Without any doubt, construction has come a really long way when it comes to innovation. It is an ever-evolving industry that has always managed to catch up with the times. In the recent years, there has been an increasing demand for a more sustainable way of constructing buildings. Thus, the rise of green construction.
What exactly is green construction?
Engineers and architects have been continuously developing and innovating various technologies in an effort to reduce carbon footprint and lessen any negative environmental impact. Sustainability in the construction industry covers many different facets, from the design, to the choice of materials, down to the methods incorporated in building structures.
Green construction aims to put up a structure with little to no damage to the environment. It takes into great consideration the protection of the natural habitat. And it all starts from the conception.
There are a whole lot of existing design principles that cater to sustainability. For instance, simply adding more windows is one easy way to make a building sustainable. Making use of natural sunlight to illuminate the entire place can easily cut down the use of energy. Another thing that builders have been doing a lot recently is looking for ways to conserve and even reuse water.
Choosing materials also play a huge factor in green construction. For instance, the use of wood has significantly increased recently. Although it still can’t support that much height, it has proved time and again that it’s a more eco-friendly material that is as durable as its traditional alternatives. Not only that, wood adds more value in terms of the entire aesthetics. Biodegradable materials have also been on the rise.
Does it cost much more than traditional construction?
A lot of builders are often intimidated by the idea of incorporating a greener construction methodology mainly because they think it costs a lot. And it really does. However, if your project is carefully-planned and very well-executed, the difference might not even be that significant. Also, think of it as a long-term investment. Finally, the cause should always outweigh the cost.