Sustainability is at the core of a healthy community. Environmental sustainability cannot be separated from economic sustainability. To be truly sustainable community design must embrace both elements. Green architecture is a process that is incorporated into every stage of the urban design and development project, from start to finish. To achieve genuine green architecture, eco-friendly principles need to be upheld by everyone involved in the process, from consultation to design to construction.
Landscape features and environmental considerations are, of course, the main issues of green architecture. Factors such as topography, soil type, climate and flora all need to be respected, so the development creates as little environmental impact as possible. Sustainable urban drainage systems can be made beautiful. On flat or sloping street-scapes planters filter and reduce water flow off roadways. Rain gardens similarly reduce and filter flow off large roofs and other impermeable surfaces.
New building and landscape projects must be designed to account for their environmental consequences. A sustainable community is one that supports its local economy. This can be done in a number of ways, primarily through employing local labour, using locally-sourced natural, sustainable materials and making the most efficient use of energy. Developers must not be allowed to let profit margins dictate whether they plant the levels of trees and shrubs in the planning document. Buildings must be oriented to receive maximum natural light. Sustainable urban planners, such as Greenstone Design UK's expert team, acknowledges these as vital design parameters.
Greenstone Design UK is committed to using the most ecologically sound building materials whilst maintaining a high level of quality.
Timber is one of the most environmentally friendly building materials, offering superior insulation, low co2 emissions and sustainability when compared to other options. Therefore as a building material, timber is aptly suited to environmental management, which is the main aim of ecological design and construction.
With mental health having such a profound effect on physical health, and our environment affecting our general well-being, it is vital that as we learn to live within the One Planet Living guidelines we design engaging spaces. The sustainable urban plan for new developments for eco-towns provides an ideal opportunity for communities to come together to develop the spaces they want to live in. Bio-diverse, attractive, safe communities with local services and employment opportunities are vital parts of the whole.
- nature runs on sunlight
- nature uses only the energy it needs
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nature fits form to function
- nature recycles everything
- nature rewards cooperation
- nature thrives on diversity
- nature demands local expertise
- nature curbs excesses from within
- nature taps the power of limits.
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