It feels like the whole world is talking about going green and being more environmentally conscious and with good reason too. At some point, everyone will have to get on board with this green way of life, as we just cannot continue at this rate. The EIA reported that buildings consume almost 40% of the total U.S. energy consumption and generate 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. Green Building can be defined as simply by incorporating principles of sustainable development – meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future. The main focus of green building is to reduce or remove the negative impacts and instead create positive impacts on our climate and natural environment. Everything from design, construction, and operation aims to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
There are several ways in which this is done, a number of green buildings feature:
- Efficient use of energy and water.
- Keep waste and pollution to a minimum.
- Use of renewable energy
- Use of ethical, sustainable and non-toxic materials.
What this means for the construction is that in 2023 we must see the industry adapt and develop ways and means to complete tasks, without a detrimental impact on our environment. The only way to do this is to keep enforcing policies and regulations to encourage sustainability within the sector. With both consumer demand and regulatory pressure for sustainability, in an ideal world, we would appreciate more construction companies becoming verified suppliers of sustainable materials.
History
In the 70s, 80s and 90s, the growing “green movement” responded to the perception that the earth’s resources were being wasted, rather than utilized, and that we were destroying the environment in which we live. Builders and architects accepted their crucial role as providers of our most personal environments: our homes, workplaces, and public buildings. It was in 1993, the first Green Building Council was established and at that moment a global movement was born.
Benefits
Why go green? Green Building Construction presents a great solution to this unsustainable growth. Whilst there are a whole range of reasons to adapt to this new
Environmental
The environment around us is precious and we must look after it, by embracing green building concepts and adapting them to our surroundings we will feel great benefits. Some of the most important changes are the air and water quality will see a drastic improvement, also conservation and restore natural resources. It will enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems as well as reduce waste streams.
People’s health and well-being
People who live and work in green buildings gain a range of health benefits because of the safety of materials involved in the construction of these types of buildings. Eco-friendly construction organizations stay away from plastic by-products that are known to release toxic materials. Toxic substances like carcinogens can cause significant breathing difficulties but can also increase the risk of cancer.
Material Efficiency
This consists of the use of physical processes and materials in a method that allows for the least use of materials without risking the quality of the outcome; also, the processes should create as minimum waste as feasible. In order to achieve material efficiency, green building firms usually use materials that will be long lasting, will recycle and reuse certain products, design buildings that use fewer materials, and employ methods that use less water, raw materials, and energy. All these steps help achieve the goal to be material efficient.
Low Maintenance and Operation Cost
One of the most positive benefits of green buildings is their lower maintenance costs. These buildings have specially engineered design features to allow for lower energy consumption and help reduce energy costs and water bills for the occupant. While the cost needed from the owners to build these structures may be higher than non-green forms of architecture, the cost in the long term is retrieved significantly.
Omnia Machinery is an industry expert in used construction equipment and a trusted machinery trader. We stock a wide variety of quality used construction equipment to suit many different jobs such as cranes, road equipment, quarry, earthmoving, piling, drilling and underground mining. We provide our customers with all information and pictures with their quotation before any sale is agreed upon. From inspections to shipping, we are here to support you through every step of the transaction and keep you informed throughout the whole process enabling you to purchase in confidence. Contact us today with your machinery requirements.