This century and the next is going to be dedicated to two topics – accelerating economic growth and decelerating climate change. Any change that can help achieve these global goals is a worthy pursuit. From waste disposal management to saving the oceans to reducing the dependence on fossil fuels, there is an N number of ways to promote a greener living. For a civil consultancy, it is advocating green buildings. We take a look at the multiple advantages that emerge from eco-friendly construction, in this feature.
What is eco-wise building?
A construction project that factors in environmental conditions at every phase of building is called a green construction. The stages where the ecological effects are borne in mind are:
- Design
- Implementation
- Operation
- Maintenance
It is not the just impact of the entire building that is thought over, but how to utilise space, make the structure energy and water efficient while maintaining the internal atmosphere. When compared with a conventional building, a green one is created with the concept of integration.
How do Green Buildings Benefit Us?
The first leverage of eco-wise buildings is that the effect is not isolated. Constructing structures that are not harmful to the planet has a universal result. These buildings help:
- The residents
- The stakeholders in the industry
- The entire community of humankind
Let’s dive into how they profit each of these three groups.
- Light on the Pocket
For a house or building that has a lifespan of 20 years, a 2% investment in green design translates to saving worth ten times the initial investment. These are conservative figures proved by recent studies and research. The reality is far more profitable because the average span of a building is about 60 years.
Money is saved in massive amounts from the very first day of green building and it applies universally from simple greenhouses to commercial complexes to offices. This benefit supports residents of the building and stakeholders.
- Productivity is Amplified
When green buildings were studied in Seattle, it showed that there was a drastic reduction in absent employees – about 40%. Another research resulted in even more surprising statistics. There was a 30% decrease in the sick leaves taken by workers. The change was not merely in the number of working days, but also the net revenue of companies. For every employee, there was a 10% increase in profit. Furthermore, hiring workers became more comfortable and retention rose.
The gist is that when people live and work in buildings that keep health and comfort as a priority the productivity is augmented. As a result, the advantage is for the entire community.
- Wellbeing is Better
Reports state that when the indoor environment of buildings was tested, it exhibited air pollution 2 – 5 times more than outside. The reason for the pollutions was:
- Construction material
- Furnishing material
- Naturally occurring volatile organic compounds
All three affected, severely, the quality of water in the building and air. When construction is done with the health of the residents as a preference, it eradicates injurious particles that are present in things such as:
- Paints
- Solvents
- Carpets
- Cleaning Products
Improving and purifying the air and water of a building, therefore, aids the inhabitants.
- Reduction of Wastage
Green architecture became popular because it appropriated renewable material or re-used substances such as salvaged debris from demolition, sand or burnt coal. When buildings employ non-toxic, recycled wood, natural plant material, and other sustainable elements, the waste produced sees a sharp decline. It is one of the most effective methods for decreasing waste. This particular advantage impacts residents, stakeholders, and the community.
- Resourceful Uses of Resources
It is not just construction material that is applied in a smart sense in green buildings. Environmentally friendly concrete, bamboo, straw or recycled metals are only one pillar of resourcefulness for eco-wise structures. There are two other areas where ingenuity is appropriated:
Energy
Environmentally conscious projects put into practice wind energy, hydropower, and solar energy to generate electricity and heat. The utilisation of renewable power improves the quality of air and makes consumption more efficient when compared to traditional buildings.
Water
The objective of every eco-construction is to waste nothing. As a consequence, even water is recycled. The simplest example is storage of rainwater which is used to water plants and toilet flushes.
- A Better World
The list of benefits accrued from constructing and living in buildings that are gentle to the planets can go on for pages. All of them lead to one goal- a better world that is also safe. Every leading structural expert and Civil consultants advises incorporating at least one green factor, these days because they impact every soul on Earth. Be it employing solar heater or bioenergy; sustainable options have positive results. All of which contribute in some part to the preservation of the environment.