How can sustainable design align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and other global frameworks?

The built environment account for 40% of global GHG emissions, with operational carbon emissions representing 30% of a building's total carbon footprint. Passive solar strategies, improved coordination, and integration of newer technologies can reduce operational carbon emissions and cost. While costs for analysis and improved coordination among key stakeholders, and high-performing building envelopes increase cost; often, near net-zero energy buildings cost are offset by smaller mechanical systems, fewer errors during the construction phase, and cost savings in operational costs. Net-zero energy buildings can be constructed at a similar cost to conventional buildings but advocacy and is needed to address the perceived cost increases.

The cement and concrete industry is responsible for about 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, double those from flying or shipping. Cement production is what makes concrete so carbon intensive, burning fossil fuels to heat rotating kilns turning limestones and clays into the main component in cement. Planned savings are to use alternatives to fossil fuels to heat kilns, retrofitting old buildings instead of demolishing them and designing new buildings to last longer. Incorporating carbon capture technology in cement production is potentially effective to reduce global warming but still in development. Partial replacement of energy consuming cement with reusable materials like fly ash can reduce the footprint.

Professionals in the design industry can make informed and sustainable decisions based on “Product Carbon Footprint” (PCF), which measures the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a product or service through its entire life cycle. Measuring PCF can help identify emissions reduction opportunities while meeting customers’ sustainable goals. The built environment, for instance, is estimated to account for approximately 40% of energy and process-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Measuring and adopting energy-efficent materials and practices can yield significant emission reductions, positively impacting our environment by mitigating climate change, preserving ecosystems, and contributing to ensuring a sustainable future.

Reference The Architect, The Geo-Engineer, and The Anthrome: Is it time for Terraformative Structures? Posits that at this point in time, not making an effort is still technically having an anthropogenic affect on the planet, so we need to plan according to what we need to pivot towards a more sustainable future.

It is my suggestion that we eliminate “profit” from the core tenants, as in its current form, it is an unsustainable practice. It has a hand in supporting a system in which poverty exists, resulting in individuals suffering from CPTSD who are then forced to work for healthcare or prove destitute and alone in order to receive disability status.