Sustainable designs and green designs are used interchangeably. In aspects of building green the terms are complementary to each other. Confusion however exists in the exact meaning of the term sustainable design. Sustainable design means a design which is more or less self sufficient like a self actuating biosphere.

Sustainable designs do not tax the environment, are able to recycle most of the products used and help better the living conditions. This involves holistic planning in the use of natural sunlight and wind. These include the use of solar arrays and natural air to reduce consumption of electricity and polluting air conditioners which produce CFCs. Rainwater harvesting which helps in conservation of water is another aspect of sustainable designs. Recycling of water used for bathing for the kitchen garden is yet another aspect. Conversion of organic wastes generated by humans into manure is a sustainable design feature.

A range of initiatives such as sharing a common swimming pool, common rainwater harvesting plant, solar panels all add up to the conservation aspects in a sustainable design. Why, even car pooling by residents of a green community is part of sustainable design movement. Locally used material which can be replenished are encouraged in a sustainable design. Thus, long distance transportation of material required for repair is not required. Converting all these ideas into practice requires government help. Thus there are sustainable design standards which have evolved. The LEED standard evolved by USA is the most common one being used all over the world. The scientists too have chipped in by providing life cycle calculations for sustainable designs in the field of architecture and building green infrastructure projects.

Scientists have helped arrive at life cycle energy analysis and introduction of modern technology to the overall ambit of life cycle calculations for sustainable designs. The initiatives range from synthesizing local building practices with the best of technology, use of powerful computers to simulate best sustainable designs to material improvements in designs of solar arrays and other equipment. Sustainable designs strive to achieve the holism expressed in the Greek concept of ‘Gaea or living earth, where everyone is in perfect harmony with the nature.