The College of Architecture, Engineering & Design emphasizes sustainability in the industry, which has become increasingly important in the last twenty years. Sustainable architecture, also known as green architecture, focuses on reducing energy consumption, utilizing renewable energy sources, optimizing natural resources, and securing the future for generations to come. Sustainable building materials play a significant role in reducing harm to the environment, eco-systems, and human health. Efficient insulation and sound reduction, recyclability, weight reduction, and cost savings are some of the characteristics of these building materials. It places emphasis on using locally sourced materials to minimize shipping and raw material costs.

Sustainable architecture integrates new technology with traditional architectural principles to create environmentally-friendly buildings. This approach aims to minimize the negative impact of building systems and operate with maximum efficiency while still meeting the requirements of architecture.

Building materials have always played an important role in architectural production. With the advancement of scientific knowledge regarding materials, construction abilities, and their properties, architecture has developed throughout different civilizations. New building materials in addition to traditional materials are more rational, focusing on resource consumption, reuse, recycling, nature protection, and minimizing the disposal of toxins and pollutants. Sustainable construction technologies have been developed aiming to shift from natural resource depleted sources to building materials that are more sustainable.

Various technologies are used in achieving sustainable architecture, such as nanotechnology, computers, and clean energy technologies. This report highlights some of the commonly used sustainable building materials and the most prominent technologies that can be used with them to promote sustainability in the construction sector.

The first sustainable building material is polystyrene panels, utilizing a galvanized reinforced mesh panel that forms the bearing walls of a building. The walls are made of polystyrene panels sandwiched between galvanized reinforcing mesh on both sides, and concrete is poured on both sides by the Ficus method or concrete sprinkler. Its advantages are the speed of mounting and cost savings compared to other building systems.

Another building system is the COFFOR molds, which uses prefabricated metal molds for reinforcing walls and mass construction. It is lightweight, easy to construct, environmentally-friendly, and easy to mold into different architectural designs.

Fiber composite panels (FCP) are made of fire-resistant fiberglass and filled with a foam substance and epoxy material, providing excellent insulation. It is also windproof, moisture-proof, rust-proof, mildew-proof, eco-friendly, easy to transport, fire-resistant, and highly flexible in terms of design.

Finally, nanomaterials and technology are widely used in sustainable architecture to create new functions and outcomes. Nanotechnology is the manipulation of the smallest particles to create new technologies, which has revolutionized the technology of building materials in our time.

Clean energy technology is another essential aspect of sustainable architecture, utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, as well as reducing energy consumption through energy-efficient building systems and appliances.

In conclusion, sustainable architecture and building materials have become increasingly important in the last two decades. Sustainable building materials offer effective insulation and sound reduction, recyclability, weight reduction, cost savings, and environmental friendliness. Several technologies such as nanotechnology, clean energy, and computers are employed in creating sustainable buildings. Sustainability is the key to ensuring a secure future for generations to come.

Energy is an integral part of our daily lives, and the progress of the future depends on its availability. In order to increase its availability, it is important to improve efficiency, invest in technological advancements, expand skill sets, and find suitable substitutes for energy sources. The era of cheap energy is over, and conventional energy sources are limited and depleted. Therefore, sustainable building is essential, and the use of renewable energies is becoming increasingly popular. Solar, wind, underground, and hydropower energies are some examples of renewable sources that can provide energy at various levels, from individual buildings to entire cities.

Clean energy is vital for buildings and various applications can be used to support sustainable building practices. Building materials and techniques have changed over time to adapt to modern needs, and the use of sustainable materials can help reduce harm to the environment and decrease energy consumption. Natural benchmarks should be used for building assessment to minimize harm and not waste resources.

In order to achieve a sound economic environment, it is important for the state to extend green construction and sustainable design principles within housing projects. By utilizing modern technologies and materials, savings in energy and resources can be achieved.

References:

Abdel-Jalil, Wejdan Dia. "The Impact of Nanotechnology on the Possibility of Future Architecture." PhD Thesis - College of Architecture, University of Technology, 2016.

"Coffor Faq." Coffor India, COFFOR Construction Technology. http://www.cofforindia.com/faq.php

"Building Systems for Every Need: Autoclaved Aerated Concrete." Portland Cement Association. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete/paving/buildings-structures/concrete-homes/building-systems-for-every-need/autoclaved-aerated-concrete

"Sismo Concept." Sismo, SISMO EU. https://www.sismo.eu/site/concept.aspven