What is sustainable construction?

Sustainable construction, also known as green construction, deals with economic, social and environmental impacts of the creation of a usable structure. In other words, it requires designers and suppliers to use construction procedures that will not cause long -term environmental damage. Sustainable buildings are designed to be energy efficient to be healthy for people who live or work in them and reduce pollution and waste. Overall, this type of construction is based on the principles of Triple Second Line (TBL) "humans, planets and profit".

How buildings affect the environment

buildings use large amounts of energy: according to the US energy, about 18% of all energy used in the US are consumed by commercial buildings. The European Commission estimates that 35% of all European greenhouse emissions come from buildings. They take up a lot of space and take up a lot of resources, both during construction and after use. The final sustainable construction is to minimize the impact of the building onThe environment by careful consideration of how it is designed, how it is built, how it is used and maintained, and - finally - how it will be demolished as soon as its life is over.

Social sustainability

Social sustainability focuses on people using a building. Their current and future needs affect the design that seeks to create a highly flexible plan that allows the building to easily rework with needs. This sustainable design can apply to a family house and a multiple office building. Flexible design means that the structure can be used longer, which prevents the negative impact on the jerking of the old building and the reconstruction of a new one.

Sustainable buildings are also designed so that there is a healthy environment in the building healthy for people. For example, staff in office buildings can be more comfortable and productive in sitting in an office with natural svejtlem. The quality of the inner air and the heating system, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) in the building should be effective and effective in eliminating pollen, mold spores, dust and other pollutants that can become ill. The materials used in the building - from color to insulation - are usually chosen because it is less likely to release harmful chemicals or fibers that could hurt people who spend time in the building.

environmental sustainability

Measurement for resolving environmental sustainability may include increasing the energy efficiency of the building, finding ways to produce your own energy or heat, installing measures for reducing water and finding ways to reduce waste. Even the location and orientation of the building can be more environmentally friendly; A commercial structure set far from areas where people most likely live will have a greater impact on the environment because employees and visitors will have to have CEstain with a greater distance to get there. The building, which is designed to use the existing infrastructure, on the other hand, often fits into its environment more efficiently.

green materials

Selection of green materials is an important part of sustainable construction. Green lumber, such as what is certified by the Council of the American Forest Administration Council (FSC), comes from sustainably managed forests. These are forests where trees are harvested selectively, with attention to the support of wildlife and biodiversity in this area and new trees are planted to replace those removed, among other things to maintain a healthy forest. Renewable materials are also used as well as those that can be effectively recycled or reused.

Other THAT materials are used are specially designed to improve the efficiency of the building itself. For example, many plastics are used to insulate a building; Although the plastic itself may not be considered “zELENA “Material, often requires less energy than other insulation. In addition, it does its work well, which means that over time requires less energy or cooling the building.

local materials

The use of materials available locally is another way to support the sustainability of the environment. This not only saves money, but also reduces the necessary energy and causes pollution. The materials supplied from a distance must be loaded on a train or a heavy car that requires energy (usually fossil fuels) to travel from one place to another and produce in this process.

Economic sustainability

Sustainable construction can also save money in the short and long term. As already mentioned, the use of local materials saves money immedally because there are lower transport costs. The use of materials that are relatively easy to install, maintenance, replacement and repair, and also helps save money.

á effectiveness

One of the most effective ways to be economically and environmentally sustainable is to be energy efficient. This means that it should be designed to use as little energy as necessary and reduce the cost of the building's energy. Good insulation can help the structure maintain a constant temperature and therefore use less energy for heating and cooling, but sunlight can also be used to trigger the passive heating system, helping to keep the building warm and reduce the amount of energy. Double windows made with low -reflective glass can allow people inside people to use natural light instead of electrical accessories, still preventing most of the heat loss. Lighting and appliances in the building should also be energy efficient.

Solar panels and turbine winds can also be installed to generate energy on the construction site. Although these methods may not always provide enough energy to operate all appliances in the building-fromEspecially a large commercial structure-mooho to determine some energy costs. In addition, when these alternative energy sources work best, they can be able to produce more energy than the needs of the building. This surplus can be saved or with the correct technology installed, sold back by energy companies.

water efficiency

Just as buildings use a lot of energy, they also use a lot of water. The sustainable design is looking for ways to reduce water consumption and reuse or recycle whenever possible. Low -flow toilets or double running toilets can be installed, many of which use 1/3 to 1/5 less water than standard toilets. Some types of sink faucets can turn off when they are not used and aerate the water so that the water is less, even if the water pressure is high.

It is also possible to use rainwater for landscaping and irrigation around the building. By using plants that are originally from this area as wellThey do much water, the cost of maintaining the connected landscape can be reduced.

Building regulations and certification

Sustainable construction is carried out at all stages of the building of the building, from design to construction to and outside maintenance. Initial work is often supervised by a specialized company that is familiar with the complexity of this type of design. In the United States, companies that meet certain criteria can earn management in the field of energy and environmental design certification (LEED) from the Green Building Council (USGBC) Council. The Green Buildia Initiative® initiative, other US sustainability organizations, also offers certification programs for buildings known as Green Globes ™.

Some nations actively promote sustainable construction with rebates and other incentives to companies that practice it. It is also promoted through business organizations that provide certificates to sustainable buildings that meet their standards. These organizations check buildings to determine if they were postVena sustainably, and sometimes their certification qualifies buildings and companies that use the green design for valuation, tax relief and other incentives.