The World Economic Forum says that this is finally changing. They published an article titled 2024: a tipping point for investing in sustainable buildings.

“Building owners are facing the rising costs of climate risk but also growing transition risk, including tightening policy and regulation, evolving market expectations and wider societal pressure. This has big potential implications for the value of their assets and the income they generate… Most importantly for both owners and occupiers, we believe 2024 will be the tipping point when the value creation and returns for these investments in sustainable office buildings will start to pay dividends,” WEF author Guy Grainger writes.

The market for green buildings was will be wororth $238.91 billion in 2021 and is projected to be worth over $383 billion by 2030. The growing demand creates all kinds of opportunities for companies and investors catering to sustainable construction practices.

Factors Driving Demand for Green Construction

Green building projects are becoming a lot more popular these days. A number of factors are driving interest in them, which is creating opportunities for investors. Some of the driving factors are listed below.

New Government Initiatives in the US and Europe

The World Green Building Council reports that a number of changes have created more demand for green construction than ever. On April 4, 2022, they responded to the new EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which is going to play a huge role.

New regulations geared towards lowering the global carbon footprint will mean more companies have to construct sustainable buildings. Green construction companies and their investors will stand to benefit.

Realizations Made During the Pandemic

The pandemic has really fueled investor interest in green building projects. Many people all over the world finally realized how vulnerable our world is due to changes brought on by the pandemic. Many people are more concerned about climate change as a result.

Investors recognize these developments and want to take advantage of growing demand for companies focused on sustainability.

Green Construction is Gaining Momentum in the United States and Abroad

As the practice of green building rises in popularity, construction companies across the United States started to adapt their outdated methods. They reduced their carbon emissions and eliminated waste, improving their sustainability under the pressures of environmental regulations and public attention.

In this transition, construction companies have also embraced the use of green building components. In doing so, they decreased their dependence on harmful materials and increased their investment in eco-friendly alternatives. Naturally, these changes benefit progressive investors looking to build their portfolio.

Of course, you shouldn’t select the first company that has an association with green building. You have to take a strategic approach, choosing the green building stocks that show significant potential. To that end, this article will serve as a resource to guide you in the right direction, providing the top stocks of 2025.

Nothing is a guarantee, of course, and risk is an inherent element in every investment. Even so, you should review these five options for your portfolio. In the coming decade, the interest in “going green” will only continue to grow, and you can take advantage of these trends with the following stocks.

1. Johnson Controls International PLC

Johnson Controls provides a diverse range of tech-driven solutions for building efficiency and similar purposes. With their experience in building-related equipment — and their mission to create “a smart future” for facilities — they represent an excellent option for investors searching for green building stocks.

Concerning the expected earnings, their EPS forecast for this quarter shows $0.63 with a P/E ratio of 32.21. Johnson Controls pays an annual dividend of $1.48 per common share. Their earnings growth last year was +35.78%, and their projected earnings growth over the next five years is +8.50%.

Clearly, Johnson Controls International PLC has significant promise within the context of current trends. Their management technologies will prove valuable to building managers as they improve sustainability in their facilities. Needless to say, energy efficiency will remain relevant well into the next decade.

2. Honeywell International Inc.

Honeywell International Inc. is a multinational conglomerate company and a leader in building climate control. That said, building automation and control represents only around a third of their sales. They also have aerospace, materials and transportation segments beyond their focus on green building.

Concerning the expected earnings, their EPS forecast for this quarter shows $1.86 with a P/E ratio of 23.79. Honeywell International Inc. pays a quarterly dividend of $0.98 per common share. Their earnings growth last year was +319.35%, and their projected earnings growth over the next five years is +7.47%.

As for the value of Honeywell International Inc., climate control is one of the essential elements of green building. Similar to Johnson Controls, the regulation of a building’s interior temperature is an energy-intensive task. Improved technologies from Honeywell will likely prove important for reducing energy usage.

3. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP

Similar to Johnson Controls and Honeywell, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP has a focus on energy usage. They’ve identified energy efficiency as a crucial driver of long-term growth, and they hope to improve sustainability and combat the escalating threat of climate change through their infrastructure assets.

Concerning the expected earnings, their EPS forecast for this quarter shows $0.36 with a P/E ratio of 38.3. It fell from over 300 when we published this article in 2019, which shows it is likely no longer highly overvalued. BIP pays a quarterly dividend of $0.54 per common share. This is a $0.04 increase in their dividend earnings from what they were paying in 2019 when we first published this article. Their earnings growth last year was +1,263.25%, and their projected earnings growth over the next five years is +9.59%.

As for alternative options in the same area of investment, you have a range of stocks and funds to select from. For example, 40% of the new international micro-cap fund from Brookvine covers relevant areas like green energy, e-commerce, connectivity, health and wellness, data analytics and cybersecurity.

4. PFB Corporation

PFB Corporation manufactures and sells proprietary insulating building products that use expanded polystyrene. The company operates in both Canada and the United States, selling EPS products, structural insulating panels, building systems and similar tools. Their primary focus is on green building.

Concerning the expected earnings, their EPS forecast for this quarter shows $0.70 with a P/E ratio of 5.8. PFB Corporation pays a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per common share. Their earnings growth this year is 168%, and their projected earnings growth over the next year is 17.60%.

In terms of PFB Corporation’s potential, the increasing demand for alternative building materials will likely continue into the next decade. Among other green building materials, it’s safe to speculate that PFB Corporation’s expanded polystyrene and similar eco-friendly insulators will see greater adoption.

5. LSB Industries Inc.

LSB Industries Inc. is a chemical and GHP manufacturer with a stake in green building practices. Around a third of its revenue comes from its climate control technologies, which, as mentioned earlier, represent an essential element of green building in terms of energy efficiency and the reduction of carbon emissions.

Concerning the expected earnings, their EPS forecast for this quarter shows -$0.09 with an unavailable P/E ratio. LSB Industries does not pay a dividend. Though LXU doesn’t appear promising, their earnings growth this year was +153%, and their projected earnings growth over the next five years is +10.00%.

Investors should give thought to LSB Industries Inc. for its present and future relevance to green building practices. Though it may seem somewhat unappealing next to the other options on this list, its earnings growth this year and projections show it’s still an option deserving of consideration.

An Investment in the Future

As you review green building stocks for your portfolio, consider the five companies above. Each has significant potential in 2025 and the next decade, so research these options in greater detail and determine which of them works best for your current goals.

Whether you choose to invest in Johnson Controls, PFB Corporation, LSB Industries or another, similar option, you’ll see that wealth creation and environmental conservation are one and the same.

