One of the basic requirements of the paradigm of sustainable architecture is the use of materials and building systems characterized by low embodied energy. The aim of this paper is to examine the problem of rational design for lower embodied energy of building components and details. To raise the suitable competence of building professionals and stakeholders, the paper recommends some ways of approach to these issues. The reduction in the quantity of applied materials, so called dematerialization, the use of low energy materials for construction, reduced maintenance works, less frequent exchange of components and materials during the building operation, and their higher durability lead to better results in this regard. Some exemplary practical applications of such approach to design of contemporary buildings using the state-of-the art technologies, which strive to be in line with the requirements for sustainability, as well as some other being contradictory to them, have been covered in this paper.