environmental
  • Economic

“Bullitt Center” is an exemplary case of sustainable architecture. This building focuses on environmental considerations and efficient resource utilization. Firstly, it puts emphasis on the use of renewable energy, with solar panels installed on the roof. Additionally, high-performance insulation materials and energy-saving facilities are adopted to ensure the efficient use of energy. Furthermore, active recycling of waste is carried out inside the building, practicing sustainable resource management. Efforts have also been made in the building design, taking into account the comfort and quality of life of the residents, such as utilizing natural light and ensuring ventilation. The “Bullitt Center” is internationally recognized for its focus on sustainability, providing a comfortable environment while minimizing environmental impact, making it a model example of sustainable architecture.

22. Cape Town Stadium

  • Environmental
  • Economic

The “Cape Town Stadium” in South Africa is a masterpiece of sustainable architecture. Firstly, the stadium was constructed using locally available renewable resources and sustainable building materials. As a result, it minimized its environmental impact while stimulating the local economy and supporting the local community. Additionally, the “Cape Town Stadium” has installed solar panels on its roof to promote the use of renewable energy. Moreover, it has implemented high-performance insulation materials and energy-saving facilities to achieve efficient energy use.
Furthermore, measures such as waste recycling and water reuse have been actively implemented to reduce environmental impact. The design of the building also takes an approach focusing on the comfort and quality of life of people, including maximizing natural light utilization and ensuring ventilation. The “Cape Town Stadium” is globally acclaimed as an excellent example of sustainable architecture that integrates environment and social considerations.

23. De Nieuwe Winkel van Sinkel

  • Environmental
  • Economic

“De Nieuwe Winkel van Sinkel” in the Netherlands is one of the exemplary cases of sustainable architecture. This building is designed to provide a comfortable environment while minimizing its environmental impact. Firstly, in order to maximize the use of renewable energy, solar panels are installed on the roof. Additionally, high-performance insulation materials and double or triple-glazed windows are utilized to achieve efficient energy use. Moreover, measures such as waste recycling and water reuse are actively implemented to reduce environmental impact. Inside the building, energy-efficient facilities and LED lighting are installed to optimize energy consumption. Efforts to improve residents' comfort and quality of life, such as maximizing natural light and indoor planting, are also made. Furthermore, the building design emphasizes efforts to harmonize with the local community, such as using sustainable building materials and utilizing local resources. “De Nieuwe Winkel van Sinkel” in the Netherlands is internationally recognized as an outstanding example of sustainable architecture that considers both the environment and human health.

24. Aurora Place

  • Environmental
  • Economic

“Aurora Place” in Australia is a masterpiece of sustainable architecture. This building is designed to achieve a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature. Firstly, the building emphasizes the use of renewable energy, with solar panels installed on the roof. Additionally, high-performance insulation materials and double-glazed windows are used to achieve efficient energy use.
Furthermore, energy-efficient facilities and LED lighting are installed inside the building to optimize energy consumption. Moreover, measures such as water reuse and waste recycling are actively implemented to reduce environmental impact. The design of the building also takes an approach that focuses on residents' comfort and quality of life, including maximizing the use of natural light and ensuring ventilation. “Aurora Place” has received international acclaim as a model example of architecture that combines sustainability and comfort.

25. Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore

  • Environmental
  • Economic

“Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore” is a prime example of sustainable architecture that provides high comfort and service while minimizing environmental impact. This hotel actively utilizes renewable energy and installs energy-saving equipment. Solar panels are installed on the roof to promote the use of renewable energy. Furthermore, high-performance insulation materials and double-glazed windows are used to enhance the building's thermal insulation performance. In addition to improving energy efficiency, recycling waste and reusing water are also actively implemented. Inside the building, the use of LED lighting and energy-saving equipment optimizes energy consumption. Moreover, the design incorporates the utilization of natural light and indoor greenery to enhance the health and quality of life for people. “Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore” has received international recognition as a model of sustainable architecture that balances environmental considerations with comfort.