The post 5 Green Building Stocks to Consider in 2025 appeared first on Green Building Insider.

In a survey reaching over 2,000 international contractors, builders and developers, almost half said they expect to build more than 50% of their projects as a green building by 2022. This figure increased even more this year. The World Banks Blogs published an article in February 2024 showing that the demand for sustainability was growing significantly. World Bank blogger Susan Lund reports that emissions from buildings are expected to drop 23% by 2035 as more organizations invest in eco-friendly buildings.

To protect the environment while cutting down on costs, builders are turning to these seven popular green building practices in 2024.

1. Net-Zero Buildings

Many contractors are aiming to build net-zero buildings, which are buildings whose energy consumption is roughly equal to their energy output. The goal of this type of building project is to cut down on carbon emissions, water consumption and solid waste transported to landfills.

Those with plans to build a net-zero building typically look for ways to generate renewable energy on and off-site. Popular on-site generation tactics include wind turbines, solar water heating and photovoltaics. Off-site options include large-scale wind farms, solar plants, geothermal plants and hydropower facilities.

The credit offered for generating power sustainably will most likely offset the cost of building these renewable energy sites.

Net Zero buildings are more important in 2024 than ever before. In fact, the White House officially published a definition for them back in June for the first time, which helps emphasize why they are so important.

2. Climate Resiliency

With the growing concern over climate change, one of the top green initiatives is incorporating construction measures to withstand extreme weather patterns and natural disasters, typically in the form of improved infrastructure.

While many coastal cities have taken steps to relax their building codes, not strengthen them, developers are still seeking methods to go above and beyond, aiming to build stronger frames and increase weather resiliency to mitigate weather damage and cut down on insurance costs, such as claims for flood or fire damage.

3. Green Star Certification

The Green Star certification globally promotes integrated building designs which reduce environmental impact.

When a contractor goes through the certification process, their building or project receives a rating from an independent panel of sustainability experts. This rating can verify that a building or community project is a sustainable endeavor.

The rating a project receives comes from nine categories, from building design and construction to operation. Each category assesses the sustainability of a project and determines potential optimizations.

4. LEED Certification

Currently, LEED is the most widely used sustainability rating system in the world, certifying 1.85 million square feet of construction each day. Anyone can claim their building is sustainable. However, a LEED certification holds builders accountable through a structured, points-based rating system.

Earning a LEED certification comes along with many essential benefits, such as lending third-party credibility to an organization’s ability to develop a sustainable project. Not only does the certification process offer advice on the use of indoor and outdoor materials, but it also aids in reducing operational costs by encouraging the use of reduced and renewable energy sources.

This type of certification also indicates to the public where an organization’s priorities lie. It demonstrates a commitment to both sustainability and new green initiatives, building goodwill with the community as well as company stakeholders.

The number of LEED buildings is growing significantly in 2024. There are now 111,397 LEED projects and that number will likely grow over the next year.

5. Distributed Energy Systems

A distributed energy system (DES) controls generation, storage and energy monitoring solutions. Through the use of sensors, meters and actuators, the system can oversee and observe a building’s performance — including heating, cooling, lighting and more — as well as offer suggestions for cutting costs and improving reliability.

Many developers have decided to integrate a DES into their sustainable designs to take advantage of the plethora of benefits.

The benefits of a distributed energy system include:

• Reduced operational costs
• Improved energy reliability
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Additional revenue sources

Many developers have also used a DES to implement the electrification of a motor vehicle fleet, lowering costs and increasing uptime with a more reliable charging system.

6. EDGE Certification

EDGE stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies, a certification which aims to increase construction efficiency in terms of energy, water, building materials and waste.

Getting started with EDGE is very simple for developers, starting with a downloadable software program which allows them to determine the ideal combination of building strategies for the best return on your investment. Upon completion of a project, whether it’s a home, office, hospital or warehouse, an independent panel of experts will audit it to determine if it meets the required standards.

Currently operating in over 130 countries, EDGE certification requires developers to commit to at least a 20 percent reduction in energy and water use as compared to a standard building.

7. Alternative Building Materials

Building and construction activities consume 3 billion tons of raw material each year globally. But this reliance on non-renewable materials has had a lasting impact on the environment and the number of available resources, meaning developers are looking for alternative materials to build with.

2024 has seen a surge in the number of builders using more sustainable methods, with common alternative materials including the following.

• Grasscrete: A technique of layering concrete flooring in a way that allows grass and flora to grow, creating a natural bio-filter and improving storm-water absorption.
• Bamboo: A cost-effective, quickly growing material that is easy to harvest, making it a sustainable material source.
• Recycled plastic: With a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, plastic is a durable and long-lasting building material.
• Wood: Use of wood absorbs carbon dioxide and requires less energy-intensive processing methods.
• Hempcrete: Made from hemp wood, water and lime, this sustainable material is durable and long-lasting.

Other alternatives to traditional building materials include papercrete, engineered wood, cob, steel frame and insulating concrete foam.

Using Green Building Practices

Green building initiatives are booming in popularity, especially with the threat of dwindling renewable resources and unpredictable climate changes. Green construction initiatives accounted for more than 3.3 million jobs in 2018 in the United States alone. That number rose to 303,500 jobs in 2024.

Industry experts also predict these new trends will heighten global awareness of green development in the years to come, leading to newly developed and more efficient sustainable initiatives.

The post The 7 Most Popular Green Building Practices in 2024 appeared first on Green Building Insider.

1. Secure insurance

Before starting your renovation project, you need to take out the necessary construction insurance. As explained by Tradesman Saver: “Construction insurance isn’t actually one single policy, but the shorthand name for a series of covers under one umbrella”, and typically includes things like public liability cover, employer’s liability insurance, and tools cover.

When inadvertent damage or injury occurs on the job, you need to be certain that any legal fees or compensation you have to pay won’t impact your immediate finances. Possessing insurance protects your business assets as you won’t be responsible for paying any of the resulting expenses, which is potentially a lifesaver for small businesses or self-employed traders.

For example, you may have to pay hefty compensation fees if you cause property damage on the job, such as to carpets, walls or windows. There’s also the risk of danger to your staff, which could be a disaster if you’re not covered by a comprehensive insurance policy. Indeed, a personal injury policy also ensures that your business will receive financial help if you or someone else is unable to work because of an injury.

2. Assess asbestos risk before any work begins

Any buildings built or refurbished before 2000 may contain asbestos, which can lead to disease including cancers of the lungs and chest lining if breathed in. This is a serious issue, with exposure to asbestos causing around 39,000 deaths annually in the US alone. There is a long delay between first exposure and the initial onset of disease, though, which varies between 15 to 60 years.

