What is environmentally friendly construction?
Environmentally friendly construction, also known as green construction or sustainable construction, refers to a construction process that minimizes environmental impact and promotes sustainable development. This approach takes into account the entire life cycle of the building, starting from design and selection of materials, to use and finally to demolition or recycling. Environmentally friendly construction aims to reduce energy consumption, reduce the amount of waste and improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
Principles of environmentally friendly construction
Environmentally friendly construction is based on several key principles that guide planning and implementation. These principles include, among others:
- Energy efficiency: Design and construction of buildings in such a way that they consume as little energy as possible. This can include insulation, the use of energy-efficient windows and doors, and the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
- Water saving: Reducing water consumption by using water-saving devices and systems, such as low-consumption taps and showers and rainwater collection systems.
- Choice of materials: Use of sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials, such as the use of recycled or renewable materials. This may also include the use of local materials to reduce transport emissions.
- Waste reduction: Minimizing the amount of construction waste and promoting recycling. This may include reusing and recycling building materials and sorting waste at the construction site.
- Healthy indoor air: Improving indoor air quality by using low-emission materials and ensuring good ventilation. This can help reduce indoor air pollutants and improve the health of the residents.
Benefits of environmentally friendly construction
Environmentally friendly construction has many advantages that extend to both the environment and people. These benefits include:
- Reduced environmental impact: Environmentally friendly construction reduces the consumption of natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which helps combat climate change.
- Cost savings: Energy efficient buildings can reduce energy costs in the long term. Although initial investments may be higher, the savings in energy costs can offset these costs over time.
- Improved health and well-being: Healthy indoor conditions and the use of natural light can improve the health and well-being of residents.
- Added value to the property: Eco-friendly buildings can be more attractive to buyers and tenants, which can increase the value of the property.
Examples of environmentally friendly construction
Environmentally friendly construction can manifest itself in many different ways. Here are some examples:
- Passive houses: Buildings that are designed and built in such a way that they need very little energy for heating and cooling.
- LEED-certified buildings: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an international certification system that evaluates the environmental friendliness and sustainability of buildings.
- Use of renewable energy: Buildings that utilize solar, wind or geothermal energy as an energy source.
Environmentally friendly construction is an important step towards a more sustainable future. It not only reduces the environmental impact, but also improves the quality of life and brings economic benefits. More information on environmentally friendly construction can be found, for example, at On the website of the Ministry of the Environment and From the Vihrea Rakenne site.
