04-08-2020
Sustainability is one of the most popular topics for discussion nowadays. The construction industry is one of the leading sectors where sustainability has a huge impact. While sustainable construction is strongly associated with such notions as “eco” and “green”, these notions give just a limited understanding of sustainable construction.
Read on to find out basic principles of sustainable construction and excellent examples of these principles in action.
Sustainable construction deals with the social, economic, and environmental impact of a building design. A primary goal of sustainable construction is to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment thanks to using eco-friendly materials and advanced systems of sustainable energy.
It is possible to highlight such sustainable construction principles as:
diminishing waste and energy consummation
creating an eco-friendly environment
using recyclable and renewable resources
caring for the natural environment
Construction firms are big consumers of natural resources and are experiencing impressive pressure due to increasing concerns about climate change. The construction industry greatly affects the environment; for example, it accounts about 40% of CO2 emissions and 36% of worldwide energy usage. Along with energy usage, burning of fossil fuels, water pollution, it results in dangerous waste.
Improper removal of this waste may lead to pollution that influences both the environment and health of people who live in this area. Producing and delivering materials may also impact on carbon emission, hence construction firms must think about reducing the carbon footprint . While there are challenges present in adopting sustainable construction methods, there are plenty of benefits too.
Understanding sustainable construction and implementing its methods will diminish the negative impact on the environment. Besides this evident advantage, there are more great benefits of investing in sustainable construction:
Eco-friendly buildings come along with lower costs. According to recent research, the usage of up-to-date sustainable technologies in the construction process can help save about 410 billion euros per year on energy spending worldwide.
Sustainable construction directly influences your waste disposal expenses. Reducing waste, it will be able to diminish fees charged by the waste company.
Finally, you can improve your company’s reputation by showing how important corporate responsibility is.
A new approach to construction makes possible sustainable buildings that are not only ecological and energy efficient, but also spectacular and comfortable for work and living. Look at some great examples that are sure to inspire you to learn more about sustainable buildings:
The building of Siemens attracts the attention of people who visit sustainable landmarks every year. It is built using sustainable construction materials, uses natural light, and recycles rainwater into drinking water. The Crystal is recognized as one of the greenest buildings designed by mankind.
It demonstrates how Australia is serious about sustainable construction. The building is 100% carbon-neutral and produces its own power. More than that, it has a native planted green roof that helps the building collect all the water it needs for the maintenance.
This building has got 107 out of 110 points being recognised as the most sustainable building worldwide. It is full of eco-friendly things from chairs to sketch pads.
This office building was constructed in 2013 and now is known as one of the most sustainable buildings in the world. It is independent of savage municipal water thanks to self-supporting systems.
ACROS Fukuoka Foundation Building has great greenery and architectural concepts recognized as highly eco-friendly. One of the distinctive features that make this building a sustainable one is well-planned water drainage that allows using rainwater for natural irrigation. Moreover, lots of sunlight helps to reduce energy consumption.
The eco-friendly building acts as a healing environment for its patients. It uses 27% less energy than usual hospital building thanks to incorporating energy-efficient methodologies. They alter solar energy into electricity, while thermal systems supply hot water to the building.
A 50-floored trade center has wind turbines in its blueprint. The building consists of two towers that are connected with three bridges. Each bridge has a wind turbine. These turbines supply about 15% of thenecessar power, diminishing energy use and carbon release.
It’s high time for all sizes of businesses to realize their impact not on the environment and health of the local communities. With increased attention to the hot topics in sustainability, construction companies should embrace eco-friendly design; and it is up to each of us to stimulate demand for such buildings.
Mentioned above examples demonstrate that sustainable buildings can be functional without compromising natural resources. If you feel a lack of expertise but still want to follow examples of sustainable companies and move towards sustainable tomorrow, sustainable development courses from SustainOnline may be a good starting point.
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