To achieve the health and environmental benefits of green construction, it is not enough to use less toxic materials. The products that are used need to be evaluated for their ability, among other things, to reduce toxic chemicals and minimize the embodied power, as well as be durable and flexible. This complex process, also known as Life-Cycle Assessment or LCA, requires new skills. An increasing number resources and software tools help to streamline the vetting procedure, making it easy for design teams to incorporate eco-friendly building materials.
Most of these materials can be recycled and this reduces the requirement for producing new raw materials. Some of the materials are renewable or quickly biodegradable. Others require little energy. Lastly, many are produced locally, which reduces the need for transportation and emissions.
It is increasingly important that building companies adapt their product ranges to the increasing demand for sustainable construction. Companies that adopt low carbon building standards and embrace sustainable materials can benefit from increased market share, access to government incentives, and improved brand reputation. They can contribute to a more environmental-conscious industry landscape, and inspire future greener fashions.
The most obvious benefits of green building materials are lower operational costs, increased energy efficiency, and reduced waste. These materials also help improve indoor air, and can promote the health of occupants. However, incorporating green building materials into your projects can require a significant investment, especially in the initial phase of construction. It can be difficult for project owners to implement green initiatives, despite the potential long-term benefits.
You can purchase green building materials from a number of sources including manufacturers, green building rating systems, and certifications. Green product databases usually provide LCA data as well as product information for individual manufacturers, while green building ratings and certifications present a list of criteria that can be used to select sustainable products.
Some organizations offer green specifications for construction documents in addition to standards and databases. These guidelines are available from the EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines and Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Plus. They can help designers include sustainability criteria in projects.
Once a set of green building materials has been selected, it is important to include clear and binding specification language in the construction documents. It will help to prevent "or equivalent" substitutions, and contractors will be more aware of green performance requirements.
Many CRE professionals focus on retrofitting old buildings with green materials. While it may be a daunting task, this is an important one. It will increase the efficiency of a building and improve its indoor air quality. If you need help selecting and implementing sustainable materials, consult a sustainability expert who can offer the best advice for achieving your goals.
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