Thursday, March 31, 2016

With Help From Green Architects Washington DC Developers Can Be More Responsible

By Richard Reynolds


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.

Sustainable architecture is important simply because the construction industry consumes so much of the available natural resources. More than half of all waste at landfill sites originate from the construction industry. An astonishing fifty per cent of all raw materials obtained from the earth is used in construction. This industry also consumes more than a third of all energy generated. Efforts to save the environment should therefore focus on this industry.

Sustainable architecture involves the limited use of non renewable resources during the construction process. Recycled materials, often obtained from demolished buildings, are used as far as possible. Materials such as bamboo, which is not only renewable but that can also be replenished very fast, is preferred where it is possible. These efforts also relieve some of the pressure on landfill sites, reduces pollution and limit the amount of water consumed.

Enormous amounts of energy is used to heat, cool and ventilate buildings. It is no wonder that sustainable architecture closely focuses on these systems. Buildings are now designed to make use of natural air flow channels to provide ventilation. The effective use of recycled insulation materials result in buildings that require much less energy for heating and cooling purposes.

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.

Attention is also paid to methods of limiting the waste generated by a building. Recycled materials are used wherever possible. Grey water is not wasted by used again. By using bio degradable materials and products the pressure on landfill sites can be considerably lessened. Anything that can be used again, even for a different purpose is removed from the waste.

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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