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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Net-zero impacts in sustainable architecture

the worst impacts devastate communities through flash initiatives decenter industrial manufacturing as the driver
floods, wildfires, giant hailstones, and other extreme weather of human development while establishing new principles
events, the notion of sustainability has become a key factor for sustainable development. Although significant progress
in shaping policy decisions, allocating resources, and serving has been made, with the growth of renewable energy and
as the foundation for international relations. As a proposal, clean technologies now being more affordable, a different
however, the concept of sustainability is merely the beginning paradigm for human development necessitates a vision of
of an approach rather than a solution for our changing world. how we can live together.

3. Sustainability In this context, cities have proven excellent sites for
addressing the climate emergency through both top-down
Effective climate action requires vision and coordination. and bottom-up approaches. From a top-down perspective,
The term “sustainability” is most often used in the context of city officials like mayors can help reduce emissions by
environmental issues and refers to the ability to maintain the implementing technologies that offset industrial emissions
natural systems and resources upon which all life depends. and adapt to anticipated impacts (e.g., investing in flood
This commitment ensures that these systems can continue defenses). Within this context, the concept of sustainable
to support human and other forms of life into the future. architecture has gained recognition as a key strategy for
The idea of sustainable development was more specifically creating livable, resilient cities that can adapt to climate
defined in a landmark report called “Our Common Future,” change. It has been widely adopted by architects, planners,
also known as the Brundtland Report, in 1987. It proposed developers, and governments around the world. The concept
that “sustainable development is the development that is now an integral part of many building codes and regulations,
meets the needs of the present without compromising the incorporated into a wide range of building and planning
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The projects, from individual homes to large-scale developments.
proposed idea encompasses balancing the economic, social,
and environmental dimensions of development so that all Sustainable architecture has also been incorporated into
are given equal consideration. The European Union is at a range of other fields, such as urban design, transportation
planning, and landscape architecture. This integration
the forefront of international efforts to develop a sustainable creates a holistic approach to sustainable city-making and
future. The primary strategy is to reduce the environmental
impacts of modern industrial development by making is evolving in response to new challenges. For example,
significant investments in clean energy and energy-efficient the use of digital tools and data analysis is becoming
technologies. Secondary strategies support this transition by increasingly important in sustainable architecture as a part
of a “smart” city initiative. Architects and planners seek
addressing the fundamental social and economic impacts, to better understand the environmental impacts of their
enabling the adoption of new technologies to support
a transition to a low-carbon (fossil-fuel-free) economy. designs through data collection, allowing them to optimize
Initiatives include the 2020 European Green Deal, the their building systems rationally. At the heart of sustainable
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Renewable Energy Directive, the Energy Efficiency Directive, 3 architecture is a focus on the building itself, with the aim to
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reduce its negative environmental performance. This goal
the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Biodiversity Strategy is achieved through various strategies, including increasing
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for 2030, and the New European Bauhaus. All of these
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energy efficiency, managing water responsibly, reducing
1 The European Green Deal is a comprehensive plan for waste, and using local materials. The ultimate objective
Europe to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent is to achieve net-zero impact, where buildings produce
by 2050. The plan outlines a range of measures to reduce as much energy as they consume over a specific period,
greenhouse gas emissions, promote the use of renewable 7
energy, and protect biodiversity. typically a year. Sustainable buildings, therefore, strive to
2 The Renewable Energy Directive sets targets for renewable minimize their carbon footprint through engineering and
energy use in the EU, and it requires member states to increase construction practices that have as little damaging effect
the share of renewable energy in their total energy consumption.
3 The Energy Efficiency Directive requires member states to 7 An example of a net zero building is the Bullitt Center
adopt energy efficiency measures, including improving the (https://bullittcenter.org/) in Seattle, Washington, USA.
energy efficiency of buildings, appliances, and vehicles. The six-story commercial office building was designed and
4 The Circular Economy Action Plan outlines a range of built to meet the rigorous standards of the Living Building
measures to promote the circular economy, which seeks to Challenge. It features a triple-paned windows, high-
keep resources in use for as long as possible and reduce waste. efficiency insulation, and a building management system
5 The Biodiversity Strategy sets out the EU’s commitment that optimizes heating, cooling, and lighting. To generate its
to halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of own energy, the building has a large array of photovoltaic
ecosystems by 2030. panels on its roof, providing all the energy the building
6 The New European Bauhaus is a creative and needs. Additionally, it collects rainwater and treats it for
interdisciplinary initiative that connects the European Green reuse, utilizing a composting toilet system that eliminates
Deal to our living spaces and experiences. the need for a traditional sewer connection.

Volume 6 Issue 1 (2024) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.1882