As we move forward and become increasingly aware of the dangers of living in an unsustainable culture, greener approaches to modern living are springing up all over the place.
One of these approaches uses sustainable construction methods, a growing trend in the UK building industry as more people become aware of the need to reduce their environmental impact and protect natural resources for future generations.
Whether you’re eco-conscious or just looking to future-proof your home, there are plenty of ways to make your next construction project more eco-friendly, from the materials used to the way buildings are designed and built.
To give you a headstart, here are five sustainable building practices that are making a difference.
#1 – Use of Recycled and Renewable Materials
One of the key ways to make construction more sustainable is to use recycled and renewable materials.
That includes using materials like recycled steel and plastics, reclaimed and sustainable wood, and other sources of stone and brick.
For example, using timber from responsibly managed forests helps reduce the environmental impact of logging and ensures that the forests will continue to be sustainable wood sources in the future.
If you were working on a renovation project, keeping the original building as much as possible also makes for a sustainable venture.
#2 – Improved Energy Efficiency
Making buildings, homes, and our way of life more energy efficient is all the rage right now. With energy prices higher than ever and the cost of living even more straining, the race is on to find ways to lower energy bills, stay warm, and save money.
If you’re working on building a home, you can tip the scales in your favour during the construction process by proactively ensuring your buildings are built to energy-efficient standards.
This can be achieved through the use of high-efficiency insulation, air sealing, and other measures that help to reduce energy use.
For example, using double or triple-glazed windows and installing high-efficiency boilers and heating systems can help to significantly reduce energy use in buildings.
#3 – Water Conservation
Another important aspect of sustainable construction is water conservation.
This can be achieved by using low-flow toilets, showers, and faucets and by installing rainwater harvesting systems.
For example, using drought-resistant plants in landscaping and collecting rainwater for irrigation can help to reduce the amount of water needed for landscaping and reduce the strain on local water resources.
This is especially important in the increasingly hot UK summers.
#4 – Green Roofs and Walls
A rather more aesthetic but equally beneficial trend comes in the form of green roofs and walls.
These are roofs and walls that are covered in vegetation, which helps reduce the energy needed to heat and cool buildings and provides a habitat for wildlife. Made popular in cities like Singapore, green walls and roofs can now be found worldwide.
Interestingly, you can enjoy surprising benefits, such as improved air quality and reduced rainwater runoff, which can once again reduce the strain on local water resources.
#5 – Passive Solar Design
Passive solar design involves designing buildings to utilise the sun’s energy to heat and cool the building without needing mechanical systems.
For example, using large windows to let in natural light, and positioning the building to maximise sun exposure, can help to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the building.
And, of course, installing solar panels to power your home also fits into this category!
Conclusion
Sustainable construction is an important aspect of building for a better tomorrow, and you only have to read the stats to see that this will become increasingly important over the coming years.
By using recycled and renewable materials, making buildings more energy efficient, conserving water, using green roofs and walls, and incorporating passive solar design, builders and developers can help to reduce their impact on the environment and ensure that natural resources are preserved for future generations.
Ready to build your eco-friendly project?
Here at Wright Construction, we operate across Chesterfield to bring you the best construction experience possible, whatever your build. With over 20 years of experience, exceptional customer experience, and a start-to-finish service that covers everything, we’ve got what you need.
Contact us today, and let’s get the ball on your next project rolling.
