The construction industry has been among the major contributors to resource scarcity and pollution. As climate change continues to transform the planet, the construction industry has emerged as one of the key sectors undergoing a green revolution. As per Joe Cianciotto, the industry is steadily pivoting towards sustainable construction or green buildings. This construction approach focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of buildings over their entire life cycle.
Joe Cianciotto talks about the ecological and economic benefits of sustainable construction
Sustainable construction is much more than just the use of eco-friendly or sustainable materials. It tends to encompass all aspects of the construction process, right from the stages of site selection and planning to construction practices and building operation after completion. The goal of sustainable construction is to reduce CO₂ emissions, lower energy consumption, conserve resources, as well as create a healthy living environment for the users.
Buildings are responsible for a large percentage of global energy consumption and global greenhouse gas emissions. A significant proportion of such emissions can be attributed to the energy consumed during the construction, as well as the operation of buildings, making sustainable construction extremely important. Sustainable construction practices involve the use of renewable energies and energy-efficient construction methods.
Modern green buildings often feature solar panels, energy-efficient windows, state-of-the-art insulation and other intelligent systems designed to optimize energy consumption. These innovations go a long way in lowering ongoing emissions and reducing the carbon footprint of buildings.
According to Joe Cianciotto, traditional construction practices have a severe impact on natural resources. The extraction of raw materials, production of cement and steel, and other processes involved tend to cause considerable environmental damage. This impact can be minimized with the use of recycled, renewable or locally sourced materials. Sustainable construction materials like hempcrete, bamboo and recycled steel are becoming increasingly popular, as they reduce the need for energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
One of the core principles of sustainable construction is the development of energy-efficient buildings that lower energy consumption, and facilitate considerable cost savings over their entire lifespan. For instance, green buildings designed as per passive house principles can help maintain a comfortable indoor climate throughout the year without the need for conventional HVAC systems. Such an energy-efficient approach results in lower operating expenses and improved cost efficiency for building owners and tenants.
Apart from offering a number of ecological benefits, sustainable construction also puts a high degree of emphasis on the health and well-being of building users. A number of traditional building materials release chemicals that may impact air quality. On the other hand, eco-friendly buildings usually use non-toxic and natural materials that help improve indoor air quality, as well as lower the risk of asthma, allergies and other health concerns. Many sustainable buildings are also equipped with features that promote well-being, like air circulation systems, green spaces and better natural lighting. Such features help improve the productivity, mental health and quality of life of occupants.
People across the world are becoming increasingly environmentally aware, and this impacts their purchasing decisions in the property market. Modern homebuyers and tenants often look for sustainable, energy-efficient buildings that are both eco-friendly and economical over the long term.