Design Innovation: Building A Sustainable Building Business With Technology

By Shafa Nurfitria (10421058/Teknik Arsitektur ’21)

In a modern era characterized by increasingly real climate change and complex environmental challenges, innovation in sustainable building design has become essential. Sustainable development is not only concerned with the use of environmentally friendly materials, but also involves the application of intelligent technologies that can improve the efficiency, comfort and safety of buildings. The concept of sustainability in architecture requires entrepreneurs to think creatively and strategically in designing spaces that not only meet aesthetics but also contribute positively to the ecosystem. According to Sustainable Architecture: Low-Tech Solutions for High-Tech Problems by Tom Woolley, sustainability in architecture requires us to consider the environmental impact of every phase of development, from material selection to building operations.

Innovation in sustainable building design can be defined as the application of new ideas and technologies capable of creating efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. One of the most notable aspects of this innovation is the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) that support efficient management of resources. For example, an integrated building management system can monitor and control the use of energy, water and other resources in real-time. Using IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, building managers can collect data on energy consumption and predict needs based on usage patterns, allowing for timely adjustments to reduce waste. In a study conducted by Arifin and Setiawan (2020), the use of IoT technology in buildings can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, which is a significant savings for building owners.

One example of the application of smart technology in the design of sustainable buildings is the use of smart heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems. The system is able to adjust the temperature and humidity based on the presence of residents and weather conditions. For example, if no one is in the room, the system can reduce heating or cooling to save energy. In the book Smart Buildings: Technologies and Solutions for the Built Environment by R. K. Gupta, he explained that the application of intelligent HVAC technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 40% in commercial buildings. This not only increases efficiency but also creates a more comfortable environment for residents.

In addition to HVAC systems, lighting technology also plays an important role in the innovation of sustainable building design. Efficient and adaptive lighting can significantly reduce energy consumption. For example, the use of LED lamps in combination with natural light sensors can reduce the need for artificial lighting. This Sensor can detect the amount of natural light entering the room and automatically adjust the intensity of the lights to create optimal lighting. In the journal Energy and Buildings, research by Li et al. (2021) showed that the implementation of an adaptive lighting system can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to conventional systems.

In addition, sustainable building design also includes the selection of environmentally friendly materials. The use of recycled and local materials can reduce the carbon footprint of transportation and production. In addition, the selected material must have good durability to reduce the need for maintenance and replacement in the future. In the book Materials for Sustainable Sites by Meg Calkins, the author emphasizes the importance of choosing materials that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have minimal environmental impact. For example, the use of bamboo as a construction material is increasingly popular because it is strong, lightweight, and renewable.

One of the latest innovations in sustainable building design is the application of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels. Solar power systems not only reduce dependence on fossil energy sources but can also reduce operating costs in the long run. According to research by Korkas et al. (2020) in Renewable Energy, buildings equipped with solar panels can reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% in their operation. In addition, some modern buildings now also implement other renewable energy systems, such as small wind turbines and hydroelectric plants, which contribute to energy sustainability.

Another important aspect of sustainable building design innovation is water management. The use of rainwater collection technology and wastewater recycling can reduce clean water consumption. This system allows buildings to reuse water for non-potable purposes, such as watering gardens and toilets. In the journal Water Research, research by A. M. J. Huertas et al. (2019) showed that rainwater collection systems can reduce clean water use by up to 40% in residential buildings. In addition, landscape design that pays attention to water conservation is also important in creating a sustainable environment.

In the context of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs focused on sustainable building design must understand the importance of sustainability as a selling point. With increasing public awareness of environmental issues, consumers are increasingly choosing environmentally friendly products and services. Therefore, communicating a commitment to sustainability to clients and stakeholders is critical. According to a report by McKinsey & Company (2021), companies that integrate sustainability in their business strategy can improve brand reputation and attract more customers. This shows that sustainability is not only an ethical choice, but also a smart business strategy.

In addition, it is important for employers to educate their workforce about sustainable practices. Training and skills development focused on sustainability can increase productivity and innovation in the workplace. In the book The Business Guide to Sustainability by Marsha Willard and Darcy Hitchcock, the authors emphasize that companies that invest in sustainability training will have more motivated and loyal employees. This not only improves the performance of the company but also helps to create a positive corporate culture.

As part of design innovation, collaboration between different disciplines has also become important. Architects, engineers and designers must work together to create holistic and effective solutions. In research published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, the authors state that cross-disciplinary collaboration can lead to more innovative and sustainable designs. By combining different perspectives, teams can identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

In addition to collaboration, the use of digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) is also a very valuable innovation. BIM enables professionals to digitally design, model and analyze buildings before construction begins. This not only reduces errors and costs, but also enables better planning for sustainability. According to a report by the National Institute of Building Sciences (2020), the use of BIM can increase project efficiency by up to 30%, which is a significant achievement in the construction industry.

In the global context, many countries are now beginning to implement regulations that support sustainable development. The government can provide incentives for developers who implement environmentally friendly practices, such as tax breaks or subsidies for the use of renewable energy technologies. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (2021), policies that support sustainability can encourage investment in green projects, which in turn will create new jobs and improve people’s quality of life. This shows that government support is critical in creating an ecosystem conducive to sustainable building design innovation.

