When it comes to green building minimizing conventional energy is directly proportional to maximizing energy efficiency. By design, eco-friendly building reduces the need for energy sources such as oil, gas, and electricity. Green builders aid in conserving natural resources as well as preserving the environment around them by using materials that aren’t harmful.
Natural Energy Oriented Construction
The design incorporated for buildings and structures in green construction projects is such that they allow more natural light to be utilized during the day. In addition, these buildings use a solar heater, solar PV, wind and geothermal energy to generate electricity. For indoor use, the buildings comprise of LED bulbs and other energy efficient appliances.
Water Efficiency
Green buildings demand less water and are equipped with features that enable rainwater harvesting, and water reuse systems. Landscaping technology is also highly water efficient. Moreover, green buildings include low flow fixtures, dishwashers and flushes use less water than traditional appliances.
Less Use of Land
Sustainability is a major factor for eco friendly construction companies. When these companies speak of sustainability, it is largely in reference to the site. Sustainability site is an idea of using less space for construction to reduce footprint. Eco-friendly techniques utilize green models such as vertical structures. With more availability of land, water penetration and heat reduction is possible, which in turn also lowers the
Heat Iceland effect.
Improved Ventilation
Maintaining indoor air quality is a top priority for green builders. As an aspect of good health, proper ventilation is needed for inhaling fresh air. ideally, the structure of green buildings should be vernacular; i.e., making sure your construction plan is suited to the climate they are built for. For example, in hot climates spacious and porous structures facilitate sufficient passage of air.
Toxic Materials
One of the most damaging environmental impacts is from paints that emit volatile elements during its drying process. Chemicals and additives such as lead contribute to the harmful ozone formation. Traditional paints should be used in minimum quantities to avoid exposure to the harmful compounds in them. Prolonged exposure to these types of paints can cause headaches, allergies, and asthma. They may also irritate the skin and the eyes. Green builders ensure using low-VOC and other water-based paints that are environmentally preferred.
Less Waste Generation
Waste management is a process which green building employs as a means of reducing waste. The process is a strategic three-phase operation that goes as follows: reducing, reusing, and recycling. A lot of pre-planning goes into making this possible with a focus on minimizing waste generation during construction. In addition, green construction seeks to reduce pollution by incorporating methodologies that entail underusing land, using STP to treat waste and relying less on municipalities for waste removal.
It is necessary for builders to realize the danger negligent construction processes have caused to the environment. The greatest impact of construction stems from the burning of fuels that contaminate the air. This results in a poor quality of air as these harmful gas emissions contribute to the greenhouse effect. Apart from contributing to global warming, individual and industrial level construction projects significantly destroy natural habitats and the various inhabitants who rely on natural compounds for a living. With overwhelming sources of water and air pollution, the environment is unable to regenerate or recover from these damages. This is why green building shouldn’t just be an option but an obligation for everyone.
With eco-friendly constructions, contractors no longer have to compromise the needs of the environment to manage their construction needs. Overpopulation does not have to occur at the expense of trees and vegetation anymore. Green building now gives everyone the opportunity to revamp the green infrastructure.
Infographic provided by Rock Solid Stabilization & Reclamation, Inc., a soil stabilization company