It is now illegal to use asbestos in the construction or refurbishment of any premises, but ‘millions of tonnes of asbestos still remain in buildings due to its use in the 20th century’. Workers who carry out maintenance on older buildings are at risk, so you need to do a full check before initiating work. This involves investigating areas where asbestos is commonly found in old buildings, including installation on boilers and steam pipes, as well as cement roofing, shingles and siding.. As well as asbestos, you should inspect the building for things like malfunctioning electrical wiring and old piping too, which are also hazardous to workers and can disrupt the construction process.

3. Protect workers with fall protection and safety gear

Edge fall protection is essential to protecting workers, as it prevents them falling from height. It tends to consist of guardrails and handrails that are applied to locations such as rooftops and high platforms. Heavy-duty safety netting is also non-negotiable, especially for projects on older buildings, as this offers further protection to those working from height. One bonus many do not consider is that it catches any supplies that fall too. Before inserting, ensure that the net is at its full strength, and that it isn’t fraying or otherwise damaged.

Meanwhile, suitable clothing protects your workers from skin irritation, common scrapes, and sunburn if the work is outside. Experienced team members can be counted on to know what to wear, but it’s worth making sure everyone is aware. Appropriate clothing is a genuine safety precaution, so creating guidelines for this is worthwhile. There’s the obvious necessities like work boots, gloves and hard-hats, but some may not think to wear fabrics that stand up to a job, like denim, duck and canvas. It’s also essential to wear safety gloves when handling dangerous material, such as metal pipes, wiring, and earplugs around ear-busting machinery. Become familiar with standards to prevent construction-related injuries and accidents. Consider enrolling your employees in an OSHA 10 online course to mitigate risks at the workplace.

The post 3 Construction Safety Tips for Creating Eco-Friendly Buildings appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Are you interested in leading a more sustainable lifestyle? There are a lot of ways to embrace a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. You may want to start by creating an eco-friendly garden around your home. Just remember that deer fences will protect the love and hard work you put in to your garden by safely keeping wildlife out. 

You may be surprised to know that 87% of people in the UK have a garden. Gardening can be a good way to reduce your carbon footprint. You can lower it even further if it is an eco-friendly garden.

Gardens across the UK make up a huge percentage of the space available to wildlife. If you want to help conserve our British species and create a greener country for future generations, then recommend giving some of our eco-friendly ideas a try.

How to Make an Eco-Friendly Garden?

What steps can you to take to create a more sustainable garden? Here is how to make your garden eco-friendly.

Get Some Eco-Friendly Garden materials

Creating an eco-friendly garden starts with the fundamental design of your outdoor space. If you choose materials for your garden that have a positive impact on the environment, then you’re already starting on the right foot! Whether you have a big or small garden, we recommend installing eco-friendly materials such as composite decking.

Composite decking is a great choice for greener garden’s because it’s often made of completely recycled materials. Unlike timber decking, which often requires trees to be cut down, composite decking can be manufactured using wood and plastic off-cuts that would have otherwise ended up in landfill. Choosing an eco-friendly, long-lasting material like this will really set the tone for your conscious gardening activities.

More plants and trees

A great way to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle in your garden is to add more plants and trees. This is one of the best things to do when you want to practice sustainable gardening.

Not only will you get enjoyment out of your natural looking space, but the local wildlife will thank you too! While it’s understandable that you might want to keep your garden neat and tidy, having a few unruly flowerbeds and shrubs can create areas for wildlife to thrive.

Making the most of your garden space to grow some food is also a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. With a bit of care and attention, you could grow lots of fruit and veg that you’d usually have to pop to the supermarket for. You’ll benefit from healthy, homegrown foods and a sense of achievement that you’ve provided for your family off your own land.

Compost bin

Here in the UK, we waste an average of 4.5m tonnes of food per year, and while that’s a whole lot of food that’s heading to landfill, there is a simple solution – compositing. Composting is critical for sustainable gardening.

Compost heaps are a great habitat for all kinds of wildlife and they’ll also provide a great source of nutrients for your plants and vegetables. Compositing leftover food is a great way to re-purpose your household waste in a way that will benefit you and the environment. 

Wildlife homes

To give wildlife an extra helping hand, you can add homes and habitats for them in your garden. There are lots of different wildlife homes you can choose from and you can even make your own. Why not consider adding bird or bat house, a nest for bees or a hedgehog home to give your local wildlife somewhere to live. This is particularly important during the autumn and winter months.

Make Your Eco-Friendly Garden a Reality

We hope you can implement some of the eco-friendly changes in your garden. If you do, be sure to keep your eye out for the new wildlife paying you a visit!

The post Simple Guidelines to Create a Beautiful Eco-Friendly Garden appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Pollution Levels Drop in Many Major Cities

People around the world are following requests or orders to stay at home to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Similarly, the closures of schools, entertainment facilities and nonessential businesses give individuals much less temptation to go out even if officials did not impose lockdowns.

These lifestyle changes brought about decreased pollution in global destinations. Los Angeles recorded a reduction in nitrogen oxide levels, as did Italy and France. Scientists remain cautious and say that other factors — such as weather — can cause such improvements. Thus, they say it’s too early to tell how long these effects might last, and to what extent COVID-19 made them occur.

Residents Can’t Help but Notice the Effects

Many of the recent headlines about better air quality emerged once scientists obtained satellite images to compare the difference between the levels measured this year and last. However, in some places, people don’t need special equipment. They can merely rely on their senses to detect the changes.

For example, in early April, people living in the industrial town of Jalandhar, India, looked out their windows to see a Himalayan mountain range that coronavirus pollution-clearing effects made visible to them. Some had lived there for decades and never saw such views before. Elsewhere in India, people report hearing birds singing, remarking that the melodic sounds are finally noticeable due to the significant traffic reduction outdoors.

These amazing differences mean a person may get the chance to live in a relatively green city during the coronavirus lockdowns. That’s good news for everyone, and especially people who may ordinarily overlook the natural world surrounding them.

Chris Watson, a wildlife sound recordist living in the United Kingdom, also noticed how the coronavirus makes nature more prominent. “Because of the lack of or reduction in noise pollution, we’re hearing the world like people heard it decades ago. You can hear into the distance, because normally a lot of the detail and subtle sounds — and that includes birdsong, of course — gets lost amidst a mush of traffic noise, particularly in urban areas.”

