Myths Around Sustainability that Must Be Demolished

Sustainability is currently -and fortunately- at the center of the conversation in many industries. We’re facing a global emergency and we must not fail while meeting its demands. This green approach is particularly important in construction, since this industry is responsible for a great deal of the carbon footprint in the cities. However, there’s still some reluctance to completely adopt these measures due to several misconceptions and myths. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Sustainability and environmentalism are the same thing

The conversation has recently become more popular, which means that there are still several topics and concepts that are not widely understood. This is the case of environmentalism and sustainability. Sustainability is not only focused on the natural environment, it also incorporates social and economic values. A building must deal with these three aspects in order to be considered sustainable. This means having a green roof does not do the trick: human and economic resources must be taken in consideration throughout the whole process.

Sustainability depends on technology

Solar panels, innovative biomaterials and water saving installments are some of the main resources that come to mind when thinking about sustainability. However, this does not mean that all sustainability must be related to the consumption of new products. Other adaptability measures and initiatives can boost sustainability, from the preservation of trees to the use of local materials, they can all have a great impact in the way we build.

Green processes are restrictive to big projects

Another common misconception is the idea that sustainability can only be executed in huge projects with the necessary conditions to incorporate green areas or an infrastructure that takes care of the environment. However, there’s a wide range of solutions for people living in small apartments, for old houses and buildings destined for any purpose. Fortunately, the research in this matter has advanced in an accelerated way, so there’s always an alternative for your kind of project.

Sustainability lacks beauty

There’s a particular reluctance from the design and architect community to fully implement sustainable measures in their projects since they believe that this would restrict their creativity or aesthetics. However, there are several projects that have demolished this myth by finding incredible, jaw-dropping ways to build true masterpieces by keeping this much needed balance.

Sustainability is becoming much more than a trend: it’s due to be our main axis for construction and urban planning. Let’s see where this responsible path takes us, it will surely be fascinating. YOU MUST READ Green Trends that Are Shaping Our Future

• “Sustainable Architecture, debunking myths”, Re-Thinking the Future, https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/sustainable-architecture/a2782-debunking-myths-10-myths-about-sustainable-green-architecture/
• Sailii Sawant, “Myths about sustainable architecture”, Architecture’s Ideas, https://architecturesideas.com/myths-about-sustainable-architecture/