Buildings and infrastructure are responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions — from the materials used in construction to the energy needed to run the heating, cooling, lighting, and other services throughout the lifetime of the building. Sustainable design seeks to reduce the ecological footprint of buildings throughout their lifecycle. This includes thoughtful site selection, using environmentally-friendly materials, selecting energy-efficient systems, and minimizing waste.

In this category, we explore tools for sustainable design, including tips that can be implemented in both residential and commercial settings. For example, choosing low-flow water fixtures is a great way to reduce your domestic water usage, and can also be implemented in schools, offices, and other public buildings. Swapping to energy-efficient lightbulbs is an even easier change that can help reduce electricity use across contexts. Many of these efficiency-minded swaps can also lead to smaller utility bills in the long run, benefiting both you and the planet.