Sustainable construction: look at operating cost and the life cycle

Materials, energy, water, comfort, maintenance and resilience should be assessed together, not only at construction time.

Start from climate and use

Orientation, ventilation, shading, occupancy and building uses strongly influence future energy and comfort needs.

Local availability, durability, maintenance, reuse potential and production impact complement mechanical and economic criteria.

A high-performing design that is difficult to maintain can quickly lose its benefits. Maintenance planning is part of design.