Introduction
Building a home is an investment, and like any other investment, you want to make sure that the home you build is sustainable. This means using materials and techniques that don’t put your environment at risk. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most common sustainable building techniques and explain how they can benefit your home-building project. From low-energy buildings to green roofing, learn everything you need to make an informed decision about your next home-building project.
Types of Sustainable Green Building
Sustainable green building is a construction and design approach that aims to reduce the environmental impact of a building by focusing on the reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste. There are several different types of sustainable green building, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Each type of sustainable green building has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For example, bioswales can help reduce flooding downstream by intercepting rainwater before it enters the ground or waterways; however, they can also cause soil erosion if not properly designed or maintained. Passive solar design can make a building almost entirely self-sufficient when it comes to energy needs; however, it can be difficult to provide adequate shading in summer months or deal with harsh weather conditions.
Sustainability Standards for Green Building
Green Building Standards have been adopted by many governments and organizations as their benchmark for sustainable design. The other four standards provide guidelines for achieving greater environmental responsibility in green building construction.
Ecoregions provide guidelines for selecting appropriate land uses that reflect the unique ecology of an area. Site characterization details how a site should be analyzed for potential impacts on the environment and how those impacts should be mitigated or avoided. Social and environmental responsibility considers not only the benefits to society but also the impact of a project on human rights, indigenous cultures, and the natural environment.
To achieve AIA’s sustainability standards requires integrating various disciplines such as engineering, architecture, planning, economics, law, ecology, social science, information technology, and landscape architecture. Many professionals who work in green building have degrees in several disciplines which makes integration easier. All projects must undergo an Environmental Assessment (EA) which looks at all aspects of a project’s environmental impact including emissions from materials used in construction; effects on climate change; water usage; energy use; noise
Benefits of Sustainable Green Building
A sustainable green building is one that uses environmentally friendly practices while also meeting the needs of the occupants. These buildings can have a number of benefits, including:
Increased Energy Efficiency
Sustainable green buildings are often more energy efficient than traditional structures. They may use more LED lights and insulation, for example, which can reduce energy costs by up to 30%.
Reduced Waste Production and also Reduced Pollution
Sustainable green building practices can minimize waste production and clean up after themselves. This can reduce pollution levels in an area, making it safer for people and wildlife.
Improved Health Conditions
Many sustainable green building techniques improve air quality and respiratory health. For instance, using natural lighting and ventilation instead of harsh artificial light or chemicals can help to improve mental health as well.
Case Studies of Sustainable Green Buildings
The following are three case studies of sustainable green buildings.
Case Study A: A School in Japan
The Fukui Prefectural Hakone Junior and Senior High School in Kanagawa, Japan is a recent example of a school that has made significant strides in using sustainable green building techniques. The school was designed to be both energy efficient and environmentally friendly, with features like photovoltaics and green roofs helping to make a big impact. The school also takes advantage of natural ventilation and daylighting to help save on energy costs. In fact, the school has been so successful that it has inspired other schools across Japan to adopt similar practices.
Case Study B: A Medical Building in Denmark
The Odense University Hospital (OUH) is one of the largest hospitals in Denmark and one of the most environmentally friendly hospitals around. Much of this success can be attributed to the hospital’s use of solar thermal technology, which helps reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by up to 80%. The hospital also uses wind power for cooling purposes, as well as LED lighting that runs off electricity rather than oil or gas. In addition, the OUH is committed to reducing its waste output by 50% by 2020.
Case Study C: A Hotel in Norway
The Scandic Oslo City Hotel is one of Scandinavia’s first green hotels and it offers an interesting perspective on how sustainable green building can be implemented successfully in a commercial setting. For instance, the hotel
Summary
In this article, we’re going to take a look at sustainable green building and how it can help you save energy and money. Sustainable green building is a growing movement that encourages people to build their homes and businesses in ways that are both environmentally responsible and economically viable.
There are a number of different ways to achieve sustainable green building practices, but the most common approach is to use renewable resources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, when possible. You can also reduce your energy consumption by using energy-efficient technologies, choosing materials that are environmentally friendly (e.g., recycled materials), and installing insulation and air conditioning systems that meet or exceed government guidelines.
Sustainable green building can be expensive up front, but it can save you money in the long run. For example, if you install solar panels on your roof, you may be able to generate enough electricity to offset your monthly bill.