He also clarified that now is an ideal time to tune into nature, remarking, “Now we can listen to and engage with sounds that were previously masked. A couple of months ago, you wouldn’t have heard them. Now is the perfect time because it’s spring, so all the birds are singing.” Parents, for example, could take advantage of this change by encouraging their kids to go out in the yard, listen to the birds and learn to identify them.

Coronavirus Changed Shopping Behaviors

Another reason for the decreased coronavirus pollution statistics likely relates to the different ways people shop for things now. Research shows that 56% of people recently bought groceries or health care items online, and half of those had never shopped that way before. That trend will likely continue once the coronavirus is no longer an ever-present concern. After all, online shopping is convenient, and it can help cut down on impulse purchases, among other perks.

Since health experts emphasized that certain groups — including older people — are at a higher risk of becoming sick from COVID-19, more residents are checking on their neighbors before they go shopping and asking if they need essential goods picked up during the outing. These combined trips have positive effects on the environment by reducing the overall travel participated in by community members.

Additionally, people find grocery deliveries particularly appealing. The coronavirus outbreak means people must abide by store-specific rules while shopping. Many conclude it’s handier and safer to have their goods brought to their doors. A study carried out in the Netherlands found that grocery deliveries cause particularly favorable reductions in carbon footprints in places where most people take trips by car, such as the United Kingdom, too.

The research showed that a supermarket grocery delivery in the United Kingdom reduced the carbon footprint by 1.5 times compared to if a person shopped in person. The team also determined that parcel deliveries represent a relatively inefficient way of getting goods to consumers. However, the data revealed that switching the transportation method to electric bikes for part of the journey cut the carbon footprint by 25%.

More People Turn to Biking for Transportation

Many things designate a green city, and bike paths are among the most common characteristics. People getting around on bicycles play personal roles in limiting emissions while staying active. Cycling Scotland, an organization that collects data from 60 cycling counters across the country, registered a big jump in bike traffic during the coronavirus pandemic.

The group looked at the average number of people cycling per day during the first half of March 2020. When comparing the data to information collected the previous year, it found traffic levels rose by as much as 215% in some areas. Cycling Scotland also compiled feedback from people who commented that the coronavirus made them rediscover biking or start depending on it as a mode of transportation for the first time.

New York City organizations saw increases in bicycle transportation as people avoided subways to stay safe from the virus. The rising demand for food delivery has also urged employees to use their bikes when dropping off food. Some groups use these positive changes to highlight the need for better bicycle infrastructure. Such action could make the transportation changes persist once the coronavirus eases.

Time for Continued Action

The improvements in air quality and other environmental benefits understandably gave people hope about what could happen if world leaders approved widespread climate change efforts. Some analysts worry that the coronavirus will cause a loss in momentum for many planned projects to improve the Earth. For example, a mayor might delay a green city plan, depending on how COVID-19 affects the economy.

Others weighed in to say that the coronavirus highlights the collective action needed to address global threats. COVID-19 is one such danger, but climate change is another. The coronavirus caught many people off guard, even as infectious disease experts warned authorities to prepare for an impending pandemic decades ago.

Climate change is another matter making scientists raise the alarm. People still have opportunities to ensure its effects are not as devastating they would likely become without decisive preventive action.

Promising Differences to Spur Long-Term Decisions

These examples show that coronavirus pollution is at impressively low levels in some areas, and people are doing other Earth-friendly things during the pandemic, too.

Individuals cannot assume the positive changes will stick around, however. They should use the recent data to help convince those in authority to take actions that make the benefits lasting and noticeable for the foreseeable future.

The post How COVID-19 Is Actually Making Cities Greener appeared first on Green Building Insider.

In the past decade, the incorporation of green standards in new buildings has increased significantly. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, the number of new buildings with sustainable features will continue to grow as the market responds to consumer demands.

Urban areas are leading the way in retrofitting old buildings. With whole neighborhoods experiencing revitalization, old brick rowhouses in cities across the country are finding a second life. Retrofits look to use the existing structure while removing toxic materials and adding more sustainable features. Most projects involve removing toxic insulation, such as asbestos, as well as installing new utility systems, more sustainable lighting and even features like green roofs and rain gardens.

It’s possible to retrofit most existing buildings with green features. Green buildings look to improve not only the energy efficiency of the structure, but also the health of its occupants. A few adjustments make existing infrastructure healthier and more sustainable.

Five cities in the United States are leading the way in greening existing infrastructure. From coast to coast, urban areas are finding ways to preserve the historical significance of older buildings, while also improving the living space for the future. From Portland, Ore., to Boise, Idaho, we will explore five cities transforming old buildings into the epitome of green renovation and urban rehabilitation.

1. Portland, Ore.

The city of Portland is revolutionary in its green building standards and has some of the best examples of retrofitted buildings in the country. Housing complexes, such as Tillamook Row in Northeast Portland, incorporate new insulation and solar panels that have eliminated electricity bills for occupants by creating a surplus of renewable energy.

Many energy, construction and design firms in Portland are working to improve energy and building standards. In 2009, the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability issued a plan to reduce energy consumption in current buildings. Working with Clean Energy Works Portland, which provides loans for energy upgrades, the plan resulted in reducing energy consumption by 20% in participating buildings.

Additionally, Portland’s Green Building Policy works with existing policies to manage issues like stormwater treatment, transportation, economic development and waste management. The policy network incorporates LEED strategies, as well as the Earth Advantage Institute and Living Building Challenge, both of which guide design in terms of both energy and health.

2. Austin, Texas

In 1990, the city of Austin established the first green building initiative in the country. Known as the Austin Energy Green Building process, the plan has evolved in recent years to account for improvements in energy efficiency, as well as the availability of additional green certifications.

Several sustainability companies in Austin work to support green initiatives in existing structures. The Austin Green Team focuses on improving structures for the health of the occupant, with sustainability being a bonus. Retrofit projects can include sustainable insulation, HEPA air filtration systems and natural mold solutions.

Contracting firms are also heavily involved in retrofit projects throughout Austin. One company, Burt-Watts, strives to reuse the majority of existing infrastructure and reduce energy usage by a minimum of 25%. In one project, the firm converted a 1960s building into an office space, adhering to the Austin Energy Green Building Standards as well as LEED certification standards.

3. Chicago, Ill.

In Chicago, buildings produce more greenhouse gas emissions than any other source. To support the goal of improving economic and environmental sustainability, the city has focused on increasing incentives for green construction, as well as retrofitting projects. Retrofit Chicago, a city-led energy-efficiency program, focuses on reducing greenhouse emissions while saving homeowners money.

