SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

Sustainable Construction and Renewable Technologies



Sustainable Construction and Renewable Technologies

Introduction

High quality environments and design enhance people's lives. There should be no conflict between high quality design and the construction of sustainable buildings that function well, and meet the needs of their occupants and the occupants of the future. What makes a building last long time is quite simple. It needs to be robust and adaptable. Sustainable buildings are made of solid, low-maintenance and preferably local materials. Buildings will require the ability to withstand damage caused by extreme conditions and there are fears regarding dry summers causing subsidence in clay soils and damage caused by UV to plastic windows and cladding. Hence, part of the sustainability argument relates to safe, robust buildings that can provide a quality internal environment that does not foster disease and promotes healthy living (Plass & Kaltenegger 2007, Pp. 304-215).

Task 1

There are no significant differences between conventional buildings and sustainable buildings, based on appearance or use. However, differences do exist when it comes to better and healthier internal environment, and operational costs. There are several benefits of eco-friendly buildings, which include economic benefits, social benefits and environmental benefits.

Impact of Sustainable Buildings

Increased economic benefits are the prime driver of change for sustainable buildings. In fact, relative economic advantage is the prime driver of almost all innovations. Economic benefits of sustainable buildings vary considerably, depending on the nature of the building ownership, and their full consideration is vital for promoting any sustainable design. The initial costs for sustainable buildings may be higher than conventional buildings, but substantial savings can be made through lower operating costs over the life of the sustainable building. It results in the reduction of water expenses and less pressure on the municipal services to supply water. Eco-friendly building can significantly minimize the water waste, and increase water efficiency. This increase in efficiency leads to long-term economic return. Eco-friendly buildings save about 25 to 30% more energy than the conventional buildings (Halfacree 2006, pp. 309-336). Eco-friendly buildings contribute significantly towards waste reduction. It has been determined that sustainable buildings decrease construction waste by 50% as compared to conventional buildings. All these measures, if taken effectively, can result in decreased cast of construction. Recycled or reusable materials cost significantly less than traditional materials.

The actual savings attributed to a high-quality interior building environment are substantial and are thought to be greater than even the energy savings. In the United Kingdom, there are more than 76 million buildings for residential purposes, and 5 million buildings for commercial concerns. Collectively, such conventional buildings use 65% of electricity, 37% of the main energy 25% of entire the supply of water and 30% of materials and resources. Eco-friendly buildings use fewer resources, produce reduced waste, and incur decreased operational and maintenance cost. Practices, which are conducive to the environment, like sustainable buildings, result in a significant impact on day-to-day lives. Sustainable buildings use fixtures and appliances which reduce water waste and conserve the water ...