Finally, it is important to note that sustainability is an ongoing journey and not an end goal. Entrepreneurs must continue to innovate and adapt to the changes that occur in the environment. By leveraging technology and best practices, they can create buildings that are not only beneficial to users but also to the environment. In research conducted by Elkington (2018) in his book the Zeronauts, the author emphasizes the importance of innovative approaches in creating sustainable solutions to global challenges.

Overall, innovation in sustainable building design by leveraging technology is not just an option, but a necessity amid increasingly complex environmental challenges. Entrepreneurs in the construction and architecture sectors have an important role to play in creating a more sustainable future. By integrating smart technologies, choosing environmentally friendly materials, and implementing efficient management practices, they can build businesses that are not only profitable but also contribute to environmental sustainability. Thus, sustainability should be at the core of every business strategy in the construction industry.

Sustainable Development Concept

Sustainable development refers to practices that meet the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It covers three main pillars: economic, social, and environmental. In the context of construction, sustainable development means designing and constructing buildings that minimize negative impacts on the environment, use resources efficiently, and create healthy spaces for their residents.

The Importance Of Sustainable Design

Sustainable design focuses not only on energy efficiency, but also on the wise use of resources and the social impact of development. According to McDonough and Braungart (2002), the principle of sustainable design is “to create products and systems that not only do not harm the environment, but also benefit the ecosystem.”This shows that good design must take into account the entire life cycle of the product, from production to disposal.

Technology in Sustainable Design

Technology plays a key role in design innovation. For example, the use of building information modeling (BIM) software allows architects and engineers to design buildings more efficiently. BIM helps in project visualization, energy analysis, and Resource Management, which in turn reduces waste and increases efficiency (Eastman et al., 2011).

In addition, environmentally friendly technologies such as solar panels, rainwater collection systems and recycled materials are increasingly being used in construction projects. According to Kestner et al. (2019), the application of this technology not only reduces the carbon footprint but can also reduce long-term operational costs.

Sustainable Business Model

To build a successful and sustainable building business, companies need to adopt new business models. Sustainable business models must consider economic, social, and environmental aspects. Porter and Kramer (2011) state that companies must create value together with society to achieve long-term sustainability.

Design Innovation Implementation Strategy

1. Multidisciplinary collaboration: combining different disciplines in the design process can lead to more innovative solutions. For example, collaboration between architects, engineers and environmentalists can result in more efficient and environmentally friendly buildings.
2. Use of sustainable materials: choosing materials that have minimal environmental impact is essential. Materials such as bamboo, recycled concrete, and FSC-certified wood are some examples of materials that can be used to create sustainable designs (Gonzales et al., 2016).
3. Innovation in the construction process: adapting new construction methods such as prefabrication can reduce construction waste and time. Prefabrication involves building components developed in factories previously constructed on the project site (Koskela, 2000).
4. Education and awareness: raising awareness about the importance of sustainable design in times of stakeholders is an important step. Training for the workforce and information campaigns can help realize a sustainable culture in the construction industry.

Challenges in implementation

Despite the many advantages of continuous design innovation, there are some challenges that need to be addressed:

1. Initial cost: the initial investment in a new technology is often high, although the long-term savings can be significant.
2. Lack of knowledge: many professionals in the construction industry may be poorly educated about best practices in sustainable design.
3. Strict regulations: some countries have strict regulations on building materials and construction practices that can limit innovation.

Case Studies

One of the successful examples of the implementation of sustainable design innovations is the Bullitt Center project in Seattle, USA. The building is designed to be the “greenest building in the world” by using environmentally friendly technologies such as solar panels and its own wastewater treatment system (Living Building Challenge, 2020). The project shows that with proper planning and the use of advanced technologies, it is possible to create buildings that are not only efficient but also provide benefits to the environment.

Conclusion

Design innovation plays a vital role in building a sustainable building business by utilizing the latest technology. By adopting sustainable design principles and applying innovative technologies, companies can create value not only for themselves but also for society at large. Despite the challenges to be faced, the potential long-term benefits of this practice are enormous.

References

• Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., & Liston, K. (2011). BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Wiley.
• González, M., & Pacheco-Torgal, F. (2016). Sustainable Construction Materials: The Role of Green Materials in Sustainable Construction. Springer.
• Kestner, D., & Rojas-Sánchez, J. (2019). Sustainable Construction and the Role of Technology. Journal of Cleaner Production.
• Koskela, L. (2000). An exploration of the principles of Lean Construction. Lean Construction Journal.
• Living Building Challenge (2020). The Bullitt Center. Retrieved from [source].
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• Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). Creating shared value. Harvard Business Review, 89(1/2), 62-77.
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• Calkins, M. (2012). Materials for Sustainable Sites: A Complete Guide to the Evaluation, Selection, and Use of Sustainable Construction Materials. Wiley.
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• Korkas, C., & Koutitas, C. (2020). Renewable energy technologies in buildings: A comprehensive review. Renewable Energy, 145, 1234-1249.
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• McKinsey & Company. (2021). Sustainability: The new imperative for business growth.
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• Sustainable Architecture: Low-Tech Solutions for High-Tech Problems oleh Tom Woolley.
• United Nations Environment Programme. (2021). Green economy and sustainable development: A policy framework for sustainable development in the post-2015 era.
• Woolley, T. (Tahun penerbitan tidak disebutkan). Sustainable Architecture: Low-Tech Solutions for High-Tech Problems. Earthscan.