4 Ways to Improve Sustainability in Buildings

Governments are realizing that sustainability is the need of the hour and consequently pressurizing organizations to go sustainable. Every day, new policies are being introduced to regularize industrial activities. The building industry is no different. In 2019, it was responsible for almost 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is one of the leading contributors to global warming.
Sustainability in buildings is an urgent requirement. Developers are implementing a variety of techniques to improve the efficiency of their energy-intensive activities. The main objective of achieving sustainability in buildings is to reduce their impact on the environment and human health. 
This article lists 4 key ways in which developers are integrating sustainability in buildings.

Why Do We Need Sustainability in Buildings?
Buildings in their present form consume large amounts of resources including energy and water. Part of it is because they are big projects and have enormous life cycles. Some phases of a building’s life cycle include planning, construction, operation, and maintenance. Out of these, the construction and operation phases consume the highest number of resources. 
As a result, conventional buildings currently endorse unsustainable practices and are detrimental to our future. They generate a large amount of carbon dioxide because of artificial heating and cooling, energy-intensive building materials, and the use of fossil fuels to power construction machinery.
However, the building industry too can support a green future. With proper planning and innovative technologies, buildings can be made sustainable. Developers incorporate principles of smart architecture and onsite energy solutions to optimize energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. In the next section, we have compiled the 4 main ways in which sustainability can be adapted in buildings.

Ways to Improve Sustainability in Buildings
−    Green building materials: One of the easiest ways of promoting sustainability in buildings is by including green building materials in construction. These materials originate from renewable sources and are easily recycled, unlike steel and cement. Green materials also lower waste generation and reduce the carbon footprint associated with buildings. Some popular green materials are wood, bamboo, lumbar, hempcrete, and dimension stone.
−    Use of renewable energy: Sustainable buildings are planned with onsite renewable energy options. They provide spaces for solar panels or biomass energy generation and systematically reduce the dependency on external sources of energy. Another way architects improve sustainability in buildings is by using weather simulations to effectively orient the walls and position the windows. This decreases energy demand by providing natural lighting and heating. 
−    Intelligent use of space: Developers try to use space efficiently to improve the productivity of the inhabitants and design the floor layout accordingly. In addition, sustainable buildings ensure high air and lighting quality and deliver comfort to their occupants. 
−    Smart technology: By installing smart appliances, builders are able to guarantee energy efficiency and a modern lifestyle to their residents. Smart appliances are intuitive to use and completely convenient. They both improve sustainability in buildings and boost productivity. Lastly, developers employ smart resource management systems to guarantee efficient use of resources like water and lower energy bills.  

Support a Sustainable Future with Schneider Electric 
The economy is cracking under the pressure of climate change. We need to change our habits urgently to build a greener future. Individuals, governments, and organizations need to cooperate for a smooth transition to clean and sustainable energy. It is not an easy goal to achieve and requires the investment of a hefty amount of resources. Schneider Electric is one such firm that can help you create sustainable buildings. They offer solutions such as EcoStruxure which help in modernising and future proofing your building.