Across the nation, the construction industry is increasingly realizing the importance of environmentally friendly building. As all sectors of society come together to address issues of sustainability and environmental impact, forward-thinking contractors refuse to lag behind. According to a recent study from McGraw-Hill construction, 51 percent of surveyed construction firms will make sustainability a priority in most of their work throughout 2015. Without doubt, even more Houston design build firms are on the cusp of setting and achieving their own sustainability goals.
Broadly speaking, design build companies engage in green building for social and environmental reasons. Social benefits of green building include better health and increased productivity for construction personnel and society. In the United States in particular, buyers care more than ever about health benefits associated with green building and environmentally friendly structures.
In the environmental category, construction firms appreciate how green building can save water, reduce emissions and preserve natural resources. While the most-cited reasons for green building vary from region to region, appreciation for green building is at a historic high.
To keep up with the increasing interest in green building, engineers are designing innovative construction technologies that are optimized for sustainability. Construction firms can now access a remarkable number of recycled and biodegradable building materials. Using biodegradable paint is a fast way to engage with the green building revolution. When it comes to beams, recycled steel offers all of the strength and resilience anyone could ever need. Furthermore, recycled steel beams resist intense weather conditions with ease.
From DMCI Homes, Lumiventt Technology is a fine example of green design. This architectural design technology is breathtakingly innovative, introducing natural light and natural air flows into high-rise condominium buildings. Making great strides throughout the Philippines, Lumiventt Technology perfectly exemplifies the evolving priorities of the global construction industry. Lumiventt Technology is part of the broader trend towards passive structures, or structures that regulate temperature naturally and holistically. By smartly utilizing natural light, shade and wind, these buildings minimize the need for resource-costly AC and heat. Already very well developed in Europe, passive structures will soon have greater an impact on Houston office building construction.
Integrating solar power, photovoltaic cells and other alternative energy technologies, the net zero energy building will continue to prove its practicality in 2015. In 2015, green building proponents will promote the use of local lumber and stone. Additionally, living roofs with natural vegetation will become more popular. Besides creating new structures, Houston LEED construction firms will establish their green bonafides through retrofitting projects.
2015 should see all green building trends supercharged by more affordable green building. As costs associated with green building trend downward, green building ideas will increasingly have tremendous appeal for forward-thinking, environmentally conscious buyers. There is no telling just how deeply green building might change commercial construction.
Water reuse is a major consideration for green building. Many parts of the world now face moderate to severe water shortages. Every year, buildings use over 13 percent of all potable water. Therefore, water efficiency is a major concern in the construction industry. Builders are working steadily towards buildings that feature net-zero water use. These efforts include the installation of water-saving fixtures, rainwater collection and greywater recycling.
It is likely that 2015 will see the growth of green infrastructure in building construction. Placed on the ground, on rooftops or in containers, plants fruitfully take in and purify water. This aids storm management and air purification. Self-cooling roofs and smart glass are also relevant parts of the green building revolution.
These are just a few of the many green building technologies and methodologies that should have great impact in 2015. As the demand for environmentally friendly practices grows, the construction industry is sure to respond with even more innovations.
