While affordability and efficiency have long been key principles in real estate construction, the focus is gradually shifting toward emerging green trends.
Sustainable development and environmental considerations are becoming, or are on the verge of becoming, standard practices in architecture. These principles continue to evolve and branch into new directions. The year 2018 is set to highlight significant changes in green building trends.
1. Greater Transparency and Comparability of Materials
Understanding the exact composition and quality of building materials has always posed significant challenges for all parties involved—from architects and designers to construction firms, certification bodies, and building owners. The demand for healthier environments and occupant wellbeing has never been stronger, closely tied to the nature of materials and products used.
Manufacturers are often reluctant to reveal proprietary information, and consensus on which materials are harmful remains elusive. Nevertheless, efforts are underway to create shared databases and universal standards where manufacturers disclose detailed, open-source information. This transparency facilitates material comparison and promotes more informed, efficient decision-making.
These developments are supported by new organizational tools and collaborative initiatives, such as innovative health product declarations. Many manufacturers now embrace these tools to maintain competitiveness, recognizing that full transparency has become a highly valued attribute.
2. Scalability and Resilience in Buildings and Infrastructure
With climate change accelerating, the frequency of natural disasters and extreme weather events has risen sharply. This reality underscores the urgent need for the construction industry to focus on building stronger, more resilient infrastructure.
Modern architectural design increasingly prioritizes flexibility and resilience. The aim is to future-proof buildings by integrating preventive measures from the outset, enabling structures to withstand natural calamities—from prefabricated homes to entire urban systems.
One notable initiative is the “100 Resilient Cities” program, which operates globally to help urban areas prepare for and adapt to various risks—physically, economically, and socially. Cities like Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto are actively participating in this program.
3. Flexibility as a Key Element in Spatial Design and Planning
Flexibility and adaptability are becoming essential priorities in space design and building layouts. The goal is to maximize space efficiency, allowing areas to serve multiple functions or adjust to varying needs.
Market demand has driven a trend toward versatile buildings that can accommodate different uses—for example, living spaces that double as workspaces, and vice versa. This includes multi-purpose and mobile furniture, as well as adaptable walls, windows, and ceilings.
This approach aligns with green principles by promoting resource reuse and sustainability, ultimately adding value to buildings and their occupants.
4. Emphasizing Health and Wellness
Health and wellness are fundamental aspects of green building design. Focused on the wellbeing of residents and workers, enhancing indoor air quality improves productivity and reduces health risks.
Creating healthy indoor environments has proven vital for both businesses and everyday life by reducing stress, improving air quality, and boosting overall performance.
5. Emerging Standards and Certifications
Closely tied to health and wellness advancements are new standards and certifications, such as the WELL Building Standard, which have seen significant development in recent years. The Canadian Green Building Council is actively promoting WELL standards, aiming to integrate best practices into design and construction.
The goal is to improve occupants’ emotional wellbeing, sleep quality, nutrition, fitness, and overall performance through thoughtfully designed spaces.
Together, these trends are set to drive a major transformation in the real estate market in 2018, fostering healthier homes, buildings, environments, and cities, while establishing new low-impact building principles and standards.
Responsible Editor: Shi Dandan
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