The task of reducing the worst effects of global warming has been placed squarely in our hands, and while we have been slow to react, there is now a firm trend towards a zero-carbon world. A major part of the effort is green construction, which refers to the methods used for building and the sustainable practices and technologies used in new buildings.
Why is Green Construction Important?
We know that oil is a finite resource that has almost been exhausted. It’s estimated that peak oil will occur around 2029; this is the point where oil becomes too expensive to extract and therefore unviable. Presently, the construction industry accounts for 50% of all carbon emissions.
Although construction methods still contribute to carbon emissions – until viable alternatives can be found – the structures they create can help reduce the worst effects of global warming with innovative materials and systems.
What is Green Construction?
A green building is one in which the materials and systems of the structure all aim to reduce carbon emissions and provide sustainable environments to live and work in. Green construction also takes the local environment into account and chooses materials that work best with the climate.
A green home, for instance, will use better insulation to trap more heat in the winter and less in the summer; it will also use more durable materials and materials that can be recycled and reused when the structure ends its life cycle.
Green Construction Techniques
When sustainable builders are creating an eco-home, they ask two questions: are the materials we are using locally sourced, and can they be renewed after use? And, when the structure is finished, are there any energy losses from heat generated inside?
Locally-sourced materials are greener because they don’t have to travel, this not only helps the local economy but it reduces carbon emissions in the construction industry. The energy economy within the home is also fundamental to long term sustainability.
Green Structures and Designs
Green construction meets its aims in a variety of ways, everything from choosing the best locally sourced materials to recycling parts with Accu Coder. They also pay close attention to the energy sources in the home, making sure they are renewable and sustainable.
Nowadays, new structures and designs incorporate solar energy panels – usually on the roof, but anywhere that is angled toward the sun. These are used for heating air and water. New structures also pay attention to drainage and energy-efficient lighting.
The Benefits of Green Construction
The operational costs of a building account for around 80% of the total cost of running the building – this figure can be slashed using green construction methods. Free energy from the sun to light the building produce heat, and hot water is only the start.
Green construction can also improve the health and wellbeing of people living there. The buildings are often designed to maximize sunlight in the home, enhancing your mood and raising your vitamin D levels. Overall, green construction helps reduce the pace of climate change.
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