In today’s world, the path to sustainability leads to “going green,” with a particular emphasis on “building green” and passive construction gaining popularity worldwide.
Green building contractors have a groundbreaking approach to construction that focuses on sustainable practices to reduce the environmental impact of structures. It encompasses the use of sustainable materials, efficient systems like a high efficiency furnace, green roofs, and other eco friendly features.
This eco friendly trend is gaining momentum in the construction industry, with builders increasingly adopting green building practices to minimize their carbon footprint.
Advantages Of Green Building
- Lower utility and operational costs: Green buildings are cost-effective to operate, leading to reduced expenses.
- Reduced Waste Generation: These structures generate less waste, contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Improved Indoor Environmental Quality: Green buildings create healthier indoor spaces for occupants.
- Optimal building performance: These structures perform efficiently, meeting sustainability goals.
- Enhanced comfort and well being: Occupants enjoy increased comfort and well-being.
- Increased property values: Green buildings often have higher property values.
Green Building Practices
Green building is about environmentally responsible and efficient practices throughout a building’s entire life cycle, from design and construction to operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction. Green building practices offer a compelling alternative to traditional construction methods for several compelling reasons.
According to the World Emissions Clock, buildings were responsible for over 3 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. Green building contractors use sustainable construction methods that reduce this number through energy efficient systems, water saving technologies, and eco friendly fixtures.
What Are The 7 Components Of Green Building
Green building development adhere to specific benchmarks to measure their sustainability, although these standards may vary by location. These components include:
1. Building Design: The design phase is crucial, emphasizing high-quality, durable structures without harming the environment. Natural features are utilized for lighting and ventilation.
2. Land Use: Before construction begins, thorough site surveys determine land suitability, maximizing natural attributes in the building design.
3. Materials Selection: Green construction incorporates eco-friendly materials like wood, bamboo, recycled steel, and others, reducing environmental impact.
4. Energy Performance: Buildings consume a significant portion of global energy. Green building contractors tackle this by integrating energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources.
5. Water Conservation: As water scarcity continues, green structures employ water-saving technologies and methods to reduce consumption.
6. Waste Reduction: Green buildings minimize waste through efficient waste management systems and repurposing materials.
7. Indoor Environmental Quality: These buildings ensure a healthy indoor environment, considering factors like air quality, lighting, acoustics, and sustainable materials.
Net Zero Buildings
Green building contractors are increasingly aiming to build net zero buildings, which consume energy roughly equivalent to their output. This reduces carbon emissions, water use, and solid waste sent to landfills.
To achieve Net Zero in building design, prioritize energy efficiency as the golden rule. Reduce energy demand through efficient construction practices. Ideally, generate 100% on-site renewable energy for a net-zero energy building. If not feasible, import off-site renewable energy for net zero operational carbon.
Minimize embodied carbon through renovation or sustainable materials for new buildings. Aim for net zero whole life carbon by offsetting residual emissions. Offsets support environmental and social goals.
Corporations should reduce total emissions by 90% and offset the rest for net zero. Collaboration and innovation are key to optimize performance. This approach advances Net Zero in building design, contributing to a greener future.
LEED Certification
The widely used LEED certification holds builders accountable through a points-based rating system, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency. EcoBuild+ is committed to constructing high-quality, sustainable, and efficient homes and buildings. We integrate Eco-Friendly technologies and best practices into our innovative architectural design and engineered construction process.
These unique processes have earned us the exclusive status of being a LEED Design Builder. This dedication has significantly reduced the environmental impact, benefiting our clients, neighborhoods, and communities.
EDGE Certification
What is EDGE certification? EDGE stands as a leading green building certification system, dedicated to enhancing the resource efficiency of buildings.
EDGE certification promotes construction efficiency by reducing energy, water, materials, and waste in construction materials with projects audited for compliance. This innovative system empowers developers and builders by providing them with the tools to swiftly pinpoint the most cost-effective strategies for reducing energy consumption, water usage, and embodied carbon .
These strategies, once integrated into the EDGE buildings , undergo thorough verification by an Auditor and earn a certification from GBCI (Green Building Certification Inc.).
GBCI is the governing body responsible for administering EDGE certification in numerous countries worldwide.
12 Eco Friendly Building Materials
Traditionally, construction relied on earth bricks, concrete, and wood, which led to deforestation and resource-intensive practices. However, there’s a growing awareness that we need a better world for tomorrow.
To achieve this vision, we must shift from conventional methods to more sustainable processes. One way to do this is by embracing green building material alternatives for construction.
Green building contractors are exploring alternative building materials like:
- Bamboo: Bamboo, one of the finest eco-friendly materials, grows rapidly and continuously without the need for replanting. It’s versatile and can be used worldwide.
- Precast Concrete Slabs: These slabs, formed off-site and assembled, control heat effectively and are an affordable, sustainable option.
- Cork: Cork, like bamboo, grows rapidly and can be harvested without harming the tree. It’s resilient, flexible, and an excellent insulator.
- Straw Bales: Often overlooked, straw bales offer good insulation and soundproofing, but they require careful handling due to their flammability.
- Recycled Plastic: Manufacturers now use recycled plastic to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and plastic waste, creating eco-friendly products like concrete and timbers.
- Reclaimed Wood: This responsible choice salvages wood from various sources, reducing tree harvesting and landfill waste.
- Recycled Steel: Recycled steel frames provide durability, reduce the ecological impact, and are 100% recyclable.
- Plant based polyurethane rigid foam: This rigid foam, made from renewable sources like bamboo and hemp, is heat resistant and offers sound insulation.
- Sheep Wool: Sheep wool insulation is natural, energy-efficient, and soundproof, though it may require chemical treatment.
- Rammed Earth: An ancient technology, rammed earth offers sturdy foundations and walls made from natural materials.
- HempCrete: HempCrete, a CO2 negative material, combines hemp fibers and lime to create lightweight, sturdy, and fire-resistant blocks.
- Composite Roofing Shingles: These shingles maintain a natural appearance while requiring less upkeep compared to traditional options. Additionally eco friendly siding is also used.
By transitioning to these sustainable building materials, we can reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and build a better, greener future for generations to come.
Passive House Construction
To earn the classification of a Passive House, our remodeling experts of chicago ensure that our homes are built to achieve several essential goals: a significant reduction in your carbon footprint, exceptional energy efficiency, affordability, and maintaining optimal comfort levels within your home.
These rigorous standards were originally formulated by the Passivhaus Institute after years of thorough research. Today, these globally accepted standards are embraced by architects, developers, and green building contractors alike.
When you choose EcoBuild+, you’re not just getting a house; you’re getting an exceptional experience. From the very first meeting to the final inspection of your dream home, we are committed to delivering the highest quality of sustainable living.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s make your dream home a reality.
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