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Sustainable design is a broad concept which aims to reduce the adverse effect of human activities on our world.
 
Architecture is responsible for about 45% of the carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) emissions in the UK. Architects are a large part of the problem, and consequently the solution - sustainable architecture. The RIBA, along with the vast majority of architects, recognise this and has taken appropriate strategic action to stimulate the production of sustainable architecture.
 
The purpose of this section, an initiative of the Sustainable Futures group|, is to provide architects with the inspiration and practical tools to practice sustainable architecture.
 
The UK government has set a target of reducing CO2 emissions by 20% by the year 2010 – a significant contribution to meeting this target is achievable through sustainable architecture.

UK Housing and Climate Change 

 
This recent study by Bill Dunster Architects and Arup compares the behaviour of thermically lightweight and heavyweight houses in the UK.