Green construction is a movement that is growing in popularity around the world. It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy resources, and improve human health.
There are a number of standards, rating systems, and certification programs available that help guide the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings. They vary in approach, but all aim to deliver a more sustainable building experience.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a key feature of green building. It reduces energy consumption, embodied energy in the raw materials and operating energy used to provide services such as heating and electricity.
There are many ways to increase a building’s energy efficiency, including using renewable energy sources like solar power. Some strategies include active solar power that uses functional systems to absorb the sun’s rays to generate power; passive solar design oriented to maximize the use of natural light, which can help lower energy costs; and water heating powered by solar panels.
Another way to improve energy efficiency is by adding insulation to the exterior of a building, which can save up to 10 percent on utility bills. Alternatively, installing a central smart system that identifies when a building is using more electricity than it should can also save energy.
Reducing energy use in buildings can be accomplished through a number of measures, from utilizing energy efficient lighting and appliances to increasing the SEER rating of air conditioning systems. Additionally, minimizing water use by installing low-flow showerheads and toilets can make a large impact on the amount of water that is consumed.
Researchers at PNNL are leading the way in research on the energy performance of buildings, developing new technologies that can dramatically reduce energy usage. The Center’s staff, which spans a variety of disciplines and fields, lead national projects that advance the field.
Green buildings can reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions and contribute to a healthier environment. They can also offer economic benefits to builders and property owners. These include reduced operational and material costs, shorter investment returns and increased asset value.
Materials
Green building materials are those that minimize environmental impact while ensuring the construction or renovation process is sustainable. These materials include both natural and recycled products.
Using materials that are derived from renewable resources, such as stone, wood and straw, is an important part of building with sustainability in mind. These materials have a positive impact on the environment and reduce energy costs.
For example, cob is a common building material that utilizes subsoil, water and fibrous organic materials (usually longer straw). This material was used for thousands of years before it was replaced by concrete, but its insulating properties and energy efficiency make it an excellent option for a sustainable building.
Recycled plastic is another great choice for a green building project. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including insulation and roof tiles. It also has a high insulating factor and is very strong.
Other sustainable materials include bamboo, which is known to be incredibly durable and flexible, making it an ideal building material for commercial projects. It is easy to source and can be cut and laminated into a variety of shapes and sizes.
Straw is another eco-friendly material that can be used in a variety of applications, including insulated ceilings and walls. These panels can help keep a space cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and are made from a by-product of agriculture that is usually burned off after harvest.
Other sustainable materials include recycled paper, which can be turned into a textured and attractive material for use in interior walls or flooring. It can also be sourced from newspapers that are overproduced, which is another way to reuse an otherwise unwanted resource. YRCO is the best place to shop for NZ construction materials or even agricultural equipment when you hire construction workers.
Indoor Air Quality
In buildings with sustainability in mind, indoor air quality should be a priority. This is because indoor air quality can have a major impact on the health, comfort and productivity of building occupants.
To minimize this impact, green construction can look at the materials used in buildings and how they are sourced, processed and disposed of. For example, buildings can be constructed with more eco-friendly natural materials instead of those that have been heavily processed and potentially toxic.
Another way to make the air in a building healthier is to control the ventilation rate. This can be accomplished by installing demand-controlled ventilation (DCV), which automatically adjusts the throughput of air to the building based on actual emissions from the occupants.
EPA estimates that poor indoor air quality can cost the United States tens of billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and medical costs. This is especially true in office buildings, where employees are more likely to complain about a building’s air quality.
In addition, a number of biological and chemical pollutants can negatively affect the health and well-being of building occupants. These include secondhand smoke, carbon monoxide, radon, molds and other allergens, asbestos fibers, volatile organic compounds, ozone and particulates.
To reduce the effects of indoor air quality issues, green construction professionals should work with their building’s facility managers to solve these problems. This can be achieved by following building guidelines and involving them in all indoor environmental issues.
Water Efficiency
With the rise of green construction, building water efficiency has become a major issue. In the United States alone, buildings consume about 12 percent of all the water used in the country. That’s a lot of water that needs to be managed!
In the long run, the way that we use water can determine whether or not we have enough for our future needs. This is why it’s so important for us to implement efficient water practices in our homes and businesses.
For example, low-flow plumbing fixtures can help save huge amounts of water. In fact, toilets that operate on only 1.3 gallons per flush can reduce waste by up to 80 percent!
This can make a huge difference to your bottom line. It can also have a big impact on the environment as well.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to incorporate water efficiency into your next project. These practices include rainwater harvesting, recycling and reusing greywater, low-flow fixtures, and sensors.
Water is a vital part of life, so we need to use it wisely. However, this isn’t always easy to do.
Many people don’t realize just how much water is needed in a normal day. In fact, the average person uses about 80 gallons of water each day.
But with the help of modern technology, we can limit our usage and still be able to do all of our normal activities. This is called water efficiency, which involves strategies that promote limited yet full utilization of the resource.
While water conservation focuses on curtailing the amount of water that you use, water efficiency involves maximizing the use of the water that you do have. This is a great way to reduce the stress on our natural resources and ensure that we have enough for our future.
Waste Management
Incorporating reusable materials into construction can significantly reduce waste, energy use and pollution. Some examples of reusable building materials include wood, metals like steel, aluminum and iron, bricks, concrete, drywall and linoleum flooring.
Recycling and composting are excellent options for diverting waste. They save energy, keep materials out of landfills and incinerators and provide raw material for new products.
The best way to recycle is by taking items like batteries, paint thinner, and paint cans to a local recycling and waste processing center. They will have up-to-date information about your local waste laws and disposal practices and will help you dispose of waste properly.
Reuse is also an important part of green construction. This can involve having shoes repaired, donating clothes or food leftovers to those in need or even researching recipes for used or worn items that can be repurposed.
Goal setting and tracking are essential to achieving successful waste reduction programs. Having clear goals gives teams a shared understanding of what they are working to accomplish and how they are progressing toward their goals.
Using a Building Information Model (BIM) can help architects and engineers minimize the amount of on-site construction waste by eliminating drawing inefficiencies [2]. By implementing BIM, designers are able to experience their projects as a whole entity, which can lead to a more cohesive design package that limits waste generation and rework.
The key to successful waste management in a building with sustainability in mind is to implement a comprehensive approach that focuses on prevention, reuse and recycling. By focusing on these three areas, building owners and managers can achieve their goals of environmental sustainability while cutting costs and enhancing the property’s reputation for quality.