Modern buildings are rising on the blocks in the metropolis and nearby areas. These buildings are so impressive that they seem extraordinary. It makes you think about how it was built and developed, rising in awe-inspiring and endless possibilities.
These buildings are built with the help of cutting-edge technologies, breakthrough designs, and sustainable materials. However, what makes many of these buildings impressive is the green technology utilized, making them more sustainable and environment-friendly.
What is a Green Building?
Green buildings are the trend in modern construction, associated with environmental preservation using sustainable building technology. This technology is carried out in design, construction, maintenance, and operation.
Most of the buildings that you see rising today use green-building technology wherein the contractors use environment-friendly resources, designs, and strategies.
For example, they use efficient energy resources embedded into the design of the building, like using natural lighting instead of electricity. Or using a window system that filters heat from entering the building while maintaining the natural look.
More building contractors or independent businesses, like the Cyclo Group, offer this type of construction and design service, promoting environment-friendly and environment-saving capability for every structure they build.
How To Design an Environment-Friendly Building
There are many factors that the designers and contractors need to consider to mix environment preservation and construction innovation. Experts got a long list, but here are a few and most common and helpful tips that you can learn.
Choose a Sustainable Building Site
First and foremost, when designing a sustainable building, always consider the location. Make sure to preserve the vital environmental assets within and around the site and be mindful of the following:
- Minimize urban sprawl, maintaining the land and keeping it as is;
- Look for areas where there is no need to destroy the land, green space, or habitat;
- Make use or re-use existing vacant buildings and sites;
- Protect the wetland from development;
- Evaluate location and structure orientation to consider the use of natural daylighting and natural ventilation;
- Look for areas that minimize site disturbance, and preserve, restore and regenerate valuable habitats.
Fosters a Comfortable Indoor Environment
A comfortable indoor environment is equally important when designing a green building. After all, the building occupants will be affected when designs fail.
In designing, consider the source of ventilation and the indoor air quality. Of course, there’s no sense getting in natural air if it is not clean and fresh. Meanwhile, you can use passive natural lighting by collecting natural light and reflecting it to darker areas of the room or building. Or use design elements that do not require energy to operate, like windows, transparent doors, mirrors, light shelves, and other reflective surfaces.
There are proper design and installation techniques in using these design elements that only professional architects and designers can do. For example, if you need help putting up a building in Sydney, many professionals offer building and office fitouts in sydney and nearby places.
Make a Water Conservation DesignÂ
Water is one of the most-used natural utilities in building a structure, be it a residential or commercial space. So, it is essential to design a building that promotes water efficiency or water conservation. Know that consuming so much water may not be necessary, especially if you have these designs to implement:
- Make a stormwater management system
- Preserve the water features of the land where you build your structure
- Minimize excavation, soil compaction, or soil disturbance to allow natural absorption of stormwater
- Use low-impact stormwater system technologies like rain gardens and permeable pavement design
- Use drought-resistant trees, plants, and turf to minimize watering
Utilize Energy-Saving Devices
Energy building consumption is so high that you need to include it in the design and engineering plans. A cut in energy usage means a reduction in greenhouse emissions.
So, it is essential to use energy-saving devices like LED lights or CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs. LED bulbs save up to 80% of energy compared to incandescent bulbs. You can also use smart thermostats to regulate temperature or a home energy monitor to track energy usage.
Use Green and Sustainable Material
Sustainable industrial materials are a must-use in designing an environment-friendly building, and these are some of the most eco-friendly construction materials:
- Bamboo instead of lumber since it can be reforested quickly
- Sheep’s wool for efficient and eco-friendly insulation in walls, ceilings, and attics
- Straw bales as insulation for a cooler temperature
- Recycled steel for structural use instead of all-new steel
- Recycled wood instead of a newly harvested timber
Final Words
And finally, if you do not have the expertise or enough knowledge in design and construction, seek help from industry experts. They can provide you with suitable designs, a better perspective, and enough guidance throughout the construction process. Never try to do it yourself. Consulting with the experts can help you realize your goal of putting up an environment-friendly building.
