Effects of Eco-Friendly Buildings and Homes

In an effort to combat the climate crisis and conserve resources, some architects, companies, businesses and homeowners are turning to making their buildings more eco-friendly. There are several different ways to make a space more green, and many real world examples of buildings that have succeeded in becoming sustainable.

Everyone has some idea of their dream home. Whether you fantasize about a balcony with a view, a library full of shelves and shelves of books, or a big backyard with a pool to swim in and hang out with your friends, it might also be worth considering what you can do to make your home more sustainable. It’s not just homes, either; office buildings, hospitals, schools, and all other kinds of buildings could make an enormous difference by becoming more eco-friendly. According to the EIA (U.S. Energy Information Association), buildings take up nearly 40% of the total energy consumption in the United States and are responsible for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, many architects, companies, and homeowners are opting to make their buildings eco-friendly, or green. Green buildings seek to minimize energy and water consumption while also reducing the amount of waste and pollution. The use of recycled and/or natural materials means that the building was constructed without hurting the environment. Overall, owning a green building reduces energy consumption by 25% and can even lower maintenance costs by 20%.

Those who work or live in green buildings have also shown improvement in mental health and focus. In a study conducted by UCLA, it was found that employees working in buildings with green certifications were 16% more productive than those working in a typical work environment. Cundall, a construction engineering company, also recorded that better acoustics (a common by-product of green roofs), better indoor air quality, and recycled flooring led to a roughly 20% increase in staff attraction and retention. It’s not just mental health being improved either. It was reported that those working in green buildings experienced 30% less symptoms of “sick building syndrome,” usually manifesting as respiratory issues and headaches. Environmentally friendly building designs have proven beneficial for our planet and the people on it.

This is a green house for sale in Asheville, NC. It uses a solar heating system, is a certified net-zero, and is 85% more sustainable than a typical new construction home.

To reduce the footprint left of the environment, the construction of green buildings use primarily recycled or easily renewable resources without harmful chemicals. For example, wood from certified and responsible forests, straw, bamboo, recycled stones, and metal are often used. Architects also try to avoid the inclusion of harmful chemicals that are often found in things like floor sealants. As for energy, the designs usually include a clean source like wind, solar, or geothermal power. Solar panels, wind turbines, or hot water provided by the earth’s heat are common sights in green buildings, much like fluorescent and LED lights, which last longer and use less energy. Lighting can also come from windows, which are made more plentiful in order to increase the amount of natural light rather than artificial lighting. 

An example of an actual green building is the Shanghai Tower, the largest skyscraper in China. The Shanghai Tower has many environmentally conscious features that make it LEED certified, an internationally symbol of sustainability. For instance, it is designed to collect and reuse rainwater and some waste water for other internal purposes. It is also built with two layers of glass on its exterior for automatic ventilation and cooling, which is assisted by the combined cooling and heating power system to conserve energy. Additionally, developers claim that a third of the building is made up of “green space,” including 24 gardens that live between the two layers of glass. The large amount of windows also increases natural lighting, decreasing the need for energy for artificial lights. To be so lage (nearly 2100 feet tall) and have so many sustainable features, including but not limited to the ones explained earlier, it’s difficult to not be blown away by this architectural wonder.

Although there are many green buildings and they are likely to surge in popularity, as of now, people are hesitant to invest in them due to the expenses and potential risks associated with the new technology and materials.

The Shanghai Tower (right) was awarded LEED Platinum, the highest achievement for a sustainable building. This was thought nearly impossible for a tower of its size.

Despite the many advantages, these buildings can still be difficult to make a reality. The initial building cost is higher than that of a traditional building, usually between 20 and 30 percent. Additionally, the materials needed may not always be readily available, and the complexity of the building makes it more expensive and time-consuming. Because of this and the fact that a lot of the technology is relatively new, banks are hesitant to fund these ventures. 

In conclusion, as green buildings increase in reliability and are more commonly constructed, it is likely that you will be seeing more of them. While this is only one method of tackling the climate crisis and looking for alternative energy, it’s an important step in reducing our footprint on Earth. Even if you can’t make your home or building 100% sustainable, looking for ways to conserve water or energy or reduce emissions during construction can make all the difference. Maybe one day, most if not all homes and working environments will be eco-friendly, ensuring that we and our planet stay healthy for years to come.

Works Cited

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https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/benefits-of-green-buildlings.

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