Have We Got Sustainable Architecture All Wrong?

Is Sustainable Architecture a "style" of architecture? What is Sustainable Architecture?

Rethinking the Word “Sustainable”

Sustainability. It’s on everything—from clothing to farming, food, packaging, even business models. It used to signal responsibility. Now, it risks becoming just another label—overused, lesser-understood, and often misapplied. Sustainability, at its core, means meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. 

Is the goal of good architecture to be sustainable?  Is sustainable design a label? And what do these labels really carry with them?

Let’s pause and look deeper.

Is “Sustainable” the end goal?

Is the purpose of clothing to be sustainable? No. But choosing sustainable clothing is being responsible.

Is the purpose of growing food to be sustainable? No. But doing it sustainably respects both people and the planet.

Is the purpose of water usage to be sustainable? No. But using it consciously ensures availability for the future.

Is the goal of architecture "to be sustainable"? A big fat NO. Sustainability isn’t the purpose, except in specific contexts. It’s a way of being responsible—of making choices that don’t cost the future.

The Role of Design

"Do you design 'regular buildings'? " This is a question we come across quite often at our firm. Architecture (as do other professions) continues to be about design and innovation in creating spaces that serve human life, function beautifully, and evoke a sense of belonging and enhance people's experiences.

While sustainability is the call of every individual and every profession, it is certainly the job of professionals to provide, show and educate lay people about options which are more sustainable / responsible.

Being sustainable is part of being responsible. And responsibility is part of every profession, every citizen.

That’s why we hear about:

• Sustainable farming

• Sustainable fashion

• Sustainable packaging

• Sustainable business...and the list is endless

Because the core idea of sustainability isn’t about one field—it’s about long-term, mindful practice that avoids harm.

But Why Is Architecture Under the Spotlight?

Because the construction industry is one of the largest contributors to unsustainable practices globally—excessive resource use, embodied carbon, toxic materials, energy-intensive systems.

That’s why the phrase “sustainable architecture” keeps popping up. But it isn’t a style. Just like an organic, natural dyed cotton shirt isn’t a fashion style—it’s a better choice, made responsibly.

• Designing with natural light isn’t about being sustainable. It’s about creating comfort, beauty, and connection with nature—without needing artificial lighting during the day. In the process yes, you save on the bills too.

• Using climate-appropriate materials isn’t for a sustainability tag. It’s to create thermal comfort, reduce dependence on ACs, and ensure well-being.

• Understanding sun, wind, and water to shape buildings isn’t new—it’s been practiced for centuries.

And yes, when done right, these things also happen to be sustainable.

But aren’t they just common sense for good architecture?

Old Is Gold – Was Never Called “Sustainable”

Let's walk into an old haveli, a courtyard home, or a fort in peak summer. Feel the cool comfort. No AC. No artificial ventilation. Just good design—rooted in context, materials, and purpose.

They didn’t call it “sustainable.” They just built responsibly. With today's "technological advancement" is it more difficult now?

So What Should We Call It? A Definition That Matters

Instead of asking “Is this sustainable architecture?” Ask: “Is this responsible architecture?” “Is this good architecture?” Because good architecture, by default, should be sustainable. Not because it checks a box, but because it cares.

It’s not a design language. It’s a mindset.

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

 — Native American Proverb

Let’s stop treating “sustainability” as a style or label. Let’s treat it as the baseline—not the bonus. 

As designers, let’s offer better choices. 

As consumers, let’s ask better questions. 

And together, let’s make responsibility so normal… it doesn’t need a label anymore.

And yes—no one said responsibility is easy. Whether it's towards society, our families, or even ourselves, it takes time, effort, constancy—and most of all, a will to do. But that’s exactly what makes it worth it. Each of us can only try and do our bit—with honesty, humility, and intention.

And perhaps that's exactly where Regenerative Architecture comes in (its just around the block) — not as a trend or a style, but as a mindset of giving back more than we take.

It may well be the future — but only if we stay alert. Let’s hope it doesn’t become yet another well-packaged buzzword, stripped of its essence and sold back to us.

It’s not just a trend — it’s a responsibility.