How does sustainable architecture contribute to combating climate change?

How does sustainable architecture contribute to combating climate change, and what are the latest innovations in green building practices?

“What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?” stated in the 1800s by Henry David Thoreau, a naturalist. The idea of preserving our planet’s most sacred jewel has been ingrained within our society for centuries, yet alongside the burgeoning technology, architecture still remains similar to its predecessors in contributing to climate change. The emergence of sustainable architecture helps to combat climate change through its innovations, research and design.

Sustainable architecture can be adapted and integrated into all forms of architecture: minimalism, contemporary, zen. Throughout these forms, an architect's choice of material can shape both the aesthetic of the structure and its environmental impact, therefore by utilising natural forces to construct passive designs, it can set sustainable architecture apart from traditional architecture. Implementing innovative systems, such as the ‘Grey water system’ can aid in water consumption as used water is filtered and reused in non-potable ways, reducing the energy needed to pump fresh water for in-house use. Additionally, the ‘Sara cultural center’ in Skellefteå, Sweden embodies the sustainable use of natural resources, primarily using mass timber construction which can act as a carbon sink when sustainably sourced, further showcasing the flexibility of materials when adapted to different architectural styles.

As climate change evolves into a more globally recognized issue, innovations regarding ‘green building’ have broadened in both variety and technology. An example of this would be ‘Carbon-capturing concrete’, a concept that benefits building structures and the environment, which involves injecting captured carbon dioxide gas into concrete to strengthen the concrete and reduce the greenhouse gases released; a process that has successfully prevented over 600,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Pioneered by Dr Kyoung Hee Kim, ‘Microalgae architecture’ is another innovation that can revolutionise traditional ideologies in sustainable architecture. It involves a weave-like structure of transparent material with algae that photosynthesise in the presence of sunlight; it boosts carbon conversion ratios and promotes a healthier built environment through improved air qualities. Another technological advancement in building facades is CABS (Climate Adaptive Building Shells), most famously seen on the ‘Al Bahar Towers’ in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The responsive technology allows the facade to operate in relation to sunlight, folding when there is no sunlight to reduce the load on air conditioners and lower electrical energy demands. 

Sustainable architecture does not only tackle climate change but also acts as a bridge between modern innovation and preserving cultural heritage and identity. Japanese architecture carries the essence of how sustainability merges with culture, being attentive with the significance of material and its historical connections. Their use of bamboo, clay and ‘Yakisugi’ technique (preserving wood through natural processes to increase its longevity) reduces waste and the need for chemical preservatives. Kengo Kuma, a Japanese architect, suggests that sustainable architecture acts as a reminder of ‘spiritual sustainability’, where natural materials can foster human reconnection with nature and harmony.

Sustainable architecture connects humanity back to nature, in a place where both can coexist. By choosing resilient materials we can take our first steps into revolutionising the idea of sustainable architecture and its preservation of culture while ‘green building’ innovations open new pathways for conserving resources. Sustainable designs should not be an option but an obligation to build a better world.

Reference list (bibliography)

CarbonCure Technologies (2025) CarbonCure’s sustainable concrete solution. [online] https://www.carboncure.com/ [Accessed 14 September 2025].

EcoClosure (2022) Biofacades: Integrating Biological Systems with Building Enclosures. [online] EcoClosure.https://ecoclosure.org/biofacades-integrating-biological-systems-with-building-enclosures/ [Accessed 14 September 2025].

Cilento, K. (2012) Al Bahar Towers Responsive Facade / Aedas. ArchDaily. [online] 5 September.  https://www.archdaily.com/270592/al-bahar-towers-responsive-facade-aedas [Accessed 14 September 2025]. 

Japan Woodcraft Association (2019) Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban). [online] https://japanwoodcraftassociation.com/traditions/techniques/yakisugi-shou-sugi-ban/ [Accessed 15 September 2025].

Izumi, T. (2021) Architect Kengo Kuma reapplies wood to create ‘spiritual sustainability’. Sustainable Japan, The Japan Times. [online] 26 July.  https://sustainable.japantimes.com/magazine/vol02/02-01 [Accessed 15 September 2025].

White Arkitekter (2021) Sara Cultural Centre, Skellefteå. [online] White Arkitekter. https://whitearkitekter.com/project/sara-cultural-centre/ [Accessed 14 September 2025].