Dezeen’s top 10 low-carbon buildings of 2021

As part of our review of 2021, here are 10 examples of low-carbon architecture including buildings made of 3D-printed clay, recycled materials and biomaterials.

The most climate-friendly of these projects are net-zero or even carbon negative, meaning they will remove as much or more CO2 from the atmosphere as they will emit throughout their expected lifespan.

This is possible by making use of carbon-sequestering biomaterials, circular design principles and passive, renewable technologies for heating, cooling and energy.

As a result, the buildings not only minimise operational emissions but also the embodied carbon from materials and construction.

Read on for 10 projects that showcase how to incorporate these sustainable strategies.