However, more sustainable construction practices have been in an upward trend for a while now, with a particularly sharp increase occurring during the last few years. There isn’t a single best explanation for this trend, but an increase in scientific literacy with regards to how pollution and waste impact the environment has seemed to resonate strongly with younger generations.

What is Green Building?

The EPA defines green building as:

Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. . . Green building is also known as a sustainable or high performance building.

Currently, the most widely used green building rating system in the world is Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) which was designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGB). Not only does LEED examine details about the building design and materials used, but it also looks at other metrics like construction practices, the long-term operations and maintenance of a property, neighborhood development, and much more.

Best Practices: Sustainable Construction for Green Structures

It is often assumed that sustainable construction practices and green structures have a higher upfront cost but make up for that by reducing other costs over time. However, because of the steadily increasing popularity of sustainable and green culture, manufacturers and builders have been able to reduce their overall costs through economies of scale.

So, even if certain green technologies and materials have a higher upfront cost right now, that could change relatively quickly as the movement continues to pick up steam.

Here are some of the big ideas that the modern architecture and construction firms are using to create more affordable and efficient green structures:

1. Low Tech Vs. High Tech

It always seems like there is a tech solution to everything, but is the tech solution always the best solution? It may be surprising to think about, but green technology isn’t always the best answer. Sure, integrated technology like digital assistants and the IoT can help save energy, but sometimes designing a building to fit its natural surroundings and utilize what is already there can do so much more.

2. Passive Heating, Cooling, and Solar

This refers to positioning and designing a structure to take maximum advantage of the natural climate conditions in an area. Passive heating and cooling is also closely related to passive solar designs, but not exclusively as some areas may not get enough sun to justify the cost of solar panels. Passive temperature control and solar design are two examples of low tech features can be used to enhance the performance of high-tech alternatives.

3. Going Modular

Using modular building components can have a lot of benefits during nearly all stages of the building process, from design to construction and beyond.

• For architects, modular components provide a framework for design that can cut down on the costs of design upfront, while also reducing the amount of revisions needed as a project moves forward.
• During construction, modular components can reduce a lot of unanticipated costs because the parts were originally designed and built to work together.
• Modular components can also reduce the long-term maintenance and performance costs of an existing property because they are easy to add onto and often reusable.

4. Source Local

Locally sourced goods and services aren’t just about monetary costs, they also can have a huge impact on the environment. Working with local suppliers reduces transportation, which will reduce the carbon footprint of a construction site.

Depending on the project, working with local suppliers can also have a huge impact on the well-being of a neighborhood, both by increasing the economic wealth in the area and by inspiring other professionals to adopt the same community friendly standards.

5. Adaptive Reuse

Whether building onto an existing site or starting completely from scratch, adaptive reuse principles can play a huge part in sustainable construction and green building. Adaptive reuse can be something as simple as using parts of an already existing structure in the design of your new building.

It can also refer to something a bit more involved like brownfield reclamation, which is the practice of cleaning up a contaminated area while constructing a new, usable structure. The EPA has several programs to incentivize builders to help reclaim brownfield properties that have largely been ignored due to contamination concerns.

Sustainable construction has come a long way since the days when it truly was cost-prohibitive to invest in a green building. Now, whether you’re thinking of going green in your home or your office, there are several ways to get the most out of your money while helping the environment in the long term.

The post How Sustainable Construction Has Finally Become Cost-effective for Green Buildings appeared first on Green Building Insider.

This development has not been a recent one. Statistics say demand started slowing in 1990 but has been flat since 2007, even though the U.S. economy has grown eight percent since then.

There are several potential pros and cons of this occurrence — here are six of them.

1. People Are Focused on Greener Buildings That Aren’t So Dependent on Standard Electricity

Many forward-thinking contractors are making buildings that are kind to the environment and don’t rely on the typical sources of electricity. In 2015, nationwide electricity sales fell by 1.1 percent as the construction of new buildings represents tens of millions of square feet. One benefit of the flat electricity demand is that it’s making our new buildings more eco-friendly, which is a positive factor moving forward.

