Architects and engineers can combat climate change with design that increases productivity.
Ing. Diana Rodríguez
The unstoppable growth of human activities has unleashed, in recent years, significant environmental impacts. Not so long ago, we heard warnings about the possible consequences of neglecting our planet, and today, unfortunately, those warnings are a reality.
Adapting to abnormal climatic conditions has been a constant challenge for humankind throughout history. Over the last 150,000 years, we have gone from sheltering in caves to protect ourselves from various threats, to becoming nomads in search of suitable materials to build our shelters. Although we seem to have established a settled lifestyle today, neglect of the environment has caused alterations in temperatures that force us to rethink our relationship with the environment.
Although numerous solutions have been proposed, from sustainable cities with green facades that represent an ideal transition between nature and humanity, we are still far from reaching that utopia.
In the area of construction, there are two types of strategies to address climate change: mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mitigation strategies focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation strategies seek to minimize vulnerability and risks associated with climate change.
As mitigation strategies we can mainly promote energy savings, the use of renewable energies, proper waste management, integration of green areas, either in outdoor areas or terraces, ventilated facades and incorporation of bicycle parking or charging stations for electric vehicles.
As for the adaptation strategy, this is directly related to the context in which the building is located. In the case of industrial buildings for production, it can be found where water is a scarce resource, which leads us to implement strategies that promote the efficient use of water, rainwater collection systems or gray or black water treatment for use in irrigation or sanitary discharges.
Constructing a building with an ecological and sustainable vision means lower electricity and water consumption, lower maintenance costs, reduced pollutant emissions, greater comfort and more satisfied users. Achieving this is based on design, the integration of environmental and financial aspects, as well as collaborative work between architects, engineers, technicians and technological systems, such as air conditioning.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), provides a third-party validation of the sustainable characteristics of an architectural project, which promotes the reduction of energy consumption, encourages sustainable water management practices and rainwater reuse, use of low environmental impact materials, and is also concerned with indoor air quality, which can be important for occupants' health and can reduce the need for mechanical ventilation or air conditioning.
Some of the materials that help us reduce the use of air conditioning are: thermal insulation, ventilated facades, solar control glass windows, reflective surfaces on roofs and use of natural ventilation.
Climate change building strategies are essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote resilience to extreme weather events, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly built environment. These strategies are a fundamental part of the global response to climate change and have a positive impact on the quality of life of communities and the health of the planet.
Fuentes Consultadas
Chris, M. (2017). Essential Sustainable Home Design. New Society Publishers.
Council, U. G. (s.f.). Core Concepts and LEED Guide. Core Concepts and LEED Guide. Obtenido de http://www.spaingbc.org/files/Core%20Concepts%20Guide_ES.pdf
De Garrido, L. (2001). Análisis de proyectos de arquitectura sostenible. Mc Graw Hill.
Estrella Suárez, M. V. (2017). Desarrollo sustentable. Un nuevo mañana (2 ed.). México: Grupo Editorial Patria.
Omar, V. (2013). Mexico: Capital Natural, Desarrollo Sustentable y Seguridad Nacional. Eae Editorial Academia Espanola.
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