Can Buildings Save the Environment

New discoveries in design technology are making many things possible - including building facades that can actually improve the environment.

At HIVE 2017, Building Techology Dean Jason McLennan discusses how we can prioritize health, safety and wellness in design and housing. To make a significant impact with this technology and others, it will need widespread adoption.

The rise in air pollution levels is leading some of the world’s worst affected cities to consider technological solutions in building and infrastructure design. We explore the new concept of “smog-eating” buildings in this short video.

AIR POLLUTION is now the biggest environmental cause of death, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Data released in 2016, showed that a staggering 6.5 million people died in 2012 as a result of polluted air, primarily in and around major cities.

The Western Pacific and South East Asian regions bore most of the burden with 2.4 and 2.2 million deaths, respectively.

Whilst many nations are working hard to restrict emissions – often in line with international agreements – some of the worst affected cities are now looking to technological solutions in building and infrastructure design.

Manuel Gea González Hospital in Mexico City is one such example. The building’s owners have taken the step of adding a new "smog-eating" façade covering over 2,500 square meters.