Which is NOT a factor that influences sustainable development principles?

The choice indicating energies consumed in mechanical systems is not typically considered a primary factor that influences sustainable development principles. Sustainable development in architecture encompasses broad concepts that aim to minimize the environmental impact of buildings while promoting efficient use of resources.

Energy performance is fundamental to sustainability, as it measures how effectively a building uses energy and reflects its overall environmental impact. Similarly, geotechnical factors play a crucial role, as they influence site-specific conditions, including soil stability and environmental interactions, which are essential for sustainable design. Building form and orientation also significantly influence a structure's energy efficiency, as they affect natural light utilization, passive solar heating, and ventilation opportunities.

While mechanical systems do consume energy, the focus on sustainable principles is generally on the overall system design and performance rather than solely on the energy consumed. A comprehensive approach to sustainability would involve optimizing energy use within these systems but would prioritize broader design strategies that integrate energy performance, site conditions, and architectural decisions. Thus, emphasizing the mechanical energy consumption alone does not encapsulate the wider array of factors that contribute to sustainable architectural practices.