In recent years, sustainability has inspired people to live healthier, more balanced lives. The growth of eco-friendly startups promoting vegan food, recyclable fashion, and more shows its growing influence across industries.

But what about sustainable architecture? How does it affect our well-being? Is it just a passing trend? With rising temperatures, more natural disasters, and growing urban stress, the need for spaces that support both the planet and our well-being is more important than ever. Can sustainable architecture truly enhance our quality of life?

1. Energy efficiency: Using design strategies that reduce the building’s energy consumption, such as thermally efficient materials, natural light optimisation to reduce reliance on artificial lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and renewable energy sources like solar power.

2. Eco-friendly building materials: Choosing materials that are renewable or easily degradable, locally sourced, non-toxic, and have a low environmental impact during production, use, as well as disposal.

3. Water Conservation: Using systems like rainwater harvesting, recycling, and water-saving fixtures to cut water use.

4. Indoor Environmental Quality: Creating healthier spaces with better air, natural light, and ventilation using features like plants and low-VOC materials.

5. Minimal Environmental Impact: Sustainable architecture uses less energy and materials, cuts waste and carbon emissions, and protects nearby ecosystems. It’s built to last and blend naturally with its environment for generations.

Connection between Sustainable Architecture and Wellness

Living conditions certainly influence mental and physical health. For example, during the COVID pandemic, many professionals found themselves carving out personal spaces at home, decorating them with plants and calming colours. This was a response to the stressful, enclosed environments of modern office buildings, which are linked to depression, asthma, and poor vision. Sustainable architecture addresses these issues by prioritizing natural light, ventilation, non-toxic materials, and green spaces, all of which are proven to improve well-being and productivity. The natural textures and tones used in sustainable construction promote calm and positive mental states. While personal health choices still matter, architecture acts as a catalyst that can enhance overall well-being.

Sustainable design is impactful at a larger scale too. Let’s imagine a city built around walking & cycling, and filled with green spaces. Cleaner air and less pollution sound appealing, right? The three pillars of sustainability—reduce, reuse, recycle—also help manage waste and water effectively. These environments lower disease risk and improve community health, reducing pressure on healthcare systems. Sustainable architecture isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s accessible to everyone, offering a better alternative for those seeking an improved quality of life.

Challenges to Sustainable Architecture

While we now know that sustainability offers many health benefits, we need to understand some of the challenges it faces in an urban context:

1. The myth of high cost: Eco-friendly materials are often perceived to be expensive, creating the impression that sustainable buildings cost more. However, the truth is that sustainability is context-dependent. For instance, using local materials and methods can reduce costs. Moreover, the cost of construction must factor in the savings made in operational costs by using sustainable practices. Sustainability eliminates the need for complex mechanical systems by offering simple, cost-effective solutions, thus reducing the overall cost in the long run.

2. Lack of knowledge & awareness: Homeowners often lack awareness or don’t know who to approach for help, leading to hesitation in exploring unfamiliar options. Many urban architects & builders too lack in-depth knowledge, which can only be gained through site-specific investigation and an openness to local practices. Architecture is an ever-evolving science; it’s crucial to find a designer who keeps an open mind to learning and hearing all opinions, especially when considering sustainability.

3. Aesthetic appeal: It is a common misconception that sustainability doesn’t align with luxury. Luxury is about more than just appearance—it’s also tied to comfort and well-being. Sustainable homes can be both stunning and healthy, showcasing natural materials that create a warm, earthy atmosphere. Sustainability aims to express luxury in ways that don’t compromise the health of inhabitants or the planet.

How Can We Adopt Sustainable Architecture into Our Daily Lives?

Want to take the first step into sustainable architecture? Here are some tips on how you can get started:

• Optimise natural light & ventilation in your home/ workspace. Reduce dependency on mechanical cooling (ACs, coolers, etc.).
• Adopt passive heat strategies to combat rising temperatures (water bodies, building materials that are naturally more thermally insulating)
• Incorporate landscaping and water bodies (even a tiny space such as a balcony has lots of potential!)
• Look for energy-efficient ratings when buying appliances.
• Repair and reuse devices rather than buying new (this is better for your wallet too).
• Use recycled and/or upcycled products for construction wherever feasible.
• Source materials locally.
• Question the entire lifecycle of a material that is proposed instead of incorporating it indifferently into the design.
• Reach out to the people in your neighbourhood who are actively involved in eco-friendly practices (you’d be surprised how many you’ll find).
• Look for architects & builders who are actively engaged in sustainable construction online (a little research would yield plenty of profiles on Instagram and YouTube). They would be delighted to work with you, regardless of your site location.
• Don’t be wasteful (your trash is someone else’s gold).
• Harvest rainwater.
• Learn, learn, learn! We need only look online for inspiration.

Also Read – Ready to Stand Out? Five Social Media Content Ideas that Engage

Conclusion

It’s impossible to definitively put the onus on sustainable architecture to guarantee a better life, as health is influenced by personal choices across all aspects of life—food, clothing, products, and more. It can be viewed as a catalyst to a lifestyle that prioritizes both environmental health and personal well-being. By creating energy-efficient, eco-friendly spaces connected to nature, sustainable design fosters a healthier, more fulfilling life. As technology improves and awareness spreads, sustainable living will likely become more accessible, affordable, and a natural part of everyday life in India.

Imagine living in a home that not only exudes elegance but also nurtures health and reduces environmental impact. From improved air quality to the calming presence of natural elements, sustainable architecture has the power to transform the way we live, work, and thrive.

References

Biro, A. (2024). Sustainable Building Design: How to Build for the Future. [online]. Available at: https://gbdmagazine.com/sustainable-building-design/. [Accessed 19 Jul. 2025].

Altamira Constructora. (2022). What is sustainable building and what are its characteristics? [online]. Available at: https://altamiraconstructora.com/en/what-is-sustainable-building-and-what-are-its-characteristics/. [Accessed 19 Jul. 2025].

Dalvi, S. (2019). The theory of evolution: Avasara Academy, Pune, India, by Case Design. [online]. Available at: https://www.architectural-review.com/buildings/school/the-theory-of-evolution-avasara-academy-pune-india-by-case-design. [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].

World Architecture Community. (2017). Avasara Academy, resembling an unfinished structure, educates young women in the moorland of Pune. [online]. Available at: https://worldarchitecture.org/articles/cvezc/avasara_academy_resembling_an_unfinished_structure_educates_young_women_in_the_moorland_of_pune.html. [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].

Digital Gaurav. (2022). Avasara Academy, Pune Architecture Case Study | Case Design, Mumbai | Ar. Samuel Barclay. [online]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qRZuhRmxeY. [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].

Nzeb.in. (n.d). Avasara Academy. [online]. Available at: https://nzeb.in/webinars/design/avasara-academy/. [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].

Archdaily. (2015). The Newtown School / Abin Design Studio. [online]. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/769463/the-newtown-school-abin-design-studio. [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].

ArchitectureLive! (2017). The Newton School at Kolkata, by Abin Design Studio. [online]. Available at: https://architecture.live/the-newton-school-kolkata-by-abin-design-studio/. [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].

Yash Kumar. (2023). newtown school kolkata@ construction days. [online]. Available at: https://youtu.be/2hVt2b_9ZN4. [Accessed 20 Jul. 2025].