With increasing global trend focused on green building practices, it is important to know that judicious use of natural resources can help in building a green economy across the globe. Building materials pose immense social and environmental impact of mining, treating and upholding them. To go green, we need to focus on construction materials used in structural set up of our homes. The kind of materials we use during construction pave a path for the air we breathe. Today we require an overall green economic change, focused on green living and green thinking. Only when we think green, we will be able to make these basic changes in our lifestyle, which will go a long way in saving our planet and human presence on this planet itself. Besides environmental benefits, green building materials prove to be health friendly too. Such measures can help reduce the overall carbon footprint and help in preserving non-renewable resources of nature. Let us have a glimpse on the benefits of using green building materials during construction to understand the importance of green living.
Sustainable building materials
Affordable green building materials could include newspaper (celluloid) insulation or insulation made from denim (cotton). Else, you could also opt for cool roof housing structure, which only needs a coat of paint that reflects enormous sunlight. This will also help you lower heating costs and will have less atmospheric warming. Local atmospheric warming can result in high concentration of heat-absorbing resources like concrete. Green living could also include techniques like passive solar heating to tap sun’s energy strategically. Equipment like building integrated photo voltaic (BIPV), eco-friendly technologies like solar air conditioning and heat resistive paints, fly ash blocks amongst other green building products and technologies have made green building construction costs at par with a conventional building.
Green building helps save energy and reduce carbon footprint
For eco conscious, green building materials mean cleaner living using natural resources. Energy savings help in reducing the negative environmental impact by reduction in amounts of energy consumed by buildings, houses, and apartments. Environment friendly construction augments energy efficiency and helps in maximizing usage of recycled, biodegradable, and non-toxic materials. It also helps in conserving water and generates as little waste as possible during the construction process. The usage of green products also aid in reduced energy demands during the manufacturing process and at later stages of transportation and deployment during construction of a new home. When natural materials are replaced with synthetic construction materials, they also help in lowering the carbon emissions, thereby aiding in reduced carbon footprint at individual levels. Usage of techniques like radiant heating system promotes uniform temperature in all rooms and prevents the transmission of dust and pollen, which are prevalent in warm air heating systems.
Sustainable methods aid in water management
Water is a resource that is becoming a scarce resource day by day. Managing wastewater, rainwater, and irrigation water is essential for a sustainable living. Usage of techniques like compressed air system, or placement of low flow toilets, low flow faucets, or aerator tap fittings during construction help in conserving water without disrupting the normal routine. Usage of water efficient devices during construction paves a path for a greener home.
Reduction of waste and toxic substances by using green building materials
Green building construction aids waste reduction to avoid the waste going to landfills. There is a considerable decrease in waste volume reaching landfills and helps in reducing energy. At the end of a green building’s life span, the methodical burial of materials reclaimed from buildings is avoided by recycling and recuperating them. The usage of green building materials during construction of a new home therefore enables waste reduction. Usage of non-volatile organic compounds (VOC) and paints aids in reduced toxic substances and other air impurities such as microbial contaminants in the troposphere of your new home. The choice of non-toxic construction materials reduce negative effects on the environment like carbon emissions and promote good health.
Conclusion
Green building approach promotes conservation of natural resources and helps in avoiding synthetic material that pose an environmental threat to our planet. Inappropriate construction materials can lead to higher energy consumption and discharge of higher pollutants into the air and wastage of non-renewable resources of nature. Remember that energy-efficient buildings help in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a healthier environment and living.