Green retrofitting in Chicago focuses on improving insulation, installing energy-efficient lighting and reducing maintenance costs. The city has ranked as the Greenest Place to Work in America three years in a row, according to the National Green Building Adoption Index. There are two primary standards for measuring green buildings in Chicago: the EPA EnergyStar label and the U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification.

4. Baltimore, Md.

There are over 17,000 vacant buildings in Baltimore. However, the city has made significant progress to help reduce the number of demolitions and push for adaptive reuse instead. According to the Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Baltimore, sustainable building projects are the best way to create cost competition in the market.

The city of Baltimore also established a Green Construction Code in 2015, which works to distribute permits for green-certified construction and retrofit projects. Other citywide initiatives also work to transform existing infrastructure into sustainable spaces, including Retrofit Baltimore, the Neighborhood Design Center and the Enviro Center. The Neighborhood Design Center focuses specifically on retrofitting old buildings throughout the city.

5. Boise, Idaho

When considering green cities, Boise may not be one of the first examples to come to mind. However, Boise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and has aggressive sustainability strategies to reduce energy use in existing buildings by 50% by 2030.

Boise has an extensive geothermal energy network, with geothermal providing heat for more than 90 buildings downtown. Additionally, the city installs solar panels on commercial buildings. Using renewable energy is a straightforward way to reduce energy consumption in old buildings without the need for new infrastructure.

The city of Boise also enacted a Green Building Code in 2015, which adopted the International Green Construction Code. In addition to assisting with project coordination and permitting, the city also donates a plaque attesting to the building’s sustainability upon completion of the retrofit project. These small actions make a significant impact on consumer awareness when it comes to green buildings.

Old Is the New Green

The production of concrete is the third-highest source of greenhouse gas emissions, behind only energy and transportation. Additionally, demolitions and teardowns contribute to air pollution and also generate a significant amount of construction waste, most of which ends up in landfills. Adaptive reuse of existing buildings reduces the need for new materials. Retrofitting existing buildings in urban areas is a fantastic way to save historic properties, while improving the health and livelihood of tenants and communities.

Green retrofits are part of the holistic process of using green infrastructure throughout neighborhoods, from inside homes to sidewalks, parks and rain gardens. Based on the principle that it’s possible to make urban areas green without tearing them down, retrofitting old buildings plays a critical role in neighborhood revitalization.

Making green modifications to existing structures through renovation, retrofit or refurbishing projects helps reuse existing materials, while improving the energy efficiency of the original building. The U.S. Department of Energy offers detailed resources with guides on meeting sustainability goals and green building certifications.

Any city can achieve the objective of making old buildings green, and the industry shows excellent promise for growth in the next few years.

The post How to Make Old Buildings Green (And 5 Cities Doing It) appeared first on Green Building Insider.

What does it mean to have a zero-energy building? People can learn the answers to these questions — and more — with this helpful net-zero guide.

What Is a Zero-Energy Building?

Many people want sustainable buildings, which maximize the use of natural resources to minimize the impact on the planet. A net-zero, or zero-energy, building takes that goal to the next level.

A widely accepted definition is that the building is so efficient and reliant on renewable sources that the total energy it needs is equal to or less than the renewable energy produced at the site. Some organizations also call these structures zero-carbon buildings because the total carbon dioxide emissions equal zero or a negative value.

Net-zero homes are still relatively rare in the United States, with about 5,000 single-family houses that produce zero carbon. Some analysts believe the tides are changing, but not all at once.

For example, California now mandates that most new homes and multi-family residences up to three stories high must have solar panels, a step in the right direction in achieving a net-zero goal.

What Are the Benefits of a Zero-Energy Building?

When people think of the advantages of a net-zero building, the energy savings often come to mind first. Eliminating one’s dependence on the electrical grid is also appealing, especially for individuals who are concerned about price fluctuations.

Speaking of the grid, if a zero-energy building produces more energy than necessary, occupants can sell the excess to power companies as an income-generating activity. For example, the Unisphere is one of the largest commercial buildings in the United States. Since its design includes nearly 3,000 solar panels, all surplus power produced during the day gets sold to the grid.

A net-zero building can also be educational and help people feel influential to the future of the planet. Virginia’s Discovery Elementary School, for instance, is a net-zero facility. About 75 of its students take part in the Eco-Action Team, which has monthly meetings to teach young people about how to save energy, live healthily, consume less and other pertinent topics.

Buildings account for around 30% of greenhouse gas emissions globally, and carbon dioxide is one of the most abundant emissions. Therefore, a zero-carbon building trend could mean that structures earn a better reputation by helping the planet instead of hurting it.

Moreover, if a brand commits to reaching a zero-energy milestone by a specified time, it could become a leader for other commercial entities to follow. Fulfilling that role could be crucial if a company’s target audience is especially eco-conscious or the brand has made previous efforts towards sustainability and wants to maximize them.

What Challenges Exist for Net-Zero Buildings?

The quest to erect more net-zero buildings is not without its difficulties. One issue is that some corporations want to get behind a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 or 2050, but not all of them agree on what net-zero means. The definition given earlier in this guide is a frequently used one, but it still hasn’t achieved universal acceptance.

Relatedly, there is no single method for verifying and certifying greenhouse gas reductions achieved through net-zero emissions. Coming up with one would help companies figure out what they’re doing well and where there’s room for improvement.

People have complained that it’s fine to have net-zero goals, but the aspirations fall apart when companies don’t have a well-defined gameplan for reaching that distant objective. For example, Rio Tinto is a mining company that will make a $1 billion investment over five years to meet climate goals. However, the company’s CEO, Jean-Sébastien Jacques, has said, “There is no clear pathway right now for the world to get net-zero emissions by 2050.”

Another difficulty is the unequal pace of progress in this area across the globe. For example, Ireland has what it deems “nearly net-zero buildings.” These new homes must be 70% more energy-efficient and produce 70% fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared to those built in 2005. Plus, energy analysts point out that net-zero buildings are not priorities for some Asian nations, and people there still see a future that uses coal.

However, if a person or company is genuinely interested in moving ahead with net-zero buildings, they must try to focus on what’s within their power to do. It’s impossible to make every resident or country promise to work towards a particular energy generation or emissions objective. Fortunately, committed people and brands can still make impressive progress through diligent dedication.

What Steps Can People Take Towards Net-Zero Buildings?

If a person is interested in living in a zero-energy home, they must decide what steps they’re willing to take to make that happen. One option is to work with a zero-energy builder who can either create a residence from the ground up or retrofit an existing one. Also, New York has a net-zero apartment complex called netZero Village. It could be a possibility for people who want to move into net-zero homes and are willing to relocate if necessary.

