 Architecture has always played an important role in the cultural, economic and social evolution of cities. Today, architects are taking up the 21st century challenge of reducing the environmental impact of construction by designing buildings that are more energy efficient—without compromising quality. This new focus, bolstered by increasingly demanding regulations, requires close collaboration between architects, builders and industrial manufacturers.
Architecture and sustainable development: an essential alliance In France, buildings account for more than 40% of energy consumption and nearly 20% of CO2 emissions (source Ademe). Consequently, limiting the construction sector’s environmental impact has emerged as a priority. Everyone involved must support the effort throughout the life of a building: - the architect, during the building’s design phase,
- the builder, while managing the construction site,
- the occupants, by avoiding energy waste.
 Finding the right materials from the start
Choosing the right materials is essential to constructing buildings that are gentler on the environment. It’s important to consider the complete environmental impact of materials across their entire lifecycle, from production to use, including transportation and their recycling potential. For example, despite being one of the planet’s most renewable natural resources, wood will not produce a favorable carbon footprint if shipped several thousand kilometers to a construction site. Accurately evaluating a product’s environmental impact requires a close look at all of these parameters, as recommended by the HEQ (High Environmental Quality) program. Designing highly energy efficient buildings The ability to design energy efficient buildings has become a new measure of success in the construction sector. - Insulation is the first factor to consider. In all renovation projects, insulating windows, roofs and walls takes priority over heating system upgrades.
- Next, manage energy consumption with high-performance heating and hot water equipment.
- The most innovative bioclimatic housing measures involve constructing buildings to maximize sun exposure, take advantage of natural air circulation and capitalize on the heat-storing capability of materials and soil. Both the building’s structure and materials should be designed to limit heat exchange with the external atmosphere.
 From low-energy to energy-positive buildings
Regulations accelerate the integration of sustainable development in the construction sector. France’s existing thermal regulations (RT 2005) are about to be replaced by new, more demanding standards that incorporate more incentives (BBC). BBC, or “low-energy” housing is characterized by total control over all aspects of energy consumption, including heating, hot water and air conditioning. The prospect of “passive” or “energy-positive” housing heralds an even more ambitious era, with houses that produce their own energy (passive homes) or even produce more energy than they consume (energy-positive homes). Each structure is equipped with its own means of producing energy, such as solar panels or wind turbines. Energy-positive housing is still relatively rare today, but will undoubtedly continue to develop in the coming years. |
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