by Nicole Adams
Global warming is an increasingly complex problem that the world must be concerned with today if we hope to leave behind a planet for our children’s children and future generations. We’re already experiencing firsthand the destruction that is being wrought in various parts of the world by natural disasters - unexpected typhoons, harsh snowstorms, severe winters and summers, floods and other forces of nature are proving that it’s time to act now or there will be no mankind to repent.
Environmentalists are screaming themselves hoarse to make people aware of the need to go green, and we’re seeing a change, slowly and steadily. People are now more open to the idea of caring for the environment, and because of this, they’re more receptive to the idea of green homes.
So what exactly makes a home or any other building eco-friendly?
• Sustainable materials: Although not all the building materials used are derived from sustainable sources, green buildings strive to use wood and other materials that have been harvested using methods that are environmentally responsible (without destroying natural habitats of animals, eradicating entire forests and polluting streams and rivers) and with the optimal use of resources. So most of the material is recycled or comes from renewable sources. Some buildings also use natural materials and materials that are available locally in order to reduce the energy used in transporting materials from other locations.
• Efficient use of energy: Green buildings not only use energy efficiently, they’re also built with the minimum effort and resources. The basic idea is to use and waste as little energy and resources as possible during the planning, construction and maintenance processes. Also, green buildings save water by adopting techniques like rainwater harvesting and recycling to use water efficiently. The EPA’s Energy Star program certifies buildings that use 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as energy efficient green buildings.
• Recycling techniques: Green buildings encourage its residents to recycle and be more responsible towards the environment. They have built-in trash composters and separate bins for different kinds of trash. Residents of green buildings adapt quickly to eco-friendly lifestyles and practice green measures in all aspects of their life.
Buildings that are designed to improve and enhance human health are also being termed green even though they don’t have a significant impact on the environment unless these measures help reduce energy consumption as well. For example, some edifices are built to absorb maximum sunlight during winter and also enhance natural lighting during the day so that the need for artificial lighting is reduced and energy is saved. These measures boost human health too because fresh air and natural light is better for the body than the artificial varieties.
Green buildings are fast becoming the norm rather than an anomaly – according to statistics from the EPA, the number of green buildings has gone up by as much as 130 percent since 2007.
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This guest post is contributed by Nicole Adams, she writes on the topic of construction management . She welcomes your comments at her email id: nicole.adams83@gmail.com .
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