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December 1, 2022
Trends tend to come and go in the construction world.
Green building techniques, however, have been reshaping the industry for a significant amount of time.
It’s safe to say eco-friendly design and construction are here to stay.
So what’s the latest when it comes to sustainability in commercial building design and construction?
Here’s a peek at some:
Net zero energy
Net zero energy construction is taking off in many different building types.
The goal of a ‘net zero energy’ facility is for it to produce as much energy through sources, such as solar or wind power as it consumes, creating a zero net impact on the environment.
Part of this strategy includes the storage of power.
Storage goes beyond simply producing power to having power available for those times when generation is not occurring.
Builders are incorporating zero energy techniques to design more efficient, durable and sustainable structures, and doing it at a competitive cost.
Net zero energy construction techniques typically involve several of the following strategies:
Using solar, wind or other site-based sources to generate power.Battery energy storage systems, or BESS.Taking advantage of efficient building systems and equipment that reduce or eliminate power consumption.Utilizing better building envelope technologies to maximize energy performance