Which term describes the practice of designing buildings to reduce their environmental impact?

Sustainable architecture refers to the practice of designing and constructing buildings with a focus on minimizing their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. This approach incorporates strategies that enhance energy efficiency, use renewable resources, and promote a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural surroundings. Key principles include using materials that are sustainable and have low environmental impact, designing buildings to maximize natural light and airflow, and implementing systems for water and energy conservation.

Traditional design typically reflects historical styles and local cultural practices, but it does not inherently aim to reduce environmental impacts. Industrial architecture focuses on the design of facilities for manufacturing and production, prioritizing functionality and efficiency rather than sustainability. Urban planning involves the strategic development of cities and communities to organize land use effectively but is broader in scope and does not specifically target building designs aimed at environmental reduction. In contrast, sustainable architecture explicitly addresses these concerns, making it the most suitable term for reducing the environmental impact of buildings.