Green design or green architecture is an interesting building approach that aims to minimize harmful effects on the environment and human health. We thus have green designers or architects that work to safeguard water, earth and air through choosing building materials that are eco-friendly and appropriate construction practices.
At the end of the day, building a sustainable green home is all about personal choice. According to Oz urban design firm, buildings are usually designed in order to meet specific building code requirements. However, the green building designs are taking these into account while also improving building performance and minimizing environmental impact.
Public officials need to be convinced to create legislation for green standards and processes but we are far away from that. Until then, what is labeled as “green building practices” is simply all up to the property owner.
Green Building Common Characteristics
In green architecture the goal is always to gain as much sustainability as possible. This is possible through the choice of various green building practices. There are different projects that are done right now and that experiment with green design. This has been going on for a much longer period than what you might think at the moment. For instance, take a look at the Magney House, built in 1984.
As time passed, different features became common in green architecture. Most green buildings will not show them all, but green design and green architecture could include the following:
- Modern ventilation systems that are designed for highly-efficient cooling and heating.
- Plumbing fixtures capable of saving water.
- Appliances and lighting that are energy-efficient.
- Landscaping with the use of native vegetation. Also, landscaping is often planned in order to maximize the possible solar energy gained.
- Use of non-toxic and non-synthetic building materials.
- The natural habitat needs to be protected and building should bring minimal harm.
- Use of alternative renewable energy sources like wind or solar power.
- Woods that are harvested in a responsible way.
- Getting stone and woods from local sources so that long-haul transportation can be eliminated.
- Recycled architectural salvage use.
- Harvesting rainwater and reusing greywater.
- Using space in a highly efficient way.
- Maximizing natural sheltering, winds and sunlight.
Green building is in a really large part all about the construction processes that are used. This is why it is important to be aware of modern building techniques, materials and so much more. The green building is always going to maximize resource use, with the focus being put on protecting the environment.
Green Architecture and The Future
The future of green architecture cannot actually be predicted but there are clear innovations that happen. The rise in popularity of home automation and the interest people now have about protecting the environment is something that indicates the fact that in the future, most buildings will be erected based on green principles. This is more of a necessity than a desire, since resources are limited.
If you are interested in green architecture, there are always various available resources to use when you want to learn more. Green architects are nowadays popping up, being specialists in creating green buildings, based on currently available technology.
Article Submitted By Community Writer