In this presentation we want to promote reflection on the complexity of sustainability and the holistic approach we believe it should have. In architecture, when thinking about a sustainable architectural project, we believe that we need to think about a balance between three aspects: economic, environmental and social. The environmental aspect is the one that has attracted the most attention recently, with a great response from developers, designers and government bodies. But much is lost along the way when the other two aspects that complete this triangle are not taken into account.