Ecological architecture is conceived from the architectural design based on optimizing the use of natural resources, increasing the use of materials which must be aimed at facilitating and prolonging the conservation and maintenance of the construction, and reducing the environmental impact of the construction.

Ecological architecture seeks to make efficient use of natural resources in architecture, and reduce the environmental impact compared to conventional architecture, based on the idea that buildings can be designed in a way that maximizes the use of energy, water, the reuse of materials and the reduction of waste.

Green architects are architectural professionals who seek to make more environmentally friendly use of building materials, as well as incorporate ideas to make buildings energy efficient.

Green architecture is based on the design of buildings integrated into the environmental environment in which they are located, as well as the optimization, conservation and reuse of material and natural resources.

To develop sustainable construction, it is necessary to consider aspects such as the improvement and optimization of natural resources, the reduction of energy consumption, the use of recycled or renewable materials, the reduction of waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and the own cost of its construction and maintenance among others.

In this way, the use of sustainable materials is encouraged for the construction of sustainable buildings, such as wood, cellulose, bamboo and sheep wool. In addition, ecological architecture also focuses on the implementation of systems capable of detecting leaks or any type of water loss through interior pipes, and in this way, minimizing unnecessary expenses caused by breakdowns and incidents.

Sustainable materials are understood to mean materials that are obtained from renewable sources or that have a low environmental impact during their extraction, in their production, and of course, in relation to the environmental effects generated by the waste derived from their extraction, production and handling.

Within the concept of ecological architecture, studies are included that allow the design of buildings that are efficient in the use of energy, so that they can take advantage of solar energy, wind, and shadows to generate natural heating, cooling or ventilation. Energy efficiency focuses on using the least possible amount of energy to achieve the greatest possible comfort, thus reducing consumption costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

The installation of energy-efficient appliances and equipment, as well as small wastewater purification systems and small purification treatments for contaminated water from refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers, as well as the use of sanitary appliances with low water consumption will reduce consumption and the storage of water, facilitating savings and increasing its use.

Buildings, fundamental pillars of architecture, are important in our lives since they represent the place where we live, work, and carry out almost 90% of our activities, performing a protection function against climatic conditions.

Therefore, an ecological building must allow for high levels of comfort for its inhabitants, regardless of the materials and techniques used in its construction, and today the use of technological advances is essential to achieve this goal. The health and habitability of homes are essential, and contaminated or humid environments must be avoided, complying with all the requirements related to ventilation and the use of air filters that ensure the renewal and quality of the air in each of the rooms in the building.

For this reason, and given the importance of these structures in our lives, another of the aspects incorporated in the so-called ecological architecture is that concerned with the treatment of construction waste, seeking to reduce the amount of materials that are sent to the landfills and seeking, through composting or recycling techniques, the reuse of these either in processes related to the activity itself, or by using them in other construction processes. Likewise, different studies are currently being carried out to enable the incorporation of new materials from the recycling of other materials from other industries, in the construction processes.

The efficient use of natural resources in architecture would reduce air and water pollution, reduce the loss of diversity and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It would also reduce functional costs derived from energy use, ventilation and water use.

The location, orientation, detection of prevailing winds, the correct arrangement of doors and windows, the location of plants and trees, the use of stone and brick, the creation of ventilated facades and roofs, are elements that can influence increasing or reduce energy use, ventilation and maintenance of a building.

The use of photovoltaic panels, solar panels or domestic wind turbines, the use of gas and electricity, the use of low-consumption appliances will help improve the energy consumption of the home.

Given the technical complexities involved in developing an ecological building, an increasingly common practice is what is called “Integrated Project”, which involves clients, architects, engineers, consultants and contractors, seeking that all agents collaborate and contribute to improving the ecological behavior of the construction, taking into account the importance and needs in each phase of the project, with respect to the expected usability of the new construction, homes, offices, services public, or events among others.

In short, given the need to move towards energy sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as increasing the use or reuse of all possible materials, ecological architecture will become in the coming years in the predominant architecture.