Building for a Better Future: Discovering Purpose in Eco-friendly Construction
In a world where natural resources are dwindling, climate change is becoming a harsh reality, and overpopulation is straining our cities, sustainable construction is more critical than ever. The construction industry is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally, and this trend is set to continue with the inevitable urbanization and growth of cities.
However, amidst all this negativity, there is a silver lining. Eco-friendly construction is finally gaining the attention it deserves. The term “sustainable construction” or “eco-friendly construction” refers to the concept of designing and constructing buildings that are environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and energy-efficient.
Building for a Better Future
For the greater part of this century, most industrialized countries have seen a shift in the public perception of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues. Many companies and organizations are now embracing this philosophy and incorporating it into their business strategy. The need for sustainability is no longer a fringe movement; it is the new normal.
Companies often approach sustainability as a technical problem; a problem of analyzing technological solutions, setting targets, and tracking their performance. This approach, while useful, only addresses part of the sustainability challenge. In reality, sustainability has three dimensions: technical, organizational, and psychological. Constructed facilities must not only be sustainable, but they must also be socially and economically sustainable for the people who occupy them.
This triple bottom line approach requires a comprehensive effort to balance environmental, social, and economic factors to ensure a positive impact on society and the planet.
Building a Purposeful Path to Eco-Friendly Construction
Society’s call for sustainable construction is clear, but the path towards eco-friendly construction is not well defined. The construction industry is inherently traditional and conservative, and driving change has been challenging. However, this is changing.
Various groups and organizations are pushing forward for a better tomorrow. For example, The International Green Construction Code (IGCC) is a comprehensive model code for constructing sustainable buildings, adopted by several jurisdictions globally. The code seeks to reduce waste, save energy, conserve water, and stimulate sustainable economic growth for the future. Forward-thinking countries like Singapore and Germany are also leading the way in advancing sustainable construction practices.
The pandemic-induced lockdowns gave us a glimpse of what the future could look like with fewer cars on the road, cleaner air and water, and an increased need for outdoor spaces in our cities. It is time to capitalize on this positive shift in public perception and build purposeful paths to eco-friendly construction.
Creating a Purpose-Built Eco-Friendly Building
Sustainable building elements range from design to construction, operation, and maintenance. Here are some of the vital aspects of eco-friendly construction:
Design
Designers bear the responsibility of designing sustainable, safe, healthy, and functional buildings, keeping in mind the long-term environmental impacts of the areas where the buildings will be located.
Building Orientation and External Factors
Properly designed orientation of the building can make a massive difference in energy use. For example, in warm climates, buildings should face south to take advantage of the sun’s light angles, which can provide passive solar gain and reduce the need for artificial heating. External factors such as vegetation and landscaping can impact the outdoor environment surrounding the building, reducing erosion and creating a natural habitat for wildlife.
Efficient use of Water
A typical household consumes a significant amount of water daily. Eco-friendly building design prioritizes water conservation, starting from the use of water-efficient appliances and fixtures to rainwater harvesting systems. Some cities even offer financial incentives for buildings that adopt water-saving measures like greywater systems.
Passive Solar Energy Systems
Passive solar design incorporates the use of solar panels, skylights, and thermal mass to regulate the internal temperature of the building, reducing energy consumption.
Sustainable Building Materials
Sustainable construction materials include ones that are renewable, have low embodied energy, and are non-toxic. These materials include reclaimed wood, recycled steel, bamboo, cork, and others. Using sustainable building materials for every aspect of construction, including electrical and plumbing systems, tiling, and insulation, provides life-cycle environmental benefits.
Green Rooftops
Green roofs are vegetative roofs that provide several environmental benefits, including improving overall air quality, reducing heat island effects, and producing oxygen. They offer an alternative to traditional roofs and are especially useful in highly built-up urban areas.
Operation and Maintenance
Maintenance protocols are essential to ensuring that a building operates optimally. Regular maintenance ensures that the building remains in optimal condition while reducing the cost of repairs and replacements. Regularly cleaning HVAC and air conditioning filters, for example, saves energy and prolongs equipment life. Sustainable practices such as composting, recycling, and food waste management can also be implemented in building operations.
Conclusion
In summary, sustainable, eco-friendly construction is both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge involves redirecting our collective efforts towards building better for a better future. Doing so involves a triple bottom line approach that considers not only the environmental but also social and economic metrics in construction. The opportunity lies in the immense benefits that arise from responsible construction and design, with efficient water use, sustainable materials, and passive energy systems, among other sustainable features.
The construction industry’s goal must be to create eco-friendly buildings that prioritize the health and well-being of the occupants and the environment. Such buildings are a step towards a brighter future for present and future generations. By adopting a multidimensional approach to constructive design, operation and maintenance, and related practices, the industry can contribute positively to society and the planet.