First off, a major issue with standard building construction is its demand for mined material; 40% of raw stone, gravel and sand is contributed to buildings, in addition to a similar share of other processed materials such as steel. All of this mining contributes to the destruction of landscape, leading to erosion, toxic run-off and water pollution.
Also, ¼ of the world's virgin wood is used for construction. This, in addition to mining, contributes to deforestation and eventually flooding and siltation. These processes destroy ecosystems that are home to many plants and animals.
Energy consumption of buildings accounts for 40% of total energy use! This contributes to acid rain, damming of rivers, nuclear waste, and the risk of global warming. The utilities of buildings also account for 16% of total water withdrawals. While the world's source of water is abundant, buildings consume as much water as agriculture and ecosystems. Inevitably, water pollution becomes a bi-product of standard building practices. In addition, the waste produced during the construction process causes not only water pollution, but other landfill issues such as leaching of heavy metals.
All in all, the world's standard building practices consume energy, and produce waste, while devastating the earth's natural ecosystems and resources.
While making minimal sacrifices, the earth can be saved by supporting the green building movement.The green building movement offers alternative sources of material, in addition to, building systems and products in order to lower these human consumption statistics!
Some solutions green building proposes alleviate the stress on the environment are buying lumber from plantation grown woods to minimize the effect on natural ecosystems. Also the use of green products such as green spray-foam insulation, LED lighting, and non VOC paints, among many other green products help to lower human consumption. The overall goal when developing a green product is to use natural material that is renewable and can be recycled, while sustainably providing a building with efficient energy consumption for many years.
John Noriega is an architectural engineer that lives a green lifestyle and encourages others to reduce their carbon footprint. He is also the author of Green Home Products, a review of the best eco-friendly products for your home or office. Visit the blog to learn about more exciting and new products and companies. |
