The severity of the damage that has been caused to our environment cannot be just jotted-down in mere words. It is far more complex than that. But what we can possibly try to do now is put brakes on the faults that have been committed and look out for more deuces. It’s time now to perform the Balancing act and to an extent, we have slowly and gradually started doing that. The transition to green and energy-efficient buildings has started to take place and the pace by no means is slow. Let alone the construction guys, even the inhabitants or the prospective customers of these building projects have started to push for the green element in the infrastructure. The spread of the green footprint has seen a stupendous rise, thanks to the initiatives taken by the Government, the stakeholders and above all the people. Compare the lifecycle of a conventional building with that of a green building and you will realize how important it is for us to go for the latter.
Some of the countless benefits that one can derive from the green structures are enlisted below. These benefits are enough to make us realize why our future can look bleak without the green building concept.
Green Buildings offer healthier possibilities
Green buildings promote healthy practices. Now that’s a pretty plain and generic statement to make considering the impact that they have had but the fact of the matter is that green buildings have improved the quality of life. Besides, the occupants staying inside are less prone to diseases and are more productive. People living in green homes are used to getting a natural hint in whatever activities they are involved in. The most apt example is that of the natural light which one gets accustomed to when inside these structures. The architecture is designed in such a form that there is a flow of natural air with reasonable ventilation. This itself is pretty hard to find these days in the conventional buildings which focus a lot on aesthetics than anything else.
Green buildings help cut cost, quite significantly
With more focus on the natural elements, the systems involved in the construction of Green Buildings come with a premium. However, over a period of time, one gets to know how impactful they are in reducing utility bills. No wonder why all these components have started to make sense to people. The materials used in the construction of such buildings are natural, non-toxic, recycled such as bamboo, straw, recycled materials or even environmentally friendly concrete. Moreover, the maintenance in such buildings is much lesser as compared to the regular ones and so is the impact on the overall expenses.
Water recycling becomes a daily routine
Green buildings have become a hub for water recycling as well. Recycling of gray water from bathrooms and kitchens can be commonly seen in this setup. Besides, they also give importance to water-saving tools that help in minimizing the unnecessary use of water. Rainwater harvesting is another attribute that can be commonly seen here.
Waste coming out of construction is a thing of the past
The materials used in the construction of the green building can be recycled and reused. This means that the wastage is minimal because of which pollution levels are well within the limits.
Occupancy sensors
Another attribute contributing to the increase in the green footprint is less usage of sources of energy such as electricity. These green buildings tag themselves with sensors that automatically switch off the lightings at the vacant spaces and hence not only reduce the carbon footprint but also keep the expenditure levels in check.
The insulating clay bricks have become an integral part of the green infrastructure
Lately, one can see a tremendous amount of usage of insulating clay bricks in green structures. These bricks offer a technology that simplifies its deployment, respects all the construction regulations and is appreciated by the builders too. The clay brick in winter absorbs heat from the heating system and redistributes it through radiation reducing energy consumption. In summers, it naturally helps to regulate temperature and retains the coolness offered by ventilation all day long.
Green buildings have become the face of infrastructure in the developing economies
Talk of the global arena and one will be surprised to know how efficiently the developing economies in the world contributing to the green infrastructure. The concept of smart cities has paved the way for ecologically friendly construction and that’s where these green buildings have seen a major rise. The carbon footprint of these emerging economies of the world is still lesser as compared to their western counterparts but the steps taken in the adoption of green building practices are nothing less than praiseworthy.
It’s never too late
Considering the positive impact that the green buildings have had on us, the conventional buildings shouldn’t keep themselves aloof from adopting these practices. A rooftop garden or rainwater harvesting or even application of sensors is possible within the old structures. The idea is to increase the green footprint and these measures can take you closer in doing so. The lifespan of conventional roofs can be doubled by taking green measures.
For that matter, even the green facades play an important role by forming a protective layer against the sunlight and high temperatures. Come to think of it, the conventional facades look matchless aesthetically as well as technically as compared to the green ones.
Most of the planners these days have started to roll-up their sleeves for green structures and why not? Besides showing their inclination for a greener environment, they also tend to save expenses in the longer run. It has been observed that once the green building is up and running, even other buildings within the vicinity try to adopt similar practices and hence make a green zone.
All said and done, green homes and offices are here to stay and contribute to a better way of life than one could have imagined a decade back.
