Many organizations around the world are getting more vocal about going greener by adopting modern principles for sustainable construction. Companies are becoming more socially and fiscally responsible. Cutting costs and waste while creating safer and healthier conditions are now major priorities across many industries, particularly
commercial construction and home builders. Here are some ideas for embedding sustainability into the building process.
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Aim for Waste Reduction
Construction traditionally has involved accumulating various types of waste due to unused materials. Modern sustainable construction, however, seeks to overcome this problem by limiting waste as much as possible. The key is to visualize a leaner construction process and look for alternatives to toxic materials and substances. Sustainable concepts such as Just in Time (JIT) and LEAN production principles are leading contractors to rethink how to avoid overproduction.
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Build an Energy-efficient Structure
The ideal modern green home or building is weatherized for all seasons. In summer, natural elements like shade can help cool the structure, while sufficient insulation keeps the place warm in winter. Double-pane windows help prevent hot or cool air from escaping to the outside world.
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Use Materials from Local Suppliers
Keeping construction materials local or at least regional can cut material and transportation costs, plus it puts less strain on the environment. The more a business develops a reliable supply chain with local partners, the more Eco-friendly the business will be. Less distance means less fuel and less carbon pollution entering the atmosphere.
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Saving Time and Money with Prefabrication
Prefabrication involves assembling home or building components offsite so that they can be quickly installed at the construction site. Prefabrication allows specialists with the right tools to create structures in the right environment with minimal waste. Another sustainability advantage of prefabrication is that it consumes 70 percent less energy than conventional construction.
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Prioritize Durable Eco-friendly Materials
Installing durable piping is imperative to prevent early water leaks. Part of a construction team's goal should be to choose recyclable materials and recycle whatever debris is left over. All major building materials and appliances should be evaluated for durability because the fewer materials need replacing, the less strain on the environment.
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Install Green Energy Systems
Renewable energy is here to stay and is steadily replacing coal plants and other old systems that produce harmful greenhouse gases. Solar and wind development keeps expanding around the world, particularly in Europe. Renewable energy systems are now widely used as backup power for utilities and homeowners. California has already mandated a solar future for new construction, and other states are sure to follow.
These sustainable construction ideas are just the beginning of a new paradigm for today's builders. Much of this change leading to new building codes are driven by local governments that want to improve their communities.
Contact the experts at
Parkwest General Contractors to learn more about sustainable building ideas and the direction contractors are moving in the future.
