Case Studies
The Building Sector is responsible for the largest consumption of fossil fuels and natural resources in the world today. Unless the architecture, planning and building community act now and act decisively, emerging economies will likely follow current design and building practices leading to disastrous global consequences.
Fortunately, the energy crises of the 1970's spawned a wealth of research and development into advanced glazing technologies, passive solar system designs, and natural cooling, ventilation and daylighting strategies. Many private sector and government funded (and monitored) demonstration projects were built at the time, illustrating that energy consumption reductions of 50% or more could be readily achieved through design at little or no extra cost (see Mt. Airy Public Library). Since then many contemporary buildings, in all climate zones, have been constructed that confirm this.
The following buildings and projects reflect innovative sustainable design strategies from all parts of the world. They are produced by firms committed to engaging the latest information and technologies to create buildings designed to dramatically reduce their environmental impact.