To address environmental issues, eco-friendly approaches are being taken by the construction industry these days. Therefore, most major players are now using environmentally-friendly building materials and approaches. This is necessary as they have to tackle issues, such as pollution, resources shortage, climate change and so on. Also, another concern dogging this industry is the fact that demand is surpassing supply.
Going eco-friendly helps reduce energy consumption, as we use solar energy, renewable energy resources, savings on transportation of raw materials and other such advantages. These materials and methods help in reducing greenhouse gases and other chemical pollutants, besides conserving natural resources. These practices of construction industry also make our surroundings cleaner and healthier.
Builders today have many options to choose from when building eco-friendly habitations. Interestingly, most of the techniques being employed are not new. They are, in fact, age-old methods that are being incorporated with latest technology, in order to make them more effectively and quickly For instance, clay-based materials, straw are some of the materials being used in construction. Also, recycled paper from pulp is being used for roof insulation instead of the asbestos, mitigating the damage that the latter causes to human health.
Another point to be noted is that all of the above mentioned materials are bio-degradable too.
For instance, Skansk, a Sweden-based multinational construction company, is commencing work on the second phase of the Tennet project in Gothenburg. Skansk’s work on this project entails construction of office premises of 12,500 square metres, which has been accorded the globally acknowledged certification LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
One of the green initiatives in this project would be putting sedum plants on the roof. These plants have the property of absorbing rainwater and enriching the quality of air around, thus improving the quality of living.
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