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Architecture is something that has existed since man first came to be. It is something that has served many purposes throughout its evolution. From its original function of lessening natures impact on humanity to more sophisticated purposes in todays twenty-first century buildings. Architecture at first was simply something that protected humanity from nature, meaning the heat, cold, predators, and storms among other things. Eventually in the same way as an organism evolves so did architecture. This evolution however was not self-realized given that its progress is dependent on its builders and the civilization they hail from. As this concept continued to develop and evolve it branched out beyond its basic function. It eventually also became a method of representation and identity as well as facilitating a wide variety of tasks for its inhabitants. This representation or identity was then even more greatly varied as the human civilization expanded and developed further, leading to the separation of different cultures who then created their own architecture based on their needs, beliefs, available resources, and aesthetic preference. It is because of this evolution that architecture is so varied around the world and throughout time. In time architecture eventually also became part of the economic scene where it was then used to make money. This was generally done in two ways, the first being the selling of a design or concept, and second the hiring to create a specific design for a specific purpose. As it can plainly be seen architecture is a concept that greatly influences society and by manipulating it many things can be changed. One such change is directly related to a fairly new concept within the field called Sustainable or Green Architecture. This is a concept that has existed for quite some time but has only recently started to receive the needed attention and support. Through this movement an effort towards a more conscience and sustainably built environment is starting to take root. This is a type of architecture that embraces and respects the natural ambience and strives to achieve a

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balance between its surroundings and what is needed for the structure to complete its purpose. This entails a more eco-friendly or Green approach when building or altering ecological systems while at the same time obtaining the maximum revenue with the least amount of cost and resources. Ironically what Sustainable Architecture and a growing part of the worlds population are trying to achieve, humanity actually formerly accomplished unknowingly and effortlessly until the birth of industrialism. (Hannah,"Sustainable Living- SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE",BlogSpot) There are a number of things that lead to the renewed and stronger effort toward accomplishing the concepts of sustainable architecture. The most famous and talked about today is none other than global warming. Global warming refers to the overheating of the planet due to contaminations on the surface as well as in the atmosphere surrounding the planet. This growing problem became unmistakably evident during the twentieth century and lead to the creation of many protective measures as well as a new general consciousness about protecting the environment. (Gauzin-Muller, Favet, 12) In addition to global warming and its causes there exists other contributing problems such as: the rapid population growth around the world, the squandering and over use of natural resources and fossil fuels, the decline in air, water, and soil quality which are interlaced with global warming, and the exponentially growing waste. All these issues in their own way contribute to the degrading condition of the planet. The rapid growth of the human population is the catalyst that caused all the other issues. More people connotes the need for more resources, this presents its self as the need for more food, water, shelter, and space required for a quality life. However that itself is not the problem, the problem lies in the exponential growth that has presented itself where there was a four point five billion increase in people from the year nineteen hundred to two thousand. (Gauzin-Muller,

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Favet, 12) In addition another contributing factor of this issue is the mentality with which people approach life. The next problem then lies in the use of the worlds resources. For many years humanity used resources without thought or knowledge of how it would affect future generations and now although people are aware of dwindling reserves of resources they continue to use them inefficiently, rapidly, and over very short time periods. As a matter of fact, based on the same time frame as the increase in population it is projected that existing reserves of oil will be exhausted in close to fifty years, natural gas in 70, and coal in 190 years. (Gauzin-Muller, Favet, 12) These numbers are alarmingly small when one thinks of a normal lifespan at this moment and of the future generations. This reckless use of resources does not only impact our use of energy or building materials but also the ecological environment. Deforestation leads to erosion, run-off, more heating and other problems, and it is not the only example. Air pollution,

chemicals and waste seeping into soil, contamination of water sources; these are all things that affect daily life starting from the food everyone eats to the air they breathe. All these ills

eventually affect humanity directly in one way or another. Todays world is not simple and the present generation is forced to deal with the problems and mistakes of its predecessors. Sustainable Architecture is now a crucial and imperative reality that will lead humanity along the best path to survival and ensure a worthy future. Sustainable or green architecture is the new and future form of building and designing that will envelope society throughout the twenty-first and future centuries. It is the next step in industrial and personal evolution just like its predecessors were during their respective times. Its main purpose is simple, to conserve or use less energy and therefore consume fewer resources. Energy, which is the main component takes into account and is affected by all the factors

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previously mentioned.

Therefore by understanding how to use energy it is possible to

unknowingly prevent or help reduce other problems. Over the last thirty years global energy consumption has doubled. (Gauzin-Muller, Favet, 26) Electricity, water heating, indoor

conditioning, and transportation are the main culprits consuming close to forty percent of world energy with day to day use, but they are by no means the only ones. In addition although there are many countries who are leading the effort with renewable energy markets growing by up to forty percent, there are others who merely have some good intentions. Energy consumption is the main contributor of the Greenhouse effect and CO2 emissions. This not only harms the environment but also uses a large portion of resources, causes health problems, and costs a lot of money to sustain production. Thus energy efficiency is a logical and motivating solution that solves the present problems and brings further benefits. There are a couple of different methods by which to use energy efficiently and or use less. The first type is the most recognized of when referring to green concepts. Renewable energy is any natural energy that was harnessed and converted by artificial means and technologies. Under this category there are many different methods and designs used the most common and efficient of these being hydroelectric energy. Hydroelectric power is produced through the use of gravity and falling or flowing water in order to turn turbines and other machinery which then produces and stores the energy. The next methods are connected because they both use the same main resource which is sunlight. Thermal Solar energy is a technology that harnesses solar energy in order to produce thermal energy or heat. Next there is the more commonly known Photovoltaic Solar energy, (photo meaning light and voltaic meaning energy) which uses special cells that converts the suns radiation and light into energy. This method is also among the most favorable along with hydroelectricity, and because it is one of the simplest

