Numerous homeowners have consciously changed their lifestyle for curbing carbon emissions. They are using compact fluorescent or LED bulbs, and installing solar panels in their houses for generating electricity using solar energy. In some regions, people are relying on wind energy and buying energy star programmable thermostat and other energy efficient appliances.
These are effective ways of reducing pollution and keeping the environment cleaner. But there is no substitute of constructing green buildings. Green buildings have many smart environment friendly features and they make it easier for residents to save water, electricity and other natural resources. Some important features mark a building as an eco-friendly one. In the following the characteristics of a green building have been discussed.
Choosing the suitable location:
The first condition of constructing a green building is finding an ideal location for it. The construction should have minimum impact on the land of the location and have no water issues. Choose a location with prevailing wind currents and sunny climate that will enable you to use wind turbines and solar panels for generating electricity.
Also remember that the existing infrastructure of your building’s locality has to be good enough or else adapting to the surroundings will pose a serious problem. The best thing about the green buildings is that they are partially or fully independent when it comes to energy consumption. Most green buildings produce electricity using alternative energy options like solar power or wind power.
Energy efficiency and resource management:
A green building has the ability of reducing energy usage, curbing power consumption and wastage. For higher level of energy efficiency, a green building uses high quality insulation, energy efficient lights and home appliances. You will have to install water efficient fixtures, equipments and appliances in the bathroom and kitchen. This will help in effectively reducing the water consumption and water bills. Some of the best green buildings have rain capturing and recycling systems. You too should consider installing water efficient irrigation and water recycling system.
Utilizes natural light sources:
The green buildings are built in such a way that they can utilize natural light or sun light optimally. When every room gets sufficient natural light during daytime there is no need to turn on the light bulbs. For this purpose, there should be sufficient numbers of windows in every room.
Natural lights will also help in cutting down your energy expenses on keeping rooms heated. Along with natural light sources, your green building must have natural ventilation system. Quality overhangs will help in keeping the heat at bay during the season of summer.
Install an eco-friendly HVAC system:
Unplanned HVAC system can damage the construction of your house and create an unhealthy indoor environment for the residents. A bad HVAC system cause moisture buildup and may also lead to the growth of moulds. Big heating and cooling systems are not going to help as they tend to burn more energy than required. The heating and cooling unit has to be big enough for controlling the temperature of your rooms but not too big.
Goldilocks rule of construction:
The surface area and size of your house will determine the maintenance, heating and repairing costs. If the house is too small then it will fail to meet your needs and if the house is too large then the energy consumption will be high.
Summary
A green building is energy efficient and eco-friendly. It has several characteristic features and uses modern technology for reducing carbon footprint of residents. Choose a proper location and utilize alternative energy sources if you are planning to construct a green building.
