Architecture and environmental protection

Abstract Fifty percent of all natural resources consumed on Earth are used in the construction sector, making building activity one of the most resource-intensive and waste-generating industries worldwide. Construction waste is both an environmental and a public health concern. The disposal of consumed resources, often non-biodegradable, results in methane emissions that contribute to global warming, and it contaminates water, soil, and air. Sustainable architecture is therefore regarded as a comprehensive and essential concept that addresses all aspects of human life. At present, it is among the most important topics in architectural discourse. Key principles include minimizing environmental degradation, reducing pollution and waste through recycling, decreasing water consumption, employing high-efficiency mechanical and electrical equipment, utilizing local and recyclable materials, promoting physical and mental health, and revitalizing or preserving historic urban fabrics. In sustainable architecture, environmental issues are considered at all three critical stages of development: construction, habitation, and demolition. During the construction phase, natural and local materials are prioritized. Understanding these strategies not only deepens architects’ awareness of the environments they design for, but also directs them toward an architectural approach that is beneficial for contemporary society, responsive to human needs, and respectful of resources for future generations. This paper seeks to provide architects with practical solutions and strategies for further aligning contemporary architecture with the principles of sustainable development.