Building Green

A green building is a structure that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout its life cycle. Green building is not only a wise choice for our future; it is also a necessary choice. The Real Estate & Construction industry needs to take its own initiative and find alternative ways to build, using green, renewable energy resources and adopt non-polluting practices and materials before we reach a point of irreversible damage to our life supporting systems.

According to the World Watch Institute, about 40% of the world's total energy usage is dedicated to the construction and operation of buildings. The Global building industry consumes 3 billion tons of raw materials annually, 40% of the total material flow in the global economy. Only about 0.003 % of earth's water is readily available as fresh water for human use. Manufacturing of building materials, construction and operations consumes 16% of available fresh water annually. The cement sector alone accounts for 5 % of global man-made CO2 emissions.

With the inevitability of declining fossil fuels and the threat of global climate change, reducing our energy consumption is an essential survival strategy. Energy efficiency is a major concern and an essential component of green building. It is a major factor in its success. A green building must always be fitted with solutions that offer enhanced electrical energy management, reduce consumption and contribute to supplying quality energy.  Choosing to build green saves energy. The low embodied energy of green products ensures that very little energy went into their manufacture and production, with a direct reduction in carbon emissions. Eco-friendly design methodology can further reduce energy consumption by minimizing energy inputs for heating, cooling and light, whilst incorporating energy efficient appliances;

There are many good reasons why we should use eco-friendly/sustainable construction methods and materials. It can improve the health of our planet and the health of our own lives. Housing forms the most important basic necessities of life for all of us. It also supports local businesses and helps strengthen the local economy, which in turn helps to build our communities into vibrant, prosperous and desirable places to live. Research continues to identify and clarify all of these benefits and costs of green building, and of how to achieve the greatest benefits at the lowest costs.

Published by: Joelle Eyeson