Sustainability in the tropics: Design methodology

"Many different designers approach sustainability from many viewpoints. At GLA we tend to see at as solving the baseline model using passive energy design methods and progressing from there. That is to try to achieve a comfortable living environment before applying other methods. Notice we didn't say energy efficient. "to find out more...
Passage from http://www.gleearchitects.com/sustainablefaqtropic1.htm#design
Image from http://www.gleearchitects.com/projects.htm