The Rise of Green Architecture

Green architecture is vastly becoming a popular option to help the environment in a stylish way. This type of architecture promotes sustainable energy sources and the conservation of energy. Moreover, the materials used in green architecture are ecologically sound, reusable, locally sourced and safe.

When a building is constructed in a green way, the environmental impact is minimal.

The use of green architecture reduces a building’s ecological impact by making use of sustainable site planning, water efficiency techniques, renewable energy and energy conservation, and preservation of materials and resources.

Additionally, green architecture minimizes the harmful effects that construction work and the use of non-sustainable materials have on your health.

You might have noticed that green architecture pushes the design envelope in new and exciting ways. At first glance you might think a green building looks out of place in its urban surroundings, but nevertheless when a green building is erected, the landscape and ecological impact is considered and the shape of the structure is created to fit into that space in the most environmentally conscious way possible.

Characteristics to notice on and in a green building are:

• Ventilation systems that are devised for effectual heating and cooling.
• Lighting and appliances that are energy efficient.
• Plumbing fixtures that are true water savers.
• The use of a solar panel system to provide some, if not all, of the building’s power.
• The possible use of wind power. Although this is not as popular as solar power, it is a renewable resource.
• Non-toxic and non-synthetic materials are used throughout the building.
• The materials used for construction are locally sourced such as wood and stone.
• Minimal harm has been done to the land that the building sits on during construction.
• Recycled material from other structures has been used, such as the adaptive reprocessing of older buildings that are in disrepair.

A green building doesn’t have to possess all of these features, but the more the better as the goal of this type of architecture is to make the structure fully sustainable.

Earth-friendly design does meet the demands of modern life. If you decide to revamp your home and turn it into an environmentally sustainable living space, you will not have to give up things such as television and your refrigerator.

Living in an architecturally green structure is becoming more popular because people realize that they can reduce their carbon footprint, save money on utility bills and continue to live their everyday lives.