Can Sustainable Architecture Make a Difference in the Climate Crisis?

The building and construction industry significantly contributes to global carbon emissions, accounting for nearly 15 gigatons or approximately 40% annually. This environmental challenge grows with an increasing population, anticipated to double raw material demand by 2060. Susan Jayne Thams Carruth, a Danish architect, emphasizes at the Human/Nature conference organized by Azure magazine that the industry must transition from being part of the problem to being part of the solution, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and higher standards in sustainability.

A critical focus is on mitigating extreme heat exacerbated by urban environments. Recent studies indicate that extreme heat days have become more frequent due to climate change, posing threats to public health. Urban populations, especially vulnerable groups, face rising heat-related deaths. Effective urban planning includes incorporating design elements that provide shade, such as trees and roof overhangs, which can lower temperatures significantly, making spaces more habitable. Initiatives like Paris's 800 "cool islands" and Toronto's plan to plant 120,000 trees annually illustrate proactive measures to combat heat effects.

Additionally, the housing crisis in cities like Toronto, marked by unaffordable prices, necessitates urgent solutions, particularly that align with sustainable practices. The MaRS initiative aims to support building-tech startups focused on decarbonizing solutions, while various Toronto projects adopt prefabricated building techniques to reduce environmental impact and enhance efficiency. The concept likened to an "IKEA approach" involves assembling pre-made components, promoting rapid yet sustainable construction.

Building performance optimization remains vital, with architects and managers striving to enhance energy efficiency in heating, cooling, and electricity use. Projects like Manitoba Hydro Place exemplify innovative design strategies that significantly reduce energy consumption through passive systems and natural ventilation. Such buildings contribute to the well-being of occupants, evidenced by reduced employee sick days.

Transitioning to low-carbon alternatives is crucial. Concrete and other construction materials are significant contributors to carbon emissions, particularly cement, which alone accounts for 8% of global emissions. Companies like CarbiCrete are innovating with cement-free alternatives, while CarbonCure Technologies incorporates recycled CO2 into fresh concrete to lower emissions. Mass timber also presents a renewable option, increasingly adopted in large-scale projects due to its environmental and efficiency benefits.

A shift toward circular design is imperative as well, to reduce demolition waste, which currently constitutes 25% of global waste. Repurposing materials and exploring new uses for existing structures not only conserves resources but also enhances sustainability. Initiatives like repurposing a former abattoir in Toronto to create a mixed-use site exemplify this approach, demonstrating that reusing materials fosters a modern aesthetic aligned with historical respect and environmental mindfulness.

The upcoming Human/Nature conference, scheduled for October 24-25 at George Brown College’s Waterfront Campus, will address these critical themes, gathering architects, researchers, and innovators to explore solutions and practices aimed at combating climate change within the architecture and design realms.