Green construction is the utilization of resource-efficient and responsible environmental practices and processes that are used during the building process to ensure the sustainability of properties. Green constructors can make sure their job site produces the least amount of environmental damage and use cost-effective and reliable building technologies that provide efficient usage of resources and energy, lower waste and pollution while preserving water supplies.
Low-emittance windows and smart glass
Low-emittance windows are windows coated with metallic oxide. Such coating blocks the harsh sunlight during the warmer months, preventing heat from entering the premises. During the colder months, however, it saves the heat inside and reduces the utilization and expenses of heating and the consumption of HVAC systems.
Smart glass isn’t yet commercially available, but it is one of the newest materials that could transform eco-friendly properties. It’s called electrochromic glass and uses low-voltage electricity to charge the ions and manage how much light is reflected. During the sun’s peak, the glass tints, while during the night it becomes clear, hence reducing the energy consumption in the property.
Water efficiency technologies
Today, people use many different water-efficient technologies, which all fall under sustainable construction technologies. In essence, these techs encompass reusage and application of efficient water supply processes. Examples include:
- Greywater reuse,
- dual plumbing,
- water conservation fixtures,
- rainwater harvesting.
Basically, they all make sure that water is properly managed, used and recycled for non-portable purposes like flushing toilets and washing vehicles. Rainwater harvesting, for example, generates and stores water for multi-purpose utilization. On the other hand, dual plumbing lowers sewer traffic and boosts the potential of reusing water on-site.
Greenlighting
As one of the most cost-efficient and available green improvements in the field of eco-friendly construction, energy-efficient lighting is becoming a standardized feature in modern houses and commercial buildings. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are broadly utilized around the world with the goal of lowering the energy consumption of residential and commercial properties. LEDs consume much less energy than typical incandescent lights or compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). Moreover, their energy-efficiency is followed by their durability, so they are a long-term green investment.
There are also even newer lighting innovations that further reduce energy consumption, like OLEDs – Organic Light Emitting diodes – that can be incorporated into building materials. Hence, if you were considering making your house more sustainable, energy-saving lights can be the first step.
Green construction
While the words sustainable construction or green building usually drum up a picture of an eco-friendly real estate or infrastructure system that is energy-efficient, eco-friendly construction begins first at the job site where operators and contractors promote the development and implementation of new green technologies. The ultimate goal is to lower the use of natural resources at the construction Jobsite.
What does this look like? From green construction equipment, like wide scaffolding, to eco-friendly materials, like recycled materials, to different changes in the construction process, every single aspect of a job site is impacted. Also, the latest construction equipment is highly interconnected. Construction businesses have the capability to monitor machine health, productivity, fuel expenditure, cycle segmentation and more.
Cool roofs
Just like smart glass and low-emittance windows, cool roofs reflect heat and sunlight away. They are produced from special tiles and reflective paint and have the highest levels of solar reflectance and thermal emittance, which both work to absorb less heat.
This results in the building being cooler during summer, thereby reducing energy use and bringing more comfort to tenants. On the overall level, cool roofs aid in lowering the heat island effect of urban areas. Moreover, as energy consumption is lowered, cool roofs reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
Going green can provide a plethora of benefits that companies shouldn’t neglect. Although some sustainable construction technologies cost more upfront, businesses reap benefits in the long term. Even more, eco-friendly construction technologies are regularly being developed for commercial use and with more affordable distribution, facilitating a more optimistic outlook for the future of green construction
