Once there was a day when someone spoke of the word "green", it was obvious that they meant color formed by mixing yellow and blue. This assumption is no longer the case; with our society going into a healthier environment and ways we can help save the Earth, the term green now takes on a whole new meaning. One way to maintain an environmentally conscious lifestyle is green architecture.
Green Architecture & # 39; is a form of environmentally sensitive design and construction. Energy saving, sustainable development and natural materials are all signs of this form of construction. Green Architecture is also sensitive to the environmental impact of construction for several decades after construction. He explores the relationship between architecture and ecology.
One of the key points for green architecture is creating synchronicity with the environment. Everything related to the green building should easily move from the natural landscape, including to building materials. The best materials for green building are materials that have been recycled or obtained from easily recovered resources.
Advantages of green architecture:
1. Optimizes the use of resources, especially energy and water. At the design and construction stage, it involves recycling resources during construction and then when the building is in use.
2. This has a minimal environmental impact over the entire life cycle of the building location, design, construction, operation, maintenance and disposal.
3. If possible, natural topography is used to optimize energy use.
4. This leads to lower operating costs by optimizing the use of resources. Green Architecture focuses on recycling resources — especially water. Where possible, the focus is on the use of building materials at the construction site itself. Well insulated doors, windows and walls reduce energy consumption and loss.
5. “Green architecture” contributes to improving the health of the building’s inhabitants through better natural air circulation and the use of natural light.
6. Provides on-site facilities for recycling, thereby minimizing waste sent to landfills.
Materials commonly used in green architecture
1. Recycled materials, such as wood, tile and brick, which are available at the construction site or in the vicinity.
2. When new materials are used, the focus is on material that can be replenished quickly, such as bamboo, which can be collected for commercial use in just 6 years.
3. Insulation from low volatile organic compounds that use materials such as recycled denim, as opposed to fiberglass insulation, which has long-term adverse effects. Insulation can be treated with boric acid to slow insect damage. Organic or milk paints also provide protection.
4. Solar energy is a rich resource that is used through passive solar, active solar and photovoltaic methods.
5. Packed gravel in parking lots and access roads instead of concrete reduces rainwater runoff and replenishes groundwater resources.
Many countries have developed their own Green Architecture standards for energy efficient and sustainable construction. The following are some common standards:
1. Code for Sustainable Homes - United Kingdom
2. EnerGuide for New Homes - Canada
3. House Energy Rating - Australia
4. Green Globes - USA, Canada and UK
Practitioners of Green Architecture and Sustainable Development strive to achieve ecological and aesthetic harmony between structures and their environment.
