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Sustainable architects oversee the design and construction of buildings with a focus on the role a structure will play in its environment. For example, sustainable architects try to use only construction materials that won't contribute to landfills, as well as making certain all the building's systems and equipment have high energy-efficiency ratings. A sustainable architect's primary goal is to create attractive, affordable, and comfortable buildings that do not harm the environment, either during their construction or their lifetime.
Imagine you are standing amid a group of onlookers admiring the magnificent new City Hall building. You are a sustainable architect and this classic structure is your latest creation. Two years ago, members of city council asked you to design a replacement for the old City Hall, which was becoming too small. The council asked you to design not only a larger space but an environmentally friendly building to demonstrate the City's commitment to conserving and protecting the environment. After many revisions to the plans, many meetings with structural engineers and builders, and many months of construction, the building is finished. Based on your innovative design, the new City Hall is a model for sustainable building. As a sustainable architect, you had to fulfill a number of objectives when designing the new City Hall it was a challenging project. To begin, council needed more space but didn't want to build an imposing megastructure that dominated the landscape, so one of your design priorities was a building that had a positive impact on its environment while meeting council's space needs. Next, you focused on resource efficiency: you tried to use only materials produced locally, to reduce dependency on truck transportation and the pollution trucks contribute. You selected durable materials that won't need to be replaced often and avoided anything from non-renewable resources. You also concentrated on improving energy efficiency and providing healthy indoor air. The new building relies primarily on natural ventilation and has huge windows that capitalize on natural light. You incorporated solar energy, water-conserving bathrooms, and the most energy-efficient climate control system on the market. You've used every opportunity to conserve energy and water and reduce emissions with spectacular results.