As we continue to expand our towns and cities, it’s important to move toward more sustainable building practices to keep the environment healthy. We provide some pointers on how to go green in construction during your next project.
Put in Insulation
Incorporating insulation into the structure you will erect plays a big part in saving energy. By putting insulation in and around the walls, roof, doors, and windows, you can reduce the transfer of heat significantly and reduce work time for HVAC systems. Here in Florida, this is especially important. We’re in an almost perpetual battle to keep the insides of our buildings and homes nice and cool while leaving the hot, sticky weather out.
Save Water
Installing certain types of restroom fixtures can moderate how much water people use daily. Low-flow faucet aerators can make sinks and showerheads much less wasteful by splitting the normal singular flow of water into multiple, smaller ones. This replaces the original volume of water with a combination of air and water, as the stream can only come out of the multiple small holes of the aerator. These faucets allow you to use less water while maintaining the pressure of the sink or showerhead.
Include Alternative Energy
While we’re not at the point in technology where we can solely rely on alternative energy sources, using them in combination with a normal electricity system can abate a sizable portion of our greenhouse gas emissions. Integrate solar panels into the building’s roof to share the burden of powering the structure wherever possible.
Use Sustainable Materials
The construction industry has several eco-friendly materials available that lower our negative impact on the environment. One such material is copper slag. Normally thrown away, this byproduct of copper refining can be used as a component of concrete instead. Cooper slag, when not properly disposed of, can pollute surrounding areas. Using it in concrete means you can reduce environmental pollution and save money on the cost for concrete.
Another great example is plastic lumber. Using a process that minimizes greenhouse gas discharge, recycled post-consumer waste is made into plastic lumber ready to use in any situation where you would otherwise employee average wood. It’s resistant to moisture, mold, and rot, so this material can be advantageous in the humid Florida climate where regular wood might deteriorate quickly.
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