Many people who live in older homes realize they need to renovate their residences due to issues like insufficient power outlets or safety hazards. When those updates take place, some households may decide to evaluate energy-efficient upgrades simultaneously, such as solar energy.

Data from ICF International indicates solar energy is having a significant adverse effect on the revenues for electricity suppliers. It notes that in 2019, grid managers in the Eastern region of the U.S. plan to reduce the amount of electricity purchased from conventional power plants by roughly 1400 megawatts, resulting in an estimated $2 billion in lost revenue.

2. Electricity Suppliers Are Forced to Innovate

Another positive factor of the flat demand is that to ensure their survival, electricity providers will have to remain aware of the trends and adjust their business models to support them. This could result in different and varied ways for people to get their electricity.

The possibilities include peer-to-peer models or local energy communities that use their own micro-grids. In the United Kingdom, some governments encourage buying groups that let people join together and negotiate purchasing electricity for lower prices.

Some consumers have innovated by using smart home appliances, with research from PwC indicating 95 percent of those individuals already see the advantages. Utility providers must follow suit, which could result in exciting changes for the public.

Furthermore, a report from McKinsey highlights how utility providers should be seeking to innovate by embracing the digital realm by using smart meters, productivity tools for its employees and back-office automation options. These digital optimization strategies could boost profits by 20 to 30 percent.

3. Customers May Be Offered Incentives for Staying With Struggling Suppliers

Research from Capgemini indicates 15 percent of electricity customers in the U.S. switch suppliers every year. However, loyalty programs and other offerings could increase if utility companies continue to struggle and know they can’t afford to lose customers. These programs could appeal to both business and residential clients.

A study carried out by J.D. Power and Associates revealed 44 percent of business customers are enticed by appealing utility company offerings versus 16 percent of households. Also, building awareness about such programs is more effective in the business sector than among consumers.

In addition to loyalty programs, utility companies might have to become more diverse and transition into multi-service providers, too. If that happens, customers might decide it’s more convenient to deal with such a company versus getting services from several places.

A study projects that total electricity growth in the U.S. will represent only 0.8 percent by 2050. That suggests things aren’t likely to change soon, so utility providers need to start examining ways to foster customer loyalty in addition to implementing the innovation strategies mentioned above.

4. Substantial Layoffs for People in the Electricity Industry

General Electric announced it’ll lay off 18 percent of its power-related workforce in 2018 in an effort to save $1 billion. When people review encouraging case studies about renewable energy, it’s easy for them to forget about the employees who are negatively affected by shifts in the power industry.

Sales data from 2016 indicates renewable energy represented less than 10 percent of General Electric’s profits that year. If the company doesn’t adapt — and encourage its employees to do the same by adopting new skillsets — it could become nothing more than an entry in the history books.

5. Electricity Prices Could Climb as Consumers Feel the Pinch

Electricity demand is not only flat in the U.S. It’s a problem being experienced in Australia, too, with projections showing it should remain relatively flat over a 20-year period.

Statistics also show Australians pay 44 percent more now for their electricity than they did a decade ago. Researchers say part of the reason for that is a lack of innovation that should have occurred years ago as utility providers failed to reduce their dependence on coal and gas.

6. People May Initially Have Fewer Choices to Meet Their Electricity Needs

As utility companies struggle to cope with changing times, mergers and acquisitions have caused a shakeup in the sector. There are three kinds of electric markets in the U.S.: Wholesale competitive markets, state-regulated monopoly markets governed by regulatory commissions and public power systems owned by governments or consumers.

The Energy Information Administration reports more than 60 percent of the electricity in the U.S. is associated with wholesale competitive markets. However, people in certain regions may discover they no longer have as many options as they once did for electricity providers. For example, companies they have done business with for years could be bought out by competitors that are weathering the flat demand storm better.

Some utility companies might realize they must diversify and bring more offerings to customers. However, it’s anyone’s guess how long that could take, and consumers may lose out in the process.