*Our product BIOFINE 345 was used for "Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore".

26. American Water Building

  • Environmental
  • Economic

“American Water Building” in the United States is a masterpiece of sustainable architecture. Innovative approaches have been implemented in this building to minimize its environmental impact. Firstly, solar panels are installed on the roof to promote the use of renewable energy.
Additionally, high-performance insulation materials and double or triple-glazed windows are adopted to achieve efficient energy utilization. Recycling of waste and reuse of water are also actively carried out, contributing to the reduction of environmental burdens. Moreover, energy-efficient facilities and LED lighting are installed inside the building to optimize energy consumption. Furthermore, in the building design, efforts are being made to improve the comfort and quality of life for people, such as by utilizing natural light and ensuring ventilation. “American Water Building” has received worldwide recognition as a typical example of sustainable architecture that prioritizes contributions to the environment and society.

27. Island Sky Resort

  • Environmental
  • Economic

“Island Sky Resort” in the Republic of Maldives is an exemplary case of sustainable architecture. This resort implements innovative initiatives to provide a comfortable stay while preserving the beautiful natural environment. Firstly, local natural materials are actively utilized in the building's design, and environmentally friendly building materials are used. Additionally, renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind power are introduced to minimize the resort's energy consumption. Recycling of waste and reuse of water are also actively carried out to reduce the environmental impact. Moreover, efforts are made to conserve the planting and green spaces within the resort, promoting the development of sustainable tourism while respecting the local ecosystem. Additionally, energy-saving and eco-friendly equipment has been installed inside the building to improve guest comfort and quality of life. “Island Sky Resort” is widely acclaimed worldwide as a typical example of successful integration of sustainability and the tourism industry.

28. Flinders Street Station

  • Environmental
  • Economic

“Flinders Street Station” in Australia is an example of sustainable architecture. This building incorporates innovative design and technology to minimize its environmental impact. Firstly, the building emphasizes the use of renewable energy, with solar panels installed on the roof.
Additionally, high-performance insulation materials and double-glazed windows are utilized to ensure efficient energy usage. Recycling of waste and water reuse are also actively carried out to reduce environmental burden. Moreover, energy-efficient facilities and LED lighting are installed inside the building to optimize energy consumption. Furthermore, in the building design, efforts are being made to improve the comfort and quality of life for residents, such as by utilizing natural light and ensuring ventilation. “Flinders Street Station” is recognized internationally as an outstanding example of architecture that achieves sustainability from both environmental and business perspectives.

29. California Academy of Sciences

  • Environmental
  • Economic

"California Academy of Sciences" in the United States is an architectural marvel characterized by its sustainability-focused design. This building pursues sustainability through a combination of environmentally conscious design and technology. Firstly, solar panels are installed on the roof to promote the use of renewable energy. Additionally, high-performance insulation materials and double-glazed windows are utilized to ensure efficient energy usage. Inside the building, energy-efficient facilities and LED lighting are introduced to optimize energy consumption.
Furthermore, active measures such as waste recycling and water reuse are implemented for sustainable resource management. In terms of design, the incorporation of natural light and indoor planting highlights a focus on resident health and quality of life. “California Academy of Sciences” is recognized internationally as an exemplary model of architecture that achieves the integration of sustainability and science education.

30. Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel

  • Environmental
  • Economic

"Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel” in Japan is a prime example of sustainable architecture. This hotel aims to achieve a balance between environmental consideration and comfort. Firstly, the building emphasizes the use of renewable energy, with solar panels and wind turbines installed on the roof. This enables energy self-sufficiency and reduces environmental impact. Additionally, high-performance insulation material and energy-saving equipment are used to minimize energy waste while ensuring a comfortable indoor environment. Furthermore, initiatives such as waste recycling and water reuse are implemented to reduce environmental burden. In terms of design, the utilization of natural light, natural ventilation, and greenery contributes to enhancing the health and quality of life for occupants. “Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel” has been recognized domestically and internationally as an outstanding example of sustainable architecture that provides a comfortable stay while minimizing environmental impact.

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