Modern Building Design – Is It Green Yet?
Green building design is an effort to design a building is such a way that it minimizes impacts on the environment and on people. Buildings designed in such a way can reduce the energy spent during construction and in operating the building throughout its lifespan. A wide variety of new materials, techniques and building practices have been developed over the past few decades to help building designers accomplish these goals.
The use of sustainable materials is one important characteristic of a green building design. Materials that qualify as sustainable include those that are available locally or those that are recyclable. Non-toxic materials as well as those that are reusable or renewable are often chosen as well. Orientation of the building on a site is another common characteristic of a green design. Building orientation can minimize unfavorable local weather conditions or take advantage of the sun to save a considerable amount of energy over the lifetime of the building.
Construction methods and techniques are chosen to minimize environmental disruption of the building site and reduce construction waste. Renewable energy sources such as active or passive solar or wind power may be included in the building design. High efficiency water, energy and waste systems are often included to reduce the long-term operating costs.
The global economic crisis has not reduced the trend towards sustainable building. Public demand and government initiatives have lead to a projected increase in green building. More than ever before, the public expects that products, services and even companies will be sustainable.
Many other countries have also implemented green building design initiatives, among them Canada, Israel, India, South Africa, the U.K., Mexico and Malaysia. Green building design standards or initiatives have been considered, recommended or begun.
The unprecedented public demand for all things “green” has spurred a bevy of competing green building standards. The best known is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System created by the US Green Building Council. Dozens of others exist, yet there is no national green building standard.
The lack of a national standard combined with increasing public demand has led some companies to falsely claim their buildings are green. In some cases the building designer has not considered sustainability at all. These companies may believe they cannot adequately compete in the marketplace without some claim to one green building standard or another.
The future of green building design and practices looks bright. Many believe this trend will only grow. Some say these green design and building practices will become much less discretionary and much more the industry standard. We’re not yet there, but every indication is that we’re moving quickly in that direction.
High construction costs and tight deadlines are common on commercial building design projects. Florida Engineering Solutions delivers quality service, quick turnaround and innovative thinking. Contact us for your next commercial project.