Ethics in practice – a sustainable design process

Elżbieta D. Ryńska

Abstract

The majority of structures designed in our times and erected according to the conventional principles of design and realization have little in common with maintaining the natural environment standard – and directly – sustainable development. In their entirety, the buildings constitute an example of high-expenditure investments and their owners have to have access to a significant capital stock. The conventional structures use a lot of energy, produce enormous amounts of waste – during realization as well as at the usage phase – and sometimes they have a negative impact on their users. Therefore, all ‘other’ attitudes towards the whole living cycle of buildings ought to be the subject of in-depth research and ethical consideration, on the one hand connected with the development of our culture and civilization, while on the other hand, with the necessity to preserve the natural environment for humankind. Sustainable design process is by no means a single occurrence. It is rather a constant process that is subject to continuous improvement and broadening the knowledge of the persons involved in the building industry. This issue constitutes the topic of this article.

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