The flat electricity demand problem is a complicated one, but this overview emphasizes why there are both positive and negative factors associated with it. It’s not an issue that’s going away anytime soon, and that means everyone in the U.S. who uses or provides electricity will likely continue to be affected by it.

The post Green Buildings – and Utility Layoffs – Are on the Rise As Demand for Electricity Goes Flat appeared first on Green Building Insider.

It can reduce the environmental impact of development

Are you concerned about reducing your carbon footprint? You should be, because global carbon emissions have skyrocketed over the past 30 years.

Buildings play a very significant role in our carbon footprint. Nearly 70% of the global carbon footprint is caused by fossil fuels. A large portion of fossil fuel consumption is caused by heating buildings.

If every building was made green, the global carbon footprint could be reduced by 15-20% every year. This would play a crucial role in reversing the implications of climate change.

LEED buildings themselves are particularly effective at reducing climate change. The United States Green Building Council provides a succinct overview of the topic:

“One of the goals that guided the development of LEED v4 was reversing a LEED building’s contribution to global climate change. High-performing green buildings, particularly LEED-certified buildings, play a key role in reducing the negative climate impacts of the built environment. For this reason, 35 of the 100 total points in LEED v4 are distributed to reward climate change mitigation strategies. The LEED process addresses a structure’s planning, design, construction, operations and end of life as well as considering energy, water, indoor environmental quality, materials selection and location. Green buildings reduce landfill waste, enable alternative transportation use and encourage retention and creation of vegetated land areas and roofs.”

Development and growth of communities have been a huge cause of pollution in the past and green builders are trying to change that. These green buildings are designed to use less materials, use recycled materials when possible, and use only environmentally friendly and clean building practices. Throughout the building process, construction companies that specialize in green building can lower the environmental impact that development has caused in the past.

It maximizes energy and water efficiency

The designs for green homes are created with energy and water conservation and efficiency in mind. They utilize natural lighting, open rooms, and other unique features to allow for maximum energy efficiency. They use Energy Star rated windows and appliances, insuring efficiency with energy and water. Energy Star rated appliances are designed to use the least amount of water or energy possible to get the job done effectively. All of these efforts work to lower your environmental footprint and can even save you money.

It minimizes waste

From construction practices to the design of the home, green builders focus on minimizing waste and optimizing efficiency. They create their designs to use the minimum amount of materials possible to remove potential waste, utilize energy efficient designs and appliances to reduce the risk of waste, and unique additional features minimizing the risk of waste, making it all that much more environmentally friendly. Decreasing waste is one of the biggest environmental problems we face today.

It can save you a considerable amount of money

This house is designed to conserve the maximum amount of energy possible. It’s not a surprise that conserving energy and water and reducing the waste of these resources will save you money. If you install solar panels on the roof of your building or home, you can even have the utility company pay you for the energy your solar supplies.

Green building is sweeping the world by storm. It can help you save money, improve your overall quality of life and health, and can reduce your environmental impact. There are many benefits to choosing this construction method for the building of your new home, a few of which we covered above. Overall, the benefits of going with a construction company that utilizes green building practices outweigh all other factors. You can make a solid investment in the future by doing your part to ensure the sustainability of the earth for future generations.

The post The Environmental Benefits of Green Building appeared first on Green Building Insider.

1.    Green Building Requires More Efficient Use of Space

The larger your space is, the more energy it will require to heat, cool and light. According to the Getty Center, the average building has a lifespan of 60 – 120 years. Factors that impact this lifespan include environment, construction materials used and design.

The decisions you make in designing your green building will impact the environment for more than six decades! It’s important to get this right. So, pay careful attention to how you use your space. And, where possible, minimize the size of the building. The smaller footprint will reduce the energy load, and reduce the amount of natural, open space that is consumed.

2.     Green Building Requires an Investment in Insulation

The temperature of the air inside of your building is likely controlled by an HVAC system. This is one of the primary energy drains in your building. By investing in high-quality insulation, your green building will do a better job of maintaining the desired interior temperature.

