Clever design is often facilitated by the development of other technologies, and becoming greener is now part of the modern design process. For many, the inclusion of green technologies is becoming less of a choice and more of a ‘must-have’.

Nowhere is that more obvious than in Japan, where the country is still reeling from the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit on March 11, causing explosions and radiation leaks at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. As a result, Japan is completely rethinking its energy future and the government has scrapped plans to build 14 new nuclear plants, pushing renewable energy to the top of the list.

More specifically, new buildings will play a pivotal role as the government is looking to make solar panels a requirement on all new buildings – including houses – from 2030.

It’s a huge commitment and could play a role in driving down the cost of solar power globally, as well as highlighting the advantages of having solar panels on every house.

While many architect designed buildings and homes come with solar panels as standard, it would be a revolution to see solar panels become a compulsory part of every structure.

What’s your view?

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