Practicing Sustainable Design Part 1: What Is Sustainable Design?
- Josebet Luna
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
We often think that sustainable practice includes greenery and eco-friendly everything, but one must consider additional aspects to truly practice sustainable design. While greenery and eco-friendly materials may appear to be the answer to design strategies, they can sometimes be counterproductive to the goals of sustainable practice. Not all plants are meant to exist in the same environment, and the packaging or transportation of products can be detrimental to the time, budget, and environmental impact of a project.
To gain a more practical understanding, we can deconstruct the foundational LEED principle derived from Elkington's triple bottom line: People, Profit, and Planet. We use this framework as a way to critique the traditional notion of capitalism by equally weighing financial, social, and environmental impacts has been adopted and evolved into a new paradigm for sustainable design practice. This paradigm ensures that ideas, strategies, implementation processes, and outcomes contribute to overall human health, economic stability, and environmental stewardship in each project.
As a LEED Accredited Professional, my work is to analyze and understand the best approaches for a project in terms of human well-being, financial health, and environmental impact. This ensures that the design not only comes to life but is also beneficial for the owner, the occupants, and the surrounding community.
Considerations of Sustainable Design Practice
Human Health and Well-Being
Accessibility and safety
Ergonomics
Material content and safety
Light, water, and ventilation quality
Contribution to the occupant experience
Financial Health
Budget
Construction costs
Operation and maintenance costs
Project timeline
Contribution to the local economy
Environmental Impacts
Project lifespan
Construction and operational waste
Material sourcing
Transportation impacts
Overall carbon emissions
Preservation or restoration of habitats
Contribution to the local community
Whether you are an owner seeking design and construction services, or a professional delivering them, true sustainability requires a balanced consideration of people, profit, and planet to ensure it is reflected not only in branding, but in practice.
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