The destructive and selfish behaviour of mankind have resulted in a situation where the planet is now struggling to sustain the many demands made upon it. Environmental experts and activists have long warned that drastic action is necessary from every single person on this earth. If this is not done the planet will no longer be able to support life as we know it. Some are taking action. For example, by employing green architects Washington DC and Charlottesville VA developers now built structures that require less resources.
No building can ever be one hundred per cent environmentally friendly but much can be done to lessen the impact that the construction and maintenance of building have on the environment. For the maximum benefit, it is necessary to design new building with the aim of limiting the use of natural resources. Converting existing buildings into friendlier structures is expensive and often very difficult.
It is with very good reason that the construction industry is so important in the effort to rescue the earth. The construction and maintenance of buildings consume vast amounts of resources. For example, fifteen per cent of all fresh water available to man is used in constructing and maintaining buildings. Almost half of all the raw materials mined from the soil is used in the construction industry. More than half the waste found in landfill sites originates from construction and building maintenance activities.
One way in which the use of scarce natural resources can be limited during the construction process is to use recycled materials. This is often obtained from demolished buildings. This not only eases the pressure on natural resources such as water and minerals but also help to limit the amounts of waste dumped at landfill sites. Designers also focus on the use of renewable materials that can be replenished quickly. Bamboo is one excellent example.
In sustainable architecture great importance is placed upon the design of more efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems. In older buildings, these systems are are the biggest consumers of resources and often even the source of serious pollution. Modern buildings are designed to make use of natural air flow patterns for ventilation purposes. Efficient recycled insulation materials lessen the pressure on heating and cooling systems.
Buildings consume copious amounts of energy and in most cases this energy is generate by using non renewable resources. Reliance on such sources of energy can be reduced by making use of solar and wind energy. Much research and progress have been made in this field. Energy needs can also be reduced by opting for machinery, equipment and appliances that require less energy to function.
Another focus point in sustainable architecture is the effective management of waste. Designers focus on systems that allow for the recycling of waste, especially grey water. Harmful emissions can be cleaned before being released in the atmosphere or to landfill sites and the use of degradable materials is encouraged.
Mankind is at a cross road. If drastic action to lessen the impact of its activities on the environment is not made, a dire future awaits. Buildings consume much of the scarce natural resources still available and it seems as if sustainable architecture is the only viable solution.
No building can ever be one hundred per cent environmentally friendly but much can be done to lessen the impact that the construction and maintenance of building have on the environment. For the maximum benefit, it is necessary to design new building with the aim of limiting the use of natural resources. Converting existing buildings into friendlier structures is expensive and often very difficult.
It is with very good reason that the construction industry is so important in the effort to rescue the earth. The construction and maintenance of buildings consume vast amounts of resources. For example, fifteen per cent of all fresh water available to man is used in constructing and maintaining buildings. Almost half of all the raw materials mined from the soil is used in the construction industry. More than half the waste found in landfill sites originates from construction and building maintenance activities.
One way in which the use of scarce natural resources can be limited during the construction process is to use recycled materials. This is often obtained from demolished buildings. This not only eases the pressure on natural resources such as water and minerals but also help to limit the amounts of waste dumped at landfill sites. Designers also focus on the use of renewable materials that can be replenished quickly. Bamboo is one excellent example.
In sustainable architecture great importance is placed upon the design of more efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems. In older buildings, these systems are are the biggest consumers of resources and often even the source of serious pollution. Modern buildings are designed to make use of natural air flow patterns for ventilation purposes. Efficient recycled insulation materials lessen the pressure on heating and cooling systems.
Buildings consume copious amounts of energy and in most cases this energy is generate by using non renewable resources. Reliance on such sources of energy can be reduced by making use of solar and wind energy. Much research and progress have been made in this field. Energy needs can also be reduced by opting for machinery, equipment and appliances that require less energy to function.
Another focus point in sustainable architecture is the effective management of waste. Designers focus on systems that allow for the recycling of waste, especially grey water. Harmful emissions can be cleaned before being released in the atmosphere or to landfill sites and the use of degradable materials is encouraged.
Mankind is at a cross road. If drastic action to lessen the impact of its activities on the environment is not made, a dire future awaits. Buildings consume much of the scarce natural resources still available and it seems as if sustainable architecture is the only viable solution.
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