Green construction is all about using the resource efficiently and responsibly in the processes of construction to ensure lifetime sustainability of the house. The construction practices that are eco-friendly, ensures the least harm on the environment while the construction takes place.
Generally, the eco-friendly building and construction is cost effective and at the same time durable. This type of construction ensures to lower the overall adverse impact on the environment and mankind.
How is it achieved?
The main focus of construction practices that are eco-friendly is all about efficient use of energy and resources, water preservation and reducing pollution and wastage. Most of the people are not aware of green construction technology. Well, it covers from energy-efficient appliances to geothermal heating.
Eco-friendly technologies for construction that protect the ecological balance of the earth:
Green construction technology strikes a balance between eco-friendly building materials that can be used by everyone for constructing a new home. Advanced green technologies that mark the evolution of the construction industry like bio-degradable paint using milk and glass that tints on command.Let us take a look at the top 4 eco-friendly technologies for construction to protect the ecological balance of the earth:
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Eco-friendly design:
The eco-friendly constructions are designed to maximize use of existing natural resources like light and air. It also ensures adequate insulation to lower the energy consumption. This type of construction practices reduces the use of non-renewable energy like electricity.
The construction materials for eco-friendly houses are sourced from the urban waste and landfills. The eco-friendly technologies for construction will be more predominant in the near future as they do not require additional emission for its production and use.
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Electric generator from waste water:
The invention of hybrid electricity generator from the use of wastewater is remarkable and it has been invented by the engineers of Oregon State University. They have successfully combined the two distinct technologies for power generation– reverse electrodialysis and microbial fuel cells, to create a system that produces electricity from waste water.
The capacity of this generator is big enough to produce the required electricity for water treatment and at the same time, it can contribute to the main power grid. This technology forms the basis of energy-water sustainability, which is essential with the rising scarcity of natural resources. Therefore, this generator can be really useful for construction practices which are eco- friendly. This technology can also be useful for commercial construction for green building.
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Introduction of biofuel:
We are continuously looking for a smarter way to recycle our trash. As a result, we are fortunate to find a technology that can turn biomass waste into wood, grass or paper. The wood chips can eventually be turned into ethanol after they are converted into gas. Well, the usage of water for conversion process is also low with a carbon footprint that is smaller when compared with the traditional way of ethanol production.
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Process of storing carbon:
The underground carbon storage process has great appeal but there is risk and uncertainty in the process of storing carbon underground, as it involves high-risk of leakage. The process of storing carbon can be safer, effective, and economical with the identification of two new molecules.
These special cage-like molecules known as ZIFs and amines have been working particularly well in the underground condition. As a matter of fact, the implementation of the process will allow faster reproduction of these molecules.Therefore, the technologies used for commercial construction for green building are not harmful to the environment.
Benefits that come for residents and environment with green building
In addition to using fewer resources, these green buildings would be less taxing on the environment in the long run. Accordingly, here are some benefits enjoyed by green buildings around the world which would probably urge other buildings to follow suit in the near future.
1. Lowered Costs
One of the main benefits a green building can enjoy is lowered operating and maintenance costs. A green building that invests just about 2% in eco-friendly initiatives would surely get back at least 10 times or more of the initial investment. Hence, spending even as less as $10000 for green design would help a building get back that amount in lowered operating and maintenance costs within year or two.
2. Low Environmental Impact
Another benefit a green building can enjoy is the sense of peace that prevails upon finding out that the establishment has minimal impact on the environment and its resources. Green buildings make use of efficient design features to minimize the use of materials and their wastage. They also ensure to use sustainable materials in as much of the construction phase as possible. The recycling projects run in these buildings add to their eco-friendliness.
3. Healthy Occupants
Studies have revealed that indoor air can be more contaminated than outdoor air. It has been noted that non-green buildings are at risk of a greater concentration of indoor pollutants. Green buildings on the other hand, minimize indoor air pollution via the use of non-toxic materials for construction as well as healthy ventilation systems in the design. This, in turn, keeps indoor air clean and pure, thus keeping the occupants of the building safe and healthy as well.
4. Improved Workplace Productivity
A better health and lifestyle would automatically promote increased productivity. The same studies that link green buildings to cleaner indoor air also point out that the reduced risks of illnesses and infections in these buildings lead to a workforce that is healthy, happy and ready to give more.
