A study in sustainability within the building value chain: An organization-based case study exploring the architect’s responsibility

Sammanfattning: The modern form of humans has thrived on the planet for the past 200.000 years. Since back then and all the way to the present we’ve had several basic, physiological human needs, one of those being that of shelter. To create constructions that may inhabit our population in both residential and commercial regards, someone must show intelligent use of all the factors required to design a building that meets and exceeds clients’ expectations. This is where the role of the architect plays in. In this role, the study seeks to find what responsibilities can be found in line with sustainability actions and providing a better future. The study has been carried out at Blaavand & Hansson A/S architectural firm, where a study has been conducted on the basis of a recently finished project with external sustainability demands: The bay dormitory in Sønderborg. Here, it is found that a profound implementation of sustainability is lacking with the potentials of implementing ideals, reviewing the current work done and the approach taken. The architect’s role in sustainability is considered somewhat complex. the complexity is derived from open roles that lead to different interpretations of responsibilities and obligations. The architect has an initial role in the industry, attaining exclusive design and decision-making mandates on all early stages of construction projects. This means that the architect is providing consultation, suggestions, and demands that may either harm or benefit the triple bottom line performance. The architect’s responsibilities fall in line with being advice-giving, consulting, spokesmen and advocates of sustainable alternatives. They have a role in being informed of what sustainable actions can be carried out and implement them as requirements, advising the client of the need to look beyond self- benefit, knowing that a holistic approach to benefit evaluation will also benefit the client. The study finds that a suitable solution for the implementation of sustainability at Blaavand & Hansson falls to the likes of implementing a holistic approach and strategy utilizing visualization tools, attaining new knowledge through education and re-evaluating current relationships with business stakeholders and customers.