As the global population continues to grow and urbanize, the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly architecture has become increasingly important. Governments are expanding their investments in infrastructure, including building and construction, to accommodate the rising need for housing and public utilities. This has led to the rise of green buildings and their significant impact on urban landscapes.
Green Building Materials: A Growing Market
With the global green building materials market size valued at USD 377.03 billion in 2022 and projected to grow to USD 951.15 billion by 2030, it is evident that eco-friendly architecture is on the rise. Key players in the market, such as BASF SE, PPG Industries, Inc., and Sika AG, are contributing to the development of low-energy structures that support the ecological balance of the environment. As a result, the use of green walls and other sustainable building materials is expected to increase rapidly, particularly in North America.
Urban Greenery: Benefits and Challenges
The benefits of urban greenery are numerous, ranging from lowered air pollution to improved well-being. However, the world’s accelerating rate of urbanization presents challenges in achieving sustainable and eco-friendly architecture. The United Nations predicts that 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050, making it crucial for governments to plan resources to attend to the increasing demand for public services and sustainable cities.
Smart Sustainable Cities: Combining Sustainability and Connectivity
Smart sustainable cities combine sustainability and connectivity to create hospitable, productive, and healthful places to live. These cities harness innovative Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to improve operational efficiency, air and water quality, waste management, and other low emissions practices. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have developed a framework based on 91 Key Performance Indicators to analyze the extent to which a place can be considered a smart sustainable city.
Building Sustainable Cities: A Key to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Building sustainable cities is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as many urban areas worldwide have become vulnerable to climate-related disasters and pollution. By focusing on eco-friendly architecture and the rise of green buildings, governments can work towards creating cities that are not only hospitable and productive but also environmentally responsible and resilient.