Green buildings around the world enjoy higher productivity levels when compared to non-green buildings, with absenteeism in green buildings reduced by nearly 40% or more. In addition to this, the pleasant working conditions and surroundings make it easy for green buildings to attract new employees as well as retain existing ones.
5. Reduced Utility Costs
Another benefit green buildings get to enjoy is reduced utility costs; a factor which is often overlooked. Green buildings place less demand on resources like water, electricity and gas, and can operate efficiently with fewer resources when compared to non-green buildings whose efficiency directly depends on the amount of resources they consume.
Many green buildings are also certified net zero structures, meaning they produce their own electricity and even feed surplus back to the utility grid, thus enjoying literally zero energy costs throughout the year.
6. Increased Market Value
With the demand for eco-friendly construction projects increasing steadily, there is no doubt that the market value of green buildings would increase substantially over the course of the next few years.
Individuals on the lookout for new homes or offices would definitely find the option of a green building lucrative, more so when they do not need to invest anything extra and still get to enjoy the benefits it offers.
7. Increased Tax Benefits
Another salient feature that usually goes unnoticed is the tax benefits green buildings get from the government. Many local and state governments offer lucrative tax benefits for buildings that follow eco-friendly construction and operational practices.
Green Construction: architecture, design, and construction practices
Are you planning to construct your own house without pinching your pocket? If so, then plan for a greenhouse. It is the latest trend in the residential construction sector and is affordable as well. When you are planning to build a greenhouse, firstly you need to think about preserving energy in every possible way.There are various benefits of constructing an eco-friendly house. With such houses you can
- Save on high electricity monthly bills
- Save on the costs and building material during construction
- Save on luxury furniture as recycled products will go well with the design of your house
- Save on operation and maintenance of your eco-friendly home
If you are building a house for the first time, then you need to be more cautious as you may overlook a few valuable points regarding green construction practices and architecture designs. Here are a few points that you can consider while building your own greenhouse that will help prevent missing anything important.
1. Keep communicating with your product supplier:
If you are planning to build a greenhouse, then your product supplier can be helpful in this case. He is proficient in eco-friendly architecture, designs, and construction practices as he is in this business and has a better knowledge on building quality greenhouses. Your product supplier can help you by making the relevant suggestions of the best products from various manufacturers. He can help you find the recycled products like reused carpet, engineered hardwood flooring, and recycled tile for the kitchen and bathrooms within an affordable range. The product supplier can share his valuable architecture designs and construction practices that are beneficial for the environment with you.
2. Look for multiple green feature products:
Do you want to reduce your construction cost but get maximum benefit from the green products? If so, then look for multiple green feature products. As a part of eco-friendly architecture designs and construction practices, you can look for recycled material for building your cabinet, doors or floor carpet.
3. Research on affordable design strategies:
Right design strategies can help you save more like ensuring that the designing of the house is done in such a manner, so that you can keep most of the windows opening southwards. This will help you to get passive solar energy and natural lighting. Make sure that you keep the green construction practices and architecture designs while constructing your house. Consulting a greenhouse design professional is essential, as it requires a higher degree of precision. The consultant can ensure whether the finished product has been replicated as per the design or not. You can save your pocket in the long run if you consult with an expert who has knowledge related to green products, practices, and protocols.
4. Plan for a small eco-friendly house:
If you build an eco-friendly small house, it has a lesser harmful impact on the environment when compared with a large house. Your penthouse will consume more energy to cool or heat than a small eco-friendly house. Therefore, a small house is manageable and at the same time cost effective. This way you can choose architecture, design, and construction practices that are beneficial for the environment.
5. Invest in energy saving equipment:
Look for an energy star label when you invest in home appliances. There are energy saving products available in the market, which are deemed as energy efficient by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Consumers are fond of energy star label on their home appliances, as they prefer saving on energy bills without compromising on performance.
By keeping the above-mentioned important points in mind, it will help to ensure that you do whatever is needed while constructing your eco-friendly house. We need to protect the environment from perishing away. So, choose eco-friendly products for building your house to maintain the earth’s ecological balance.
A final note on green construction
Make people aware of the importance of green construction practices to protect our earth from further damage. Green buildings enjoy a myriad of benefits when compared to non-green buildings. From reduced utility costs and tax benefits to higher occupancy rates and increased productivity, these are some of the benefits a building can get by choosing to go green.