Wednesday, January 20, 2016

With Help From Green Architects Washington DC Developers Can Help Save The Environment

By Richard Reynolds


The greed of mankind has seen to it that the very future of the planet is now hanging in the balance. Scarce resources that cannot be renewed have been plundered and wasted. It is almost already too late to save the situation but it is vital that every effort is made to reduce the use of resources and to make more productive use of those resources still available, especially renewable resources. By employing green architects Washington DC and Charlottesville VA developers can do their bit to help.

Developers now talk about sustainable architecture. New buildings are designed to not only use less resources during the construction process, but also to focus on renewable resources wherever possible. Attention is also paid to systems and techniques that will ensure that the maintenance of buildings is efficient and that it will require less scare natural resources. Even existing buildings can become more environmentally friendly.

There are very good reasons why the building industry is a focal point in the effort to save the planet. The building and maintenance of structures require an enormous amount of scarce natural resources. More than a half of the resources mined from the earth is used in building and almost fifty per cent of waste in landfill sites come from building activities. Almost a fifth of the fresh water supply is used in construction.

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.

The heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings requires enormous amounts of energy. At the same time these systems waste a lot of energy. Much can be done to improve matters. Modern friendly buildings are designed to make use of natural air flow in order to ensure proper ventilation. Energy expelled from cooling systems can be harvested and used for other purposes. The use of natural insulation materials can drastically reduce the mount of energy needed for cooling or heating purposes.

All buildings use copious amounts of energy. This energy is often generated by using non renewable resources and the generation process result in serious pollution of the air, soil and water. Sustainable architecture focus on the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power and even wind power. Energy needs can also be reduced by using equipment and machinery that require less energy to run.

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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