Insulation keeps cool air in, and hot air out during the summer. And during the winter, it keeps warm air in, and cool air outside. Insulation will literally work 24/7 to improve the comfort of your building, while reducing the workload on your climate control system.

3.    Green Building Plans Use Solar Energy

Your roof does more than keep the rain and snow off your tenants’ heads. It also deflects the harsh rays of the sun. And you shouldn’t just let those solar rays bounce off your roof without providing a little power.

Solar energy is the fastest growing source of global energy. It’s clean and requires virtually zero ongoing cost to collect. Solar panels can be strategically installed on your roof. Any power that you produce, without consuming yourself, can be sold back to the electric company. Have you ever seen a power meter run backwards? It’s music to a landlord’s ears.

You can also opt to install a battery to store excess power. Then, at night, when solar power isn’t available, the batteries can discharge – further reducing your need to pay for electricity from the power company.

4.    Green Buildings Make Space for Gardens

Traditional food production at massive farms is toxic for the environment. Pesticide runoff pollutes the water table, while heavy farming equipment emits greenhouse gases into the air. Green building designers understand the importance of bringing fresh produce production closer to the kitchen table.

Both residential homes and corporate office parks need to include space for gardening to occur. A home garden offers an opportunity to reduce grocery costs, while teaching children about how healthy food is grown. And gardening offers numerous health benefits to stressed out employees.

Plus, all the extra vegetation helps to clean the air that we breathe through phytoremediation.

5.    Green Building Adapts to Nature, Instead of Replacing It

When a building is constructed, it permanently changes the space where it is raised. A structure casts a new shadow. The way that rainwater finds its way to the lakes, rivers and streams is forever altered. Creatures that called the space home are forced to move on, or face extermination by pest control companies. And new traffic patterns are introduced – increasing road noise and requiring the installation of massive parking lots, which decimate local tree population.

Architects with a goal of embracing green building strategies take the time to conduct a careful site survey. They look at how water flows, and nature is currently interacting with the space. They try, as much as possible, to harmonize the needs of the development with the existing plant and wildlife that inhabit the space.

It’s only taken us 25 years to destroy a tenth of our planet’s wilderness. We have to do more to reduce the impact of sprawling urban landscapes on mother nature. Including large green spaces for recreation is a start, but we can do better.

This teahouse in China was constructed using materials found locally. The layout of the building was adapted to the existing landscape of the space. The most exciting aspect is the ability for large glass sliding walls / doors to be removed when the temperatures allow it. The entire building almost blends in with its surroundings, thanks to the locally sourced building materials.

Before the advent of large deforestation projects and international shipping of building supplies, every structure was constructed using nearby materials. This eliminated the need for long distance transport. And it allowed for structures to be much more in tune with their surroundings.

Advocates of green building are working hard to educate architects in ways to minimize impact on the earth’s surface – preserving natural flow of water and reducing the need for expensive leveling and transformative site preparation.

And in construction of transportation networks, environmentally conscious designers are including awe-inspiring animal bridges. These beautiful structures allow for migratory species to avoid the heavily travelled highways by walking over them in safety. This reduces accidents involving collisions between vehicles and animals and helps preserve the natural migratory patterns that support our ecosystem.

6.    Green Building Provides for Adequate Waste and Recycling Facilities

How many times have you left your apartment to find the dumpster overflowing with garbage? This isn’t just unsightly. It’s an environmental hazard. When trash spills over the containers designed to hold it until collection, it enters the surrounding environment as litter.

Responsible green building designers factor in space for excess trash containers. And responsible building operators will encourage recycling initiatives to help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills.

In conclusion, green building demands that we focus our attention on how our structures will impact mother earth – both locally and as a planet. Wasting precious resources in your building can require additional energy production elsewhere. By efficiently using space, investing in clean solar energy and designing structures that coexist with the environment, we can have a positive impact on the environment that lasts generations.

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