In the heart of South Africa, a groundbreaking study is challenging the construction industry to look to nature for answers to modern sustainability challenges. Led by Olusegun Oguntona from the Department of Built Environment at Walter Sisulu University, this research is not just about green buildings—it’s about rethinking how we design, build, and power them, drawing inspiration from the very essence of nature itself.
The study, published in *Engineering Proceedings* (which translates to *Engineering Proceedings* in English), explores the role of energy efficiency within a nature-inspired sustainability assessment framework. By integrating principles of biomimicry—an approach that looks to nature for sustainable design solutions—Oguntona and his team are paving the way for a new era of eco-conscious construction.
At the core of this research is the idea that nature has already perfected what we are still striving to achieve: efficiency. “Nature doesn’t waste energy,” Oguntona explains. “It uses closed-loop systems, passive energy strategies, and decentralised generation. By studying these principles, we can develop buildings that are not just energy-efficient but also regenerative.”
The study identifies key energy efficiency criteria, including efficient energy management, renewable energy optimisation, passive heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and energy-saving technologies. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the research engaged 38 experienced construction professionals to prioritise these criteria. The results were clear: efficient energy management emerged as the most significant factor, followed closely by energy-saving equipment.
This isn’t just academic theory. The findings have real-world implications for the energy sector. By integrating these nature-inspired criteria into building rating systems, developers and contractors can create structures that are not only sustainable but also cost-effective in the long run. “This research bridges the gap between theory and application,” Oguntona says. “It’s about creating buildings that are in harmony with their environment, reducing energy costs, and contributing to long-term environmental resilience.”
The study also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. By bringing together experts from various fields, we can develop adaptive, ecologically aligned certification frameworks that can be scaled globally. This aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and reinforces the need for a regenerative approach to construction.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, this research offers a compelling roadmap for achieving sustainable energy performance in buildings. By looking to nature for inspiration, we can create structures that are not just efficient but also resilient and regenerative. The future of construction is not just green—it’s blue, green, and every shade of nature’s palette.