What are the most effective ways to develop your skills in sustainable design?

1 Learn from the experts

One of the best ways to develop your skills in sustainable design is to learn from the experts who have already achieved excellence and recognition in this field. You can follow their work, read their publications, watch their lectures, or even attend their workshops and courses. Some of the leading experts in sustainable design include William McDonough, Janine Benyus, David Orr, and Amory Lovins. By learning from their insights, experiences, and methods, you can gain a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of sustainable design.

2 Apply the standards

Another way to develop your skills in sustainable design is to apply the standards and frameworks that have been developed to guide and evaluate the performance of sustainable buildings and environments. These standards and frameworks include LEED, BREEAM, Living Building Challenge, WELL, and Passive House. By applying these standards and frameworks, you can learn how to measure and improve the environmental, social, and economic aspects of your projects, as well as how to communicate and demonstrate your achievements to your clients and stakeholders.

3 Use the tools

A third way to develop your skills in sustainable design is to use the tools and software that can help you design, analyze, and optimize your projects for sustainability. These tools and software include SketchUp, Revit, Ecotect, EnergyPlus, eQuest, and LCA. By using these tools and software, you can learn how to model and simulate different scenarios and solutions, as well as how to compare and quantify the impacts and benefits of your design choices.

4 Join the networks

A fourth way to develop your skills in sustainable design is to join the networks and communities that can support and inspire you in your learning journey. These networks and communities include professional associations, online platforms, social media groups, and local events. By joining these networks and communities, you can learn from your peers, share your ideas and feedback, access valuable resources and opportunities, and participate in collaborative projects and initiatives.

5 Experiment and innovate

A fifth way to develop your skills in sustainable design is to experiment and innovate with new and alternative approaches and materials that can enhance the sustainability of your projects. These approaches and materials include biomimicry, circular economy, biophilic design, adaptive reuse, and natural materials. By experimenting and innovating with these approaches and materials, you can learn how to create more resilient, adaptive, and regenerative buildings and environments that can respond to the changing needs and conditions of the world.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?