Sustainable Building Practices: Key Methods and Benefits for a Greener Future
Sustainable building is a process that uses recyclable and renewable materials to complete construction projects. These building practices help reduce toxic waste and energy consumption during a project. The purpose of sustainable building is to minimize the industry’s impact on the overall environment by practicing energy efficiency, using green technology, and taking advantage of environmentally friendly construction procedures.
When implemented correctly, sustainable building practices help to address climate change and mitigate the issues associated with resource depletion. Today, the construction industry is responsible for around 50% of the global consumption of raw materials, which is why more developers have adopted sustainable practices. This article delves into the various sustainable building practices you can use during your next construction project.
Energy-Efficient Design
When you design buildings to effectively optimize ventilation, insulation, and light, you’ll be able to reduce energy consumption by a significant amount. There are numerous elements you can use to improve energy consumption, which include everything from high-quality insulation and passive solar design to double-glazed windows. With these elements, you don’t need as much artificial heating and cooling.
You can also implement renewable energy systems in the design of a home or commercial building. Wind turbines and solar panels reduce the building’s reliance on electricity or natural gas. With the right approach, you can create a net-zero-energy building that has a low carbon footprint.
Sustainable Building Materials
By selecting Eco-friendly materials for your construction project, you’ll be able to reduce your environmental impact. Some of the sustainable material options available to you include bamboo, reclaimed wood, low-carbon concrete, and recycled steel.
Using locally sourced and recycled materials allows you to reduce the building’s energy consumption, minimize waste, and conserve natural resources. You’ll also be able to cut down on transportation emissions. Keep in mind that there are some new Eco-friendly technologies that are impacting building materials. For example, you can outfit the building with insulated access doors and panels.
Water Conservation Techniques
Sustainable buildings are able to use water-saving systems like greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting. These technologies lower the building’s demand for freshwater while also decreasing water consumption. You can also conserve water with low-flow faucets and toilets. Consider installing onsite water treatment and sustainable water management fixtures to make the building more efficient.
Green Roofing and Walls
By implementing vertical gardens and green roofs, you’ll be able to increase the building’s sustainability. These techniques provide natural cooling, absorb rainwater, and enhance indoor air quality. They can also add to your home’s curb appeal. In dense cities, vertical gardens and green roofs reduce urban heat island effects.
Low-Impact Construction Methods
If you wish to implement sustainable building practices, you must use low-impact construction methods. The right methods can help you minimize your project’s environmental footprint. For example, you can use modular and prefabricated construction methods to improve efficiency, generate less waste, and mitigate site disruption.
During the construction project, it’s crucial that you take steps to protect the natural ecosystems in the area. For example, consider protecting existing vegetation and using minimal amounts of excavation. It’s also a good idea to integrate waste management practices like separation and recycling into your construction practices.
Indoor Air Quality Improvement
Maintaining a healthy environment within the building is crucial. You can limit exposure to harmful chemicals and increase air quality by using proper ventilation systems, non-toxic materials, and low-VOC paints. Along with making buildings more Eco-friendly, these practices will also improve the health and well-being of occupants.
Smart Building Technologies
Technology is an essential aspect of making a building more energy efficient. It’s possible to reduce energy consumption with smart lighting systems, energy management tools, and thermostats. These technologies are able to alter usage based entirely on real-time conditions instead of manual inputs. Your building will benefit from smarter and more responsive management with these technologies, which should enhance sustainability outcomes.
Renewable Energy Integration
Consider integrating renewable energy systems into the construction process. These technologies include geothermal systems, solar panels, and wind turbines. Once they have been properly installed, they should be able to reduce your dependence on damaging fossil fuels and lower your energy costs. Your building will be more self-sufficient as well. Keep in mind that renewable energy makes it easier for you to reach your sustainability goals. Once you’ve generated enough clean energy, you may be able to return extra power to the grid.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Sustainable building in the construction industry depends on reducing waste and recycling materials. When searching for ways to improve the sustainability of your building practices, consider using Eco-friendly disposal methods, recycling construction debris, and reusing the materials you obtain from demolitions.
By reducing your on-site waste, you’ll be able to minimize your landfill contributions. Your entire building process will benefit from these practices. You’ll also be promoting a circular economy during the construction process.
Certifications and Standards
There are several sustainability certifications that you can obtain when you design an efficient building, which include LEED, BREEAM, and WELL. The standards that these certifications have put in place evaluate everything from resource use and energy efficiency to indoor environmental quality.
For example, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is the most commonly used rating system for green buildings. It works by providing developers with a comprehensive framework for efficient, cost-saving, and healthy buildings. This certification may be more appealing to buyers, which can increase the building’s asking price.
When you pursue these certifications, you’re demonstrating that you’re committed to implementing green building practices. Make sure you obtain a third-party evaluation of your construction processes and materials to have accountability throughout the project.
Benefits of Sustainable Building
There are many advantages of creating a sustainable building, which include everything from ensuring the health and well-being of communities to protecting the environment.
For example, these building practices allow you to promote healthier living environments. A person’s surroundings can affect their mental, emotional, and physical health. In recent years, developers and designers have created sustainable architecture that provides inhabitants with a healthier living environment. Occupants in sustainable buildings may benefit from a higher quality of life and lower stress levels.
These building practices should also reduce waste and carbon emissions. Global warming and climate change have already negatively impacted the planet over the past few decades. Pollution is exceedingly high, which is why steps must be taken to counteract the effects of more greenhouse gases and other issues.
It’s possible to minimize the effects of climate change with the sustainable advancements that have already been introduced to the construction industry. By using renewable techniques and resources, you’ll be able to promote a healthier and cleaner environment that doesn’t contain as much waste.
Switching to sustainable building practices can also boost the economy. Based on a study by the U.S. Green Building Council, the green building industry plays a role in nearly $135 billion of labor income that working Americans receive. The sustainable building initiative enhances the economy by creating jobs and reducing costs.
Sustainable building practices also promote cost-efficiency by reducing maintenance and operational costs for building owners. With the right building materials, you can reduce the building’s water and energy consumption. While the upfront costs for renewable materials and processes can be higher, creating efficient layouts allows you to save money in the long run.
Keep in mind that you may be able to obtain materials at a lower cost depending on which ones you use. Some Eco-friendly materials are recycled and eventually reused, which means that they should come with a lower initial cost. Even though biocomposite materials are affordable, they have already proven to be durable and reliable when compared to non-renewable options.
The Role of Permit Expediting in Sustainable Construction
You may be able to streamline the process for sustainable projects by using permit expediting in the initial stages of the design and construction of a building. When you build a residential home or a retail store, you’ll need to apply for the right permits.
Every building permit application must come with the right documentation, which includes everything from building plans to environmental site studies. If you make a mistake during the application process, gaining approval for your project can take weeks or months.
Permit expediting is designed to improve construction project timelines by reducing delays in building approvals and speeding up sustainable construction initiatives. You can receive approval in just a few weeks with an experienced permit expediter by your side. To support green building efforts in your area, it’s crucial that you properly navigate local regulations.
Conclusion
Sustainable building practices are important for society and the environment. When used correctly, these practices can reduce a building’s carbon footprint and energy consumption. Adopt these practices for a more sustainable future in construction. Whether you’re an industry professional or homeowner, prioritize sustainability in any project you work on.
Jason Somers, President & Founder of Crest Real Estate
With over 15 years of professional experience in the Los Angeles luxury real estate market, Jason Somers has the background, judgement and track record to provide an unparalleled level of real estate services. His widespread knowledge helps clients identify and acquire income producing properties and value-ad development opportunities.
Learn more about Jason Somers or contact us.
