At this rate, the earth simply is not sustainable. This means that over the next few years, we will start running out of certain natural resources that are needed in order for our survival. How can green building help?
How to define a green building:
Most people think of a green building as simply a building that doesn't have as bad of an impact on the environment. The ideal green building should be a building project of which would allow you to preserve most of the natural environment surrounding the project site, while still being a building that is going to serve a purpose. The operation and construction will need to promote a healthy environment for everyone involved, and that is will not disrupt the resources, land, energy, and water both in and around the building. In short, "Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's lifecycle from sitting, to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction."
Why go green?:
You can go green in a variety of different ways. If you haven't started on going green, consider the benefits listed below:
Environmental benefits:
-Improve water and air quality
-Protect ecosystems and biodiversity
-Conserve natural resources
-Reduce wasting water
-Green buildings are positioned to have a huge impact on the climate and environment change
-Energy efficient. Green building designers try to reduce dependency on non-renewable resources as much as possible. For example, Solar panels can be installed to make use of the energy from the sun. Windows can also be installed in a way that allows as much natural light as possible, which reduces the use of artificial light.
Social benefits:
-Improve occupant comfort and health. Individuals who live in green buildings enjoy many health benefits due to the safety of the materials used in construction.
-Reduces strain on local resources. As the population increases, local resources such as energy and water are under undesirable pressure.
-Improve quality of life
-Minimize strain on local infrastructure
Economic benefits:
-Create market for green services and products
-Reduce operating costs
-Green buildings reduce day-to-day costs year-over-year
-Improve occupant productivity
-An upfront investment in a green building makes the property more valuable. On average, the property value is expected to increase in the value of 4 percent. Lowered energy and maintenance costs the return on the investment of green building to increase.
Start with an eco-friendly construction project today!
