Sustainability is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and architects and designers are playing an increasingly important role in addressing it. From reducing energy consumption to minimizing waste, sustainable architecture can have a significant impact on the environment and our daily lives.
To showcase the best in sustainable architecture, we’ve rounded up 10 examples from around the world that are truly mind-blowing. These projects not only prioritize sustainability but also push the boundaries of design and innovation.
- The Edge, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Designed by PLP Architecture, The Edge is a commercial office building that is widely considered the greenest office building in the world. It produces more energy than it consumes, thanks to its innovative use of solar panels, geothermal wells, and a smart lighting system that adjusts based on occupancy.
- Bosco Verticale, Milan, Italy
A vertical forest in the heart of Milan, Bosco Verticale consists of two residential towers covered in more than 800 trees and thousands of other plants. Designed by Stefano Boeri Architects, the towers provide a habitat for birds and insects while also improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect.
- The Crystal, London, UK
Designed by Wilkinson Eyre, The Crystal is a sustainable conference center that boasts an impressive array of green features. It generates its own electricity through solar panels and ground source heat pumps, and it treats and recycles its own wastewater.
- The Bullitt Center, Seattle, USA
The Bullitt Center is a commercial office building that is widely considered the greenest office building in the United States. It is designed to be self-sufficient, producing all of its own energy through solar panels and rainwater harvesting.
- The Earth House Estate, Dietikon, Switzerland
Designed by architect Peter Vetsch, the Earth House Estate is a group of houses built into the side of a hill. The houses are constructed using natural materials and are partially buried to take advantage of the earth’s insulation. The estate has minimal energy requirements and blends seamlessly into its surroundings.
- The Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, Canada
The Vancouver Convention Centre is one of the greenest convention centers in the world. It is heated and cooled by seawater, and it boasts a 2.5-acre living roof that helps regulate temperature and provides a habitat for local wildlife.
- The Bahrain World Trade Center, Bahrain
Designed by Atkins, the Bahrain World Trade Center is a commercial tower that features three large wind turbines between its two towers. The turbines generate enough energy to power more than 300 homes per year.
- The Green Lighthouse, Copenhagen, Denmark
Designed by Christensen & Co Architects, the Green Lighthouse is a sustainable student center that produces more energy than it consumes. It features a unique facade made of solar panels that are angled to optimize energy production.
- The Clichy-Batignolles Eco-District, Paris, France
The Clichy-Batignolles Eco-District is a new development in Paris that prioritizes sustainability and quality of life. The district features green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and a car-free zone, among other green features.
- The Pixel Building, Melbourne, Australia
The Pixel Building is a commercial office building that is one of the most sustainable buildings in Australia. It generates its own electricity through solar panels and wind turbines, and it features a unique facade made of 3,276 individually operable panels that allow for natural ventilation and daylighting.
These 10 examples of sustainable architecture from around the world demonstrate that sustainable design can be beautiful, innovative, and functional. By prioritizing sustainability in our built environment, we can create a better future for