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to assemble and use many countries, companies, and governments are using incentives to promote a change from petroleum based energy to photovoltaic. The following method is the harnessing of wind power. This method involves large turbines that when turned by wind produce electricity. There are also windmills that provide mechanical power, and wind pumps that can effectively and cheaply pump water or drainage. Last of all, the final viable form of renewable energy is Bio energy. This refers to both biogas and biomass which are derived from organic waste. These methods although not currently as viable as hydro or solar energy, have a very promising future since through them a great percentage of existing waste and its different components can be used to provide clean energy with the added benefit of eliminating the waste without harmful effects. In addition this is also a very promising solution in developing

countries since by using organic wastes healthier living conditions would arise. The next and perhaps the most basic energy conservation method, since it has been used since the origins of architecture and civilization, is Natural energy. Natural energy refers to any form of passive energy that can be used such as natural ventilation which can be achieved my strategic placement of windows and doors along with open spaces. Natural light is also passive energy, it can limit the need and use of lights and other electric appliances. Natural cooling, if more vegetation and shaded areas are present the amount of heat dissipates and less if any air conditioning can be used. These are only some of many examples of natural energy; however, it cannot work alone. So it is for that reason that it goes hand in hand with the third method, Building efficiency. Building Efficiency as its name suggests is based on building as efficiently but completely functional as possible.(Sinz) This then gets into the heart of sustainable architecture where as little resources as possible are used but obtaining the most of it. If the mentioned

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energy solutions are integrated along with smart building one achieves a sustainable or selfefficient structure. Imagine a house located in a naturally temperate environment where natural heating and cooling can be used, added to a high ceiling for circulation, thick walls for insulation, technologies to limit external factors, and smart energy efficient electrical systems, one obtains a low maintenance, low cost, and aesthetically comfortable house. As it can be noted site location can play a big part in sustainable architecture, but if the final crucial piece of green building is incorporated sustainable architecture not only becomes beneficial, and productive, but also possible anywhere. Material selecting is the final factor in green buildings. It not only consists of using little resources but of using the appropriate resources depending on need, purpose, and location. This ensures the maximum potential of the resource is utilized and generally brings down cost and helps in deciding certain factors while in the efficient building phase. Until now the different components that make up sustainable architecture and what they provide have been explained. But that is not everything although building efficiently is the main component Green architecture goes beyond that. It branches and influences many different things. One such example is the economy. At this moment there is a worldwide economic crisis. Prices rise while wages remain as they were. One of the concepts of sustainable architecture is less impact but obtaining the most out of what one invests. It is then that sustainable architecture is not a choice but something necessary. (Sinz) Due to the continuing rising costs green technologies and concepts have become necessary in order to continue functioning and survive in todays competitive market. In fact there have already been hundreds if not thousands of industries and companies that have failed because they did not make the change. Yes depending on the type of conversion the cost of changing can be great but the fact is, in a few years based

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on the energy savings or production every system pays for themselves and not only that but lowers future costs. As the economy stands any and all savings can always be used and the fact that they are not needed in a specific place means they can be used elsewhere. This simple fact has great implications, this mean that an efficient government can relocate resources to where they can be better use, companies can refocus and offer better services, and even common households can receive benefits. However, sadly like with anything good there is bad. In this case however it does not originate from the benefit but the benefactor. Since the industrial

revolution the concept of consumerism has filled humanitys mind. If you have the ability and means to buy, to consume y not do it? This is a flawed and very unproductive mentality that unfortunately almost everybody has. In fact in capitalist and industrialized societies

consumption is viewed as a virtue. (Jong-Jin, Brenda Rigdon) Success means a high Gross income, the more money and resources spent for no reason or need the better regardless of longterm societal wellbeing. Economically sustainable architecture provides many benefits, but what is the use if what is saved is actually consumed by another method? A direct correlation between income increase and increase in consumption has been observed and documented, what is the use of anything if humanity itself does not change its ways, it is imperative that mentally people start thinking sustainably or there is no hope for a productive future. The economic status plays a great role in sustainable building since they are directly related. Therefore without the support of one the other will fall. Many people who understand this attempt to explain or indirectly motivate a change and new understanding that can then be seen throughout the different areas mentioned in this paper; from incentives to help limit pollution, investigations into more efficient and viable resources, to promoting the growing consciousness.

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Sustainability and change are key if humanity wishes to reach a future. There must be change or they will continue spiraling into disaster and ruin until there is nothing left of human civilization. The environment will be so polluted that the air will not be breathable, the water will not be drinkable, normal soil will be nothing more than a cultivator for diseases and plagues. There will be a pandemic of new and extinct diseases and millions if not billions of people and animals will die. That is the grim truth of what awaits humanity if it continues down its current path. Those are the reasons why anything and everything regarding sustainability have been receiving greater support. The mentality where nothing matters must change toward one of balance and control. On the other hand if the change does occur now, a brighter future that will last in perpetuity can be achieved. A future where ideally nobody will be in need, resources would once again be bountiful, and none of the discussed ills would be present. The world would be in a state of equilibrium where what is taken is replaced and so there are little to no repercussions. Sustainable Architecture is a crucial form of architecture and a crucial tool needed in order to move on from the conflicts, problems, and hardships humanity is facing today at this moment. By applying its concepts one can receive many benefits while returning back without direct impact on ones self. Eventually humanity will continue to evolve and so will architecture but only if action is taken now.