You have probably heard the term sustainable architecture before and may be considering creating your own sustainable home in the tropics. However, you may be wondering what that means and how can achieve a home that is sustainable and responsive to the tropics.
Sustainability
The word sustainability has been a major buzzword over the last couple of decades. Concerns about climate change and the effects it has on our environment grew. We became increasingly concerned with developing sustainable systems. This was to ensure that we maintain the earth and its resources for future generations.
As the world’s population grows, we are trying to create sustainable strategies. These sustainable development systems allow for the growth and advancement of technology and human development while making minimal environmental impact.
However, the idea of sustainability is incredibly vast. It can affect global leaders’ social and economic policies down to common practices we engage in daily in our homes.
Hence, you should not see it as the responsibility of any specific group. It needs to be a holistic approach that everyone participates in.
What is Sustainable Architecture?
Sustainable architecture attempts to reduce buildings’ negative impact on the natural environment and its resources.
When we think of sustainable or green architecture, we often imagine a building with vines covering its balconies and a roof garden. However, it is so much more than this.
Sustainability can involve a wide range of strategies. It considers the manufacturing process of materials and all the construction stages. The type of drinking water cups we use on site is considered. It addresses using passive strategies, renewable energy and energy-efficient equipment and practices. Also, it looks at the types of materials used and their carbon-emitting properties.
Construction Industry
The manufacturing of construction materials as well as the construction industry itself, contribute to a significant portion of the world’s pollution, waste and energy consumption.
Larger construction projects in major urban developed areas make up most of this.
However, there are some sustainable practices we can do as small homeowners to assist with the overall environmental impact.
Sustainable Building Materials
It takes a lot of material to go into the construction of a house or building. Some materials have highly intensive manufacturing processes and can contribute to the harm on our environment.
These materials often must travel far distances which contributes to the consumption of fuels and the production of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Reused or Upcycled Materials
Consider using materials that you can either reuse in the same or similar applications.
Sometimes, you can carefully remove items such as doors and windows from an old project. Subsequently, you can repair, and reuse them in your new home. You can sometimes find old items that are built more robust and will last longer than some newer products.
These can also bring charm and character to your new home, especially if the items have sentimental value.
Many manufacturers are also creating products that are made from recycled materials. Things like carpets and other products can come from recycled materials. When selecting your materials and finishes, you can make this part of your criteria.
Low VOC Emitting Materials
Look for low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitting products. Items like adhesives, paints and other finishes may have low VOC options.
This can also create a better indoor environment, which is healthier for you and your family.
Site Impact
Unfortunately, almost all development to a site will negatively impact it. Therefore, it is essential to minimise your impact on the site as much as possible.
Size and Scale
The bigger your project, the more of an impact it will have on your site. A large part of sustainability is deciding to build only what you need rather than what you think you might want. Hence, this allows more of your site to remain as vegetation.
Preserving Natural Terrain
Try to preserve as much as possible, the natural terrain of the site. The natural slope, earth and vegetation of the site are often the ideal condition for that site. Issues such as natural rainwater drainage and erosion are usually not a problem when the land maintains its natural state as much as possible.
Hardscaping vs Landscaping
Avoid hardscaping or the amount of hard, paved surfaces around your home.
I know having paved surfaces are easier to clean and maintain. Less grass to cut, plants to prune, and weeds to pull.
However, hard surfaces not only reduce the area of green, soft landscaping around your home, but also reduce the area where rainwater can permeate into the ground.
Many small tropical island states are having great challenges with groundwater supplies. Promoting ways of maximising our groundwater collection is essential.
Green Roof
Green roofs or roof gardens are not typical in the Caribbean region. However, they have become increasingly popular as a sustainable feature in other parts of the world.
Photo: Hiroyuki Oki | Binh House | VTN Architects
They can offer a few benefits to your home, like providing insulation while replacing some or all of the green areas taken up by your home.
Sustainable Energy Practices
For decades, the rate of energy consumption throughout the world has been a concern. It involves burning large amounts of fossil fuels, resulting in air pollution.
Sustainable energy practices seek to find ways of producing the energy we require in today’s society while reducing the impact on the environment. It ensures that our children and their children will have their energy needs met as well.
Passive Strategies
Introducing many passive strategies into your home will reduce your reliance on electrical energy. Allowing maximum ventilation through cross ventilation and encouraging natural light eliminates the need for air conditioning and artificial lighting during the day.
Renewable Energy
There is no shortage of sunlight in the tropics. In the Caribbean, hot water is predominantly generated from thermal solar water heating panels. This has been a significant aspect of the Barbadian landscape for decades.
Generating electricity through photovoltaic (PV) solar panels has also been gaining popularity throughout the region. This is most common on commercial and institutional buildings now but is also increasing on residential projects.
I attended a lecture recently where they discussed the plans to make Barbados a 100% energy and carbon-neutral country by 2030. As such, I suspect that there will soon be a big push to exploit the use of solar and other renewable energy sources in Barbados and possibly throughout the region.
Energy Efficient Appliances And Fixtures
As we become more energy-conscious, manufacturers are producing more energy-efficient appliances. These, along with items like LED bulbs, provide consumers with the means to conserve more energy and save on their energy costs.
This is also useful when using renewable energy sources. It is ideal for minimising your energy usage to extend your renewable energy supply.
Waste and Water Management
The management of waste and water are two essential elements of our civilization. Water is essential for life, while the proper management and disposal of waste affect the health and well-being of our people.
Construction Waste
In some parts of the world, construction waste due to demolition is one of the largest sources of waste. In the European Union, construction waste makes up the largest portion of waste at almost 35%. Also, the demolition process creates air pollution.
A method of reducing construction waste is deconstructing a building rather than demolishing it. Deconstructing a home or part of a home refers to dismantling it to reuse as many of the components as possible.
However, I feel for this to be truly effective for a more significant portion of the building, the type of construction would need to be lightweight or prefabricated. Incidentally, prefabricated construction is generally thought to generate less waste than on-site construction and is more sustainable.
Water Sustainability
With the growing population worldwide, there is an increasing demand for potable water. However, water resources are depleting due to drought across many tropical regions. Creating sustainable water management strategies is critical for an essential commodity like water.
Collecting rainwater for non-potable purposes is excellent for reducing the strain on groundwater resources. You can use this water for irrigation and flushing the toilet.
Installing water-saving fixtures like toilets, faucets and showerheads will also reduce your water consumption.
Conclusion
The change that large commercial and institutional projects can make by implementing sustainable strategies is far more significant than in an individual residential project. However, there are some things you, as an existing or potential homeowner, can do to promote sustainability.
Many of these strategies are sound principles when designing a house that responds to the tropical climate. They were also popular in traditional, vernacular architecture.
Consider using recycled or upcycled materials and products with low VOC emittance.
Reduce your impact on a site as much as possible and maintain as much area for landscaping.
Energy efficiency is essential. Try to minimise your use of electrical energy by using passive, natural sources for light and ventilation. Use energy-efficient appliances and devices. Also, make use of more renewable energy sources for generating hot water and electricity.
Develop strategies to minimise your construction waste and implement strategies to conserve potable water.
Preserving our planet and its resources is one of the most precious gifts we can give future generations. Ensuring that our great-grandchildren and beyond have basic needs and resources is critical and should be a priority.
Photo by Victor Garcia on Unsplash