One idea can change the world
The concept of sustainability originated in ancient cultures, whose practices restricted the use of natural resources by human groups. But it took until the early 2000’s for a group of individuals in the construction sector to launch initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the principles of sustainability in the built environment. The Holcim Foundation has been a forerunner in spotlighting the evolving schools of thought and critical themes related to sustainable design and sustainable construction.
Ideas worth sharing
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Resource efficiency and circularity
The construction sector consumes almost 50% of raw materials and generates 40% of emissions and solid waste. The rapid and widespread adoption of more efficient and circular approaches is critical to reducing the embodied impacts of building materials.
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Ecosystem resilience and restoration
We have reached a crucial point in time in terms of the environmental change our ecosystems can cope with. Doing ‘less bad’ is no longer enough - we must ‘do good’ and strive not only to restore, but to regenerate our social and ecological systems.
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Social equity
Sustainable development in the realm of the built environment and infrastructures would mean nothing without proper consideration of the very core purpose of architectural design: creating the physical environment into which people live and thrive.
Ideas in depth: Resource efficiency and circularity
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Circular materials
Keeping materials in the loop by improving durability, flexibility of use, and enabling disassembly and re-use decreases pressure on our resources.
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Circular design
Design is an essential element of developing a circular economy to eliminate waste and prioritise efficiency.
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Urban metabolisms
By understanding the flows of energy and materials within cities we can create more sustainable urban systems.
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Embodied carbon
With rapid urbanisation, reducing the emissions from producing building materials and the construction process is critical to mitigating the effects of climate change.
Ideas in depth: Ecosystem resilience and restoration
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Biomaterials
These renewable resources can be sustainably produced over the long-term and naturally absorb carbon to contribute to climate change mitigation and have improved performance during use.
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Regenerative buildings and districts
An approach to design whereby buildings and infrastructure are holistically conceived to be deeply rooted in their natural and social context, and does not generate waste.
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Nature-based solutions (NBS)
Approaches that sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems and simultaneously provide human well-being and biodiversity benefits.
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Ecosystem restoration and urban requalification
Addressing urban decay by upgrading the fabric of cities and reinstating quality of life by implementing innovation that allows a conscientious approach to resources, emissions and humans.
Ideas in depth: Social equity
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Responsibly sourced materials
Local sourcing of materials and labour is a powerful strategy to unlock carbon and energy reduction, circularity and regeneration, and improved integration of a structure within its context.
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Housing and infrastructure needs
Designers, policy makers and stakeholders involved in housing development aim to deliver dignified living conditions, and to plan and advocate for quality housing.
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Economic and social empowerment
Design can unlock opportunities through a built environment that transform the way people interact with the economy, afford dignified living conditions, and improve sanitation, energy use and infrastructure.
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Inclusion
Including diverse stakeholders in the decision-making process triggers participatory design and more democratic design practices that enables a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Conflict & Emergency
Design and construction of the built environment is critical in mitigating the impacts for communities facing emergencies, such as natural disasters, warfare or pandemics.