Top 5 Green Architecture Tips
Features of Green Architecture
Green architecture is becoming more popular, as people are becoming more focused on sustainability and conservation of Earth’s resources. Typically, green architecture focuses on conservation of water, energy and air through the use of ecological materials. Most materials used in the construction of green buildings are organic materials.
Benefits
Green buildings are made to conserve, so owners of green buildings report lower energy bills along with lower water bills. The money invested in making a building green will return to the owner in the form of lower utility bills within a short period of time. People on average do not spend more than 5 percent over what typically is invested in a conventional building to make a building green and the benefits will be paid back once the building is operating green.
Non Toxic Materials
For people who suffer from allergies, green buildings will diminish or eliminate allergies when inside the building due to the use of non-toxic organic materials. In the common household or business, when a carpet is installed, new carpets emanate toxic fumes like formaldehyde. Green buildings utilize materials like natural woods, jute and cotton. Also, the favored materials for the structure itself are usually recycled plastics, steel and concrete.
Water Conservation
Most green buildings install water-efficient appliances and equipment which reduce water consumption. Also, for irrigation on the property, installation of a cistern for rainwater reclamation will aid in irrigation. These systems utilize rainwater which comes from the rain gutters preventing runoff to flow uselessly into the ground and watersheds. Rainwater collected from the roof will diminish the amount of utility bills along with the reduction of water usage on the exterior of the home. This water is not intended for drinking.
Carpet
If carpeting is used in green architecture, typically the materials are allergen-free and low pile. The most common fibers used are natural like wool and jute which are said to improve the air quality indoors and prevent the amount of dust in the building. Flooring options include natural hard woods and bamboos.
Ventilation
One feature common to green architecture is air tightness. Because of this situation, air quality can become an issue. Therefore, most green homes include some type of mechanical ventilation system. The ventilation is monitored closely to avoid the infiltration of outdoor pollutants and they are made to balance the environment inside the actual structure.
Alternative Energy
Green communities are popping up all around. Communities are connected to hydroelectric power, solar power, geo-thermal energy and wind power. Because the lack of fossil fuels and the repercussions of their use have been at the forefront of energy conservation, green architecture has been utilizing alternative resources which do not compound the issue.
Green architecture is becoming more popular among people who are concerned with sustaining the environment. The benefits of green building code and the way it effects conservation and sustainability are being focused on by a multitude of contractors and architectural professionals, as they continue to look for better ways to build green structures and save the environment for suture generations.
