1. Use sustainable materials: Architects can use materials that have a low environmental impact, such as reclaimed or recycled materials, or those with low embodied energy.
2. Energy-efficient design: Architects can design buildings to be energy-efficient, incorporating features such as natural ventilation, passive solar heating, and shading to reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling.
3. Reduce waste: Architects can reduce waste by minimizing the amount of material needed for a project. This can be achieved through designing buildings that are modular or prefabricated.
4. Water management: Architects can design buildings that capture, store, and reuse rainwater, reducing the need for irrigation and saving potable water.
5. Daylighting: Architects can design buildings that maximize daylighting to reduce the need for artificial lighting, which saves energy and reduces carbon emissions.
6. Biophilic design: Architects can incorporate biophilic design into their plans, which involves connecting people to nature through design. This can include features such as green roofs, living walls, and natural ventilation.
7. Life-cycle assessment: Architects can use life-cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of materials and systems over their entire life cycle, from extraction to disposal.
8. Avoid toxic materials: Architects can avoid using toxic materials that are harmful to humans and the environment. This includes materials such as lead and asbestos.
9. Reduce transportation emissions: Architects can design buildings that are located near public transportation, reducing the need for cars and the associated emissions.
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