Blurring Boundaries in the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Building Design

The notion of “boundaries ” is critical when discussing buildings and sustainability- both technically and professionally, and in the current separation of ecological from social and cultural considerations in building design given that they both play a critical economic role throughout the lifetime of a development. This paper examines the ways that the notion of “bounding ” has proved both valuable and problematic in building environmental research and practice. More significantly, the paper explores the consequences of “blurring ” boundaries and the consequences for future advances in the discussion of designing and assessing buildings, projects and communities that support sustainable patterns of living. The paper uses three key distinct realms within the current environmental debate where boundaries play a decisive role: The conceptual boundary that defines the scope and structure of building assessment methods. The professional boundaries that define the realms of knowledge and responsibility of members of the building design team. The designation of distinct building environmental strategies that are capable of being assessed and evaluated within the more blurred realm of social and cultural values and economics