Another necessity is to decide whether the net-zero definition only extends to energy use or goes beyond. For example, some people bring other aspects, such as water and waste, into their zero-energy plans. In that case, a person has what’s sometimes called a net-zero-passive house. A passive house is not necessarily net-zero, but the term refers to making the house have as small of an ecological footprint as possible. As such, net-zero and passivity go together well.

Some local authorities also realize that it’s not feasible to expect commercial entities to meet a net-zero goal right away. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, members of the city council unanimously passed a measure to make all of the area’s new or renovated government buildings net-zero ready.

In essence, that means they’ll meet a standard that enables using very little energy. Then, over a year, that usage is offset via a connection to an on-site or local energy source. Such an approach shows that city officials aren’t trying to do everything at once, but they’re laying the groundwork for meaningful, timely improvements.

Even if people are not at the point where they’re directly associated with net-zero buildings, they can still show their support for them. In September 2020, London will be the site for the world’s first Net Zero Festival, a gathering that brings people from various sectors together to explore how to achieve some of the energy goals set around the globe. Planning to attend could help interested persons stay in the loop about building practices and more.

What Is the Future for Zero-Energy Buildings?

As mentioned earlier, numerous nations have net-zero goals. However, they aren’t only focusing on buildings. In Serbia, a music festival’s campaign ultimately convinced the government there to plant one billion trees as part of a broader effort to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050. The structures that people live and work in will undoubtedly play key roles in the overall aims, too.

An industry analysis anticipates a 15.6% combined annual growth rate for net-zero-energy buildings around the world from 2019 to 2024. Several areas in Europe may become zero-energy districts, too.

A Net-Zero Building Is a Worthy Aspiration

It’s not realistic to expect the world to make a quick transition to zero-energy buildings. However, the examples here show that the idea is taking off globally.

Since many countries have set goals to reduce emissions, leaders will need to assess how buildings fit into their respective targets. Making a net-zero building requires extensive planning, but following through could have positive effects for this generation and future ones.

The post The Complete Net-Zero Guide: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Green Building Insider.

A common misconception about SBS, though, is that it only arises from older buildings. According to the World Health Organization, up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide are potential carriers of SBS. Today, many organizations have led a green building movement designed to help combat SBS. First, however, it is crucial to describe what SBS is and the factors that cause it.

What Is SBS?

Sick building syndrome is when a building’s occupants experience negative health effects when they spend time in that building. The most common symptoms of SBS include headaches, coughing, sleepiness, sore throat, dry eyes, dizziness and itchy skin.

Workers who spend eight hours a day in buildings that are not adequately maintained often report such symptoms. SBS symptoms commonly appear when workers return to the office after an extended break. To be able to combat sick building syndrome, it is vital to identify the factors that cause it.

Factors That Contribute to SBS

There are several factors that can contribute to SBS, such as the following.

1. Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a major contributing factor to SBS. Indoor air quality refers to the standard of the conditioned air that circulates throughout buildings, and indoor air is the air we breathe throughout most of our lives. The EPA estimates that Americans, on average, spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors.

Inadequate ventilation can lower the IAQ of a building and lead to SBS. Buildings that have inadequate HVAC systems may not distribute air effectively to building occupants. Office buildings should provide a range of between 15 and 60 cfm of outdoor air per person to properly ventilate the space and maintain a comfortable environment for workers. This level of ventilation combats the buildup of carbon dioxide, which results from building occupants.

2. Chemical Contaminants From Inside the Building

Even if ventilation systems are cycling the recommended amount of air to building occupants, indoor air pollution may still be contributing to SBS. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, can cause acute health effects in those exposed to such chemicals regularly. Many everyday office items release VOCs, such as formaldehyde, through a process known as off-gassing. These office items include:

• Copy machines (toner)
• Cleaning products
• Carpeting
• Manufactured wood products

3. Outside Pollution

Along with inside sources of pollution, many harmful outside sources can impact the air quality of a building. If air intake vents are not placed in the correct location, outdoor pollutants such as exhaust can permeate throughout the building. Windows that are not properly sealed can also be entrance points for such harmful sources of pollution.

One incredibly harmful source of outside pollution is silica. Silica is a common mineral found in the earth’s crust. However, when it is pulverized, its particles become 100 times finer than a grain of sand. Respirable crystalline silica is created through activities such as construction and masonry. This airborne form of silica is toxic to humans and can cause silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease.

If offices or homes are located next to construction sites, such dangerous particles could diffuse through the building through air intake vents or unsealed windows. To protect building occupants from outside sources of pollution, routine checks should be completed to ensure the building is properly sealed, and HVAC systems are maintained.

Negative Impact of SBS on the Office Environment

Sick building syndrome has the potential to lead to severe monetary losses for companies. Workers experiencing symptoms of SBS have been proven to be less productive and have higher rates of absenteeism than healthy employees.

Studies have shown that productivity losses of two percent result from the presence of such symptoms. This loss of productivity equates to an annual loss of around $60 billion per year. Higher health-care insurance costs can also be attributed to SBS. To prevent injuries from SBS, intelligent businesses have taken a green approach both to building and renovating their facilities.

Ways to Make Your Building Greener

The green building movement has offered a path forward for companies to prevent their employees from experiencing SBS symptoms. Several different green measures should be employed to ensure a building’s condition does not negatively impact the health of occupants. Here are just a few ways you can make your building greener.

1. Increase Ventilation Rates

Increasing ventilation rates is one approach to improving the work environment, and installing operable windows is one way to accomplish this. Operable windows allow occupants to open windows so that outside air can be filtered within the building. To save energy, operable windows can be fitted with a switch to ensure HVAC systems turn off in that specific zone so as not to waste energy when the window is open. If operable windows are not integrated into the HVAC system, energy usage can rise as much as 30 percent. Increasing ventilation rates also helps to prevent carbon dioxide buildup.

If you’re worried about the cost of extra ventilation methods, studies have shown that revenue produced by higher productivity can offset the costs associated with increased ventilation.

2. Use Low-VOC Emitting Materials

VOCs are a leading cause of SBS. Companies must make a concerted effort to avoid artificial building materials that emit high levels of VOCs. Using more sustainable products, such as green cleaners, helps to ensure that IAQ remains high. Although the initial cost of low-VOC items may be higher, it has been shown that gains achieved from creating a more comfortable work environment offset these costs.

3. Incorporate Interior Landscaping

A simple yet effective approach to improving conditions inside the building is to grow plants. Plants can improve IAQ levels and filter out carbon dioxide. Additionally, plants such as dracaena, help remove VOCs from the air. Interior landscaping can also reduce stress among employees.

4. Become LEED Certified

A certification known as Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) was created to help organizations implement impactful green building solutions. The U.S. Green Building Council sponsors the LEED Certification and offers resources for companies on how to construct green buildings.

Scorecards are also provided to companies to grade their progress on meeting LEED standards.  Different grades are issued based on a company’s selected methods. An accreditation from LEED signals that companies are taking a stand to work toward a more sustainable future.

Go Green and Help Your Employees Thrive

By employing green building strategies, companies can help mitigate the costs associated with sick building syndrome. Additionally, when you put these green methods to use in your building, you can create a healthy place for your employees to work and thrive.

The post How Greener Buildings Can Reduce Sick Building Syndrome appeared first on Green Building Insider.

Although some entities back up those promises with concrete action, others fall short. If you’re thinking about investing in stocks this year, these five companies still have a lot of work to do in helping the planet and aren’t as green as you may think.

1. BlackRock Inc.

This company specializes in investment management and financial planning. Although the company’s stock performance varied throughout 2019, it had some disappointments. For example, its second-quarter profits fell by 7%, even as the company attracted $151 billion worth of new investments from clients. BlackRock attributed the profit decline to a lower fee structure.

In 2018, BlackRock’s CEO Larry Fink mentioned how companies must make positive contributions to society. He cited his firm as one that needed to take responsibility and encourage that shift by engaging with other company leaders. BlackRock has made some progress, such as introducing new products for clients who wish to make sustainable investments and hiring a chief investment officer for its sustainable investing group.

But, the firm is still doing things that make people dubious about whether it’s committed to greener practices. For example, it has the highest absolute holdings of thermal coal, as well as oil and gas reserves, among all U.S. asset managers by way of its investments in companies. Moreover, it’s the world’s largest investor in companies working on increasing coal power capacity.

Its record on voting for initiatives to tackle climate change is dismal, too. It declined to support the vast majority of climate-related proposals put forth by shareholders last year. BlackRock is not part of the Climate Action 100+ Initiative, either. That’s a collective of hundreds of investors that engages with the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters to encourage them to change.

Some of the sustainable investment funds also have shares related to fossil fuel companies. The things mentioned here should be enough to make you realize that although BlackRock seems to be trying to make some progress on the sustainability front, it’s still among the worst green stocks.

2. Seadrill Ltd.

Seadrill Limited is an offshore drilling company that has had a rough year in the stock market so far. After recovering from bankruptcy in 2018, the company is down 72% over the past year, according to statistics published in August 2019.

Volatility is something investors must contend with, and many choose to minimize their risk by deploying data analysis to measure it. The Motley Fool acknowledges that most offshore drilling companies showed above-average volatility in recent years. But September 2019 was a particularly unsettled month for investors. In one week that month, the company lost almost 18% of its value.

Even with those results, the company looks better now than before it filed for bankruptcy. Still, it’s wise to wait and see if things pick up with the company before investing.

Then, concerning the environment, Seadrill is a target for activists who are against offshore drilling due to its impact on the planet. This May, activists from Greenpeace boarded one of Seadrill’s oil rigs in the Norwegian Arctic to stand against the company. Others joined them on land or by surrounding the vessel in kayaks. Seadrill contacted the police regarding the takeover, citing concerns about the health and safety of those aboard.

Seadrill has an environmental impact section on its website, and some of the text there reads, “We act to minimize and mitigate potential impacts on the environment…”. That’s not good enough for many people who are concerned about the planet, though. They know the company’s very business model is not planet-friendly.

3. Coca-Cola

After Coca-Cola released its second-quarter earnings statistics this year, shares jumped more than 5% in early trading. That movement adds to an already good year in the stock market for the beverage brand. In 2019, the company’s stock was up by 14%. So, it’s arguably a smart investment in some respects, but not if you want to support a company that’s leading in its sustainability initiatives.

A report looked at plastic waste cleanups and brand audits in 42 countries to determine which companies made the most significant contributions to the single-use plastic problem. It named Coca-Cola as the most significant offender and discovered plastic pollution from the brand in all but two of the nations investigated.

At the end of 2018, Coca-Cola announced plans to improve its plastic recycling efforts. Some initiatives include addressing the issues of bottles made from materials not suitable for many recycling streams. Those intentions are paying off, with Great Britain and Japan among the places where people can now buy Coke products in 100% recyclable bottles.

The fact that Coca-Cola is trying to conquer this issue is undoubtedly positive. But, when you’re thinking about which stocks to invest in this year, don’t overlook that the brand still has lots of room for improvement.

4. U.S. Steel

The United States Steel Corporation, popularly known as U.S. Steel, is having a tough time in the stock market. In early September 2019, analysts confirmed it was trading at a three-and-a-half-year low and could drop another 40% before enough people commit to buying the stock to stimulate recovery. Then, in late September, the firm announced it expected more substantial third-quarter losses than anticipated.

The company cited falling demand for flat-rolled steel, along with poor performance in the European market, as reasons for the downturn. Also, you shouldn’t ignore the environmental shortcomings that make U.S. Steel among the worst green stocks this year.

In the spring of 2019, U.S. Steel said it would upgrade some of its plants in Pennsylvania through a $1 billion investment. Representatives said the improvements would reduce particulate matter, as well as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.

David Burritt, the company’s president and CEO, directly addressed previous outcries against the company’s pollution when he said, “The response to the community is we’re going to run this business as effectively as we can, and the safest and most environmentally friendly way that we can.”

However, in June, a fire at the company disabled the firm’s pollution controls and caused the local health department to issue an advisory about possible increased levels of sulfur dioxide in the air. Additionally, the health department sent an emergency order for the company to submit a plan to comply with sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide standards within 24 hours.

There was also another fire at the end of December 2018. After that incident, the plant emitted more than 70,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide daily — several times higher than its permitted amount — before getting its pollution controls back in order. Nearby residents said the plant’s operations make it difficult to breathe and cause a rotten-egg smell in their neighborhoods.

5. ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil is a Big Oil company that frequently draws criticism from sustainably minded people. A couple of years ago, a pair of Harvard University researchers discovered the company discussed the link between fossil fuels and global warming as early as 1979. Still, through 2008, documents showed the brand resisted acknowledging the direct link between climate change and the oil and gas industry’s emissions.

Other research indicates things haven’t changed for the better. A 2019 report described how ExxonMobil spends more than $40 million annually to lobby against climate change mitigation policies.

At a May 2019 shareholders meeting, attendees voted down measures including creating a dedicated climate change committee, reporting on climate change effects associated with Gulf Coast chemical plants and disclosing expenses for lobbying and political contributions.

ExxonMobil has struggled in the stock market, too. Redburn, an equity research firm, removed all of its “buy” ratings from the biggest integrated oil firms in September 2019. ExxonMobil took an exceptional hit when Redburn gave it an unusual “double downgrade” — immediately changing its rating it from “buy” to “sell.”

The following month, analysts brought up the company’s prolonged downturn. They mentioned the chemical and refining arms of the enterprise had been particular under-earners, causing investors to lose patience as the brand insists it needs to put money into new projects now to see the benefits later.

Look at the Full Picture Before Investing

The five companies here have all taken action to protect the planet, but they still rank among the worst green stocks. This coverage should remind you to take an all-encompassing look before making investment decisions with a sustainability mindset.

The post The 5 Worst Green Stocks of 2019 appeared first on Green Building Insider.

That’s the goal of self-sustaining buildings. In an ideal situation, they’d operate free from the electric grid and other sources of dependency. They’d also generate their own water and have a dedicated sewer system that doesn’t require community-based resources.

A renewable energy setup could mean that you could keep working even during an unexpected blackout. People in Germany have considered using renewables for that reason. And, there’d be no worry about the copier or another crucial piece of equipment breaking down without warning. The technology inside of the self-sustaining building would continually monitor for problems and give alerts before stuff stops working.

In short, self-sustainable buildings have everything they need to operate safely. Even better, they don’t drain resources. Some even generate them to give back to the surrounding area, too.

How Far Are Self-Sustaining Buildings From Reality?

We’ have sustainably designed buildings, as well as ones with numerous autonomous components. So, how long might it be before a building operates completely independently?

Dwight Stewart is the founder of a smart building tech company called Igor. His platform implements energy-saving technology, as well as artificial intelligence (AI). Stewart views his company’s technology as the first step towards autonomous buildings. More specifically, he thinks these automated buildings will happen through a gradual process.

In Grenoble, France, construction is underway for a project that should result in an autonomous building. Dubbed the Autonomous Building Citizen or ABC, this pioneering effort hopes to achieve mostly autonomous operation for water and energy, plus optimize waste management. Construction teams are reportedly relying on building information modeling (BIM) to make the project a reality.

One of the primary concepts of BIM is that all the stakeholders share the information associated with a project. Concerning ABC, BIM facilitated automatically pulling data from architectural models, too. This sped up and streamlined the overall process. Even the ABC building will not be fully autonomous, but the people involved with the project hope it’ll come as close to that milestone as anything has so far.

What Issues Could Self-Sustaining Buildings Fix?

Now that we’ve taken a look at the feasibility of self-sustaining buildings, let’s examine what issues they might solve. One broad possibility is that they could improve future urban development by making cities less resource-dependent. If a building uses precisely the resources it needs to run safely, thennothing gets wasted.

Moreover, these buildings could challenge developers to investigate options that use resources responsibly, such as self-charging batteries that harvest energy for later use. Energy harvesting technology could be especially necessary for helping things run smoothly in places like hospitals or assisted living facilities that get hit with storms. Otherwise, issues with prolonged power outages may arise.

Self-sustaining buildings could be constant problem-solvers, too. Equipment maintenance takes up substantial resources at some companies, particularly when people lose track of when it’s time to service an item. The products inside a self-sustaining building might have sensors that measure things such as how often an automatic door opens and closes on a given day and can tell when parts are about to fail.

In that situation, companies save money because they don’t get items serviced unless they need it, and urgent, after-hours technician callouts get eliminated. A piece of high-tech equipment may even go so far as to automatically order a necessary part and contact a maintenance worker to install it once the component arrives. That would cut out delays that happen between when a part comes in and the time that someone replaces the faulty one.

How Might Self-Sustaining Buildings Benefit Society?

We should also ponder how self-sustaining buildings could promote the greater good. Since these structures have technology that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, they could collectively inspire communities and countries to do away with less-sustainable ones, replacing them with more sustainable options.

Many investors and building professionals balk at spending money on untested technologies. But, self-sustaining buildings could make some tech more commonplace. As the associated innovations become more widespread, people could look at using it to reduce pollution or combat climate change. Even if societies don’t create self-sustaining buildings immediately, they can use eco-friendly technology that moves things in that direction.

Self-sustaining buildings may encourage occupants to live more sustainable lives, too. The wastebaskets in a self-sustaining building could track how much trash a person deposits into one during a given week, then provide tips on how they could transition to reusable items to minimize the garbage sent to landfills.

Having a healthy lifestyle also connects to sustainability. Some health care systems purposely make sustainability a priority. The goal is to improve public health without wasting resources.

Self-sustaining buildings could get built in places served by numerous bike routes and walking paths so that people can exercise during their commutes. They could address mental health issues by detecting depressed, stressed people. Jaguar Land Rover is reportedly working on such technology for its cars to make people calmer or more alert.

Could There Be a Negative Impact on the Job Market?

Whenever people discuss automation, they often weigh in about how smart technologies will progressively overtake jobs until robots and similar things can perform all the tasks humans now do and more. Low-skilled workers are typically the most at-risk for this outcome. For example, a self-sustaining building may not need housekeepers because it uses robotic cleaning equipment.

Or, if HVAC technicians only know how to work with traditional heating and cooling equipment rather than the kind that operates itself and alerts people to possible problems, those technicians may discover that their skills are no longer in demand as they once were. Upskilling could help, however, and people still have time to upgrade their knowledge. As mentioned earlier, self-sustaining buildings won’t appear overnight, but only as technology improves step by step.

Would People Be Open to Self-Sustaining Buildings?

Another question that individuals may ask themselves is if large enough segments of society would be on board with these futuristic buildings. They’ll undoubtedly be tremendously more expensive to build than a typical building but would likely pay for themselves over time. How difficult might it be to attract investor support?

People who live and work in a self-sustaining building may also feel a little uneasy. After all, you’ve probably experienced how technology is fantastic when it works, but things can quickly go wrong. A bug could make a self-sustaining building behave in strange ways. Even worse, hackers may see these buildings as appealing targets and try to break into the infrastructure.

Interesting Possibilities That Likely Won’t Come to Fruition Soon

Even though some automated building components exist, it’ll probably be a while before a building is so smart that it can sustain itself without humans. Even so, it’s necessary to think about what may happen now, so that we can prepare proactively.

The post Why Self-Sustaining Buildings Could Solve Tons of Future Problems appeared first on Green Building Insider.