By using environmentally sound materials, the advances in sustainable design and construction are making a difference that is noticed and becoming trendy in the construction and design industry. Green building application has proven to have benefits in the construction industry. They are comprehensive and far-reaching with substantial advantages when utilized in new facilities and existing structures.
With buildings built using green technology and operating with sustainable design and construction, they are beyond energy-efficient. They have minimal carbon footprint, reducing their environmental impact. Builders and building owners, realize there are considerable benefits for them and the occupants of the building by applying green construction technology.
The key way to achieve the benefits of sustainable design and construction benefits is by becoming more energy efficient. New construction that uses green technology plays an important part every step of the way. From choosing the site, designing the structure, building it, and include all the technology for daily use to keep the green technology going. Each of these phases are important to be sustainable.
Up to 40% of a commercial building is unoccupied at any point. Green technology can help make that unoccupied space more environmentally friendly. Green building technology includes access card readers, motion detectors, RFID scanners, and other sensors that monitor the buildings occupancy status in different sectors. When an area is empty and unoccupied, green technology goes to work. If HVAC is automatically adjusted, the lights are turned off, and more. The building owner can save up to 30% on energy costs using this type of green technology.
The Sick Building Syndrome
Several studies have acknowledged cases of the “sick building syndrome”. This is where a work environment is unhealthy in a commercial building, usually older buildings, or in parts of the company where the weather is hot. This can be caused by a constant running HVAC system as it accumulates condensation, creating mold spores. With the new energy-efficient technology of today, green building solutions include having the HVAC turned off when not needed. The temperature stays where it is needed for humidity purposes and to keep the building healthy.
