From energy control to use of certified materials: energetic-environmental criteria for sustainable architecture. There are no specific, definite sustainability guidelines for architecture's relationship with the world of nature. We need to realise that a building continues beyond its apparent confines and is dissolved into the landscape around it.
In sustainable architecture planning a dynamic system for interaction between a building and its environment revolves around two basic principles: minimisation of energy consumption, achieved through technical measures such as use of an intelligent shell, sunscreens, good thermal insulation, heat exchangers and proper use of natural ventilation; achievement of autonomy in energetic terms, using the renewable resources at our disposal: solar, geothermal and wind energy.
The principles of proper design on the basis of the principles of sustainable architecture may be summed up as follows:
1. Controlling the microclimate Permits passive exploitation of the sun's energy and optimal use of natural lighting and ventilation, saving significant amounts of energy and improving climatic comfort.
2. Saving energy Other important factors in energy conservation are the relationship between the outer surface, volumetrics and thermal insulation of the building's shell. Good insulation means less heat loss, while high performance, low consumption ventilation, artificial lighting and electrical systems also help save energy.
3. Using renewable energy sources The picture is completed by integration of technologies deriving from renewable energy sources (solar, geothermal and wind energy) permitting hot water production with solar collectors, heat production with high performance boilers and heat pumps and use of cogeneration, photovoltaic panels and wind generators to produce energy.
4. Using sustainable and recyclable materials Use of certified building biology materials obtained from raw materials that can be regenerated through processes with a low energy consumption significantly reduces the environmental impact of construction. Use of recyclable materials prolongs the materials' lifespan in ecological and economic cycles, thereby reducing consumption of raw materials and production of wastes. Increasing awareness of these concerns among businesses has produced a wider selection of ecologically certified materials on the market.
5 Using water properly. Rational use of water involves use of devices for reducing water consumption and use of rainwater in technological systems.
6. Landscaping Greenery close to buildings serves two important bioclimatic functions: creating more favourable climatic conditions for the building's users and helping reduce overheating in the urban environment.
Use of environmentally sustainable methods and tools in construction of the built environment provides new input for correct ecological and energetic organisation of buildings.
minimisation of energy consumption, achieved through technical measures such as use of an intelligent shell, sunscreens, good thermal insulation, heat exchangers and proper use of natural ventilation; 
