How can you design with renewable resources in mind?

In my view, sustainable design isn't just about using recycled materials (although that's important!). It's about creating products and places that meet our needs without harming the environment for future generations. It's like designing a bridge strong enough for our grandchildren to cross, all while using materials and methods that don't deplete the resources they'll need too.

El dise?o sostenible es mucho más que una tendencia; es una filosofía que impulsa la creación de productos, servicios y entornos que equilibran eficazmente las necesidades actuales con las futuras, sin comprometer la capacidad de las generaciones venideras para satisfacer sus propias necesidades. Como profesionales y líderes, es crucial entender y promover el dise?o sostenible como una herramienta poderosa para construir un futuro más equitativo, resiliente y próspero para todos.

Fossil fuels are like a giant piggy bank account we've been rapidly withdrawing from. But unlike a bank, they're not infinite. Renewable resources, like wind and solar power, are like a constantly refilling well. They're good for the environment, and they won't run out anytime soon!

In my experience, the best sustainable designs emerge from a collaborative spirit. Even the most experienced designers can benefit from fresh perspectives. For instance, early in my career, I was convinced a certain sustainable material was the perfect solution. However, a colleague pointed out its limitations in colder climates, prompting me to explore alternative options. This is why I always encourage open communication and feedback throughout the design process. Here's a practical tip: schedule regular brainstorming sessions where team members (including those outside the design team!) can share ideas freely.

Research which resources in your project’s geographic region are available widely enough to outweigh the cost and energy needed to provide them. Solar, wind, and water are all great choices for renewable energy but will be more or less practical depending on location. Make sure also that you plan your building systems to be compatible with your planned energy sources. For example, many efficient radiator systems that would be on your radar as you research efficient heating are gas powered, but if you rely on wind-based energy you will need to switch to electric. There’s always a balance in sustainability between efficiency and renewability, but typically you have more control over environmental impact when you choose renewable energy.

Taking a systems approach and incorporating life cycle analysis are essential for thoughtful integration into designs. This insight is focused on materials as a renewable resource. Successful integration of renewable materials requires extending the system boundary across the supply chain to the source of cultivation, with critical review of the environmental impacts at each step in the process. Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) can be used to measure product environmental impacts from harvesting through manufacturing, or end-of-life. In addition to the quantifiable, renewable materials are often encoded with compelling histories. Highlighting material narratives can support the overall design vision and ESG goals.

People connect with stories. So, when explaining renewable resources to clients or the public, focus on the positive impact. For instance, talk about how solar panels can help a family become energy-independent, or how wind turbines can create jobs in their community.

Renewable resources are constantly evolving. The best way to stay ahead of the curve is to embrace a lifelong learning mindset. There are always new technologies and design approaches to explore, and by staying curious, we can keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable design.

One area to consider, when looking at renewable resources, is what we can learn from indigenous populations and cultural history in regards to how they use renewable resources.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a powerful tool that can help assess the environmental impact of your design choices throughout a product's entire lifespan. Also, check out the book "Biomimicry in Design" by Janine Benyus - it's a great resource for learning how to take inspiration from nature's sustainable solutions.

Consider a lifecycle analysis across the use case of the product/building. This includes balancing OPEX and CAPEX across lifecycle operations, maintenance, replacement and overhaul emissions and costing to make an informed decision on the outcome.