Bioclimatic architecture as the main part of green building

Abstract

Studies of the relationship between environmental quality of buildings, urban living conditions and the global climate change are becoming more relevant today, since living conditions in numerous megacities are rapidly deteriorating, and the climate change with economic and social impact endangering economies of whole nations. Deeper understanding of the climate saving quality of buildings and, in particular, their live cycle balance of included GHG emissions will allow architects and decision makers in the construction sector to properly take into account relevant environmental, climatic, and human factors, to create favorable ecological and healthy urban environments and habitat conditions. Architect M. Eichner, one of the authors of the article, developed urban projects for the North African desert area of Luxor as well as for the cold climate area of St. Petersburg with building designs considering the local climate, economic conditions, and best available construction solutions, evaluating and comparing their environmental impact on the biosphere and global climate. Conclusion of the authors: The local and global environmental impact of commonly constructed buildings through material, water, and energy consumption differs significantly between the different countries. Buildings for residential use with common and best-available solutions for construction, material and heating technology do not meet minimum climate saving requirements in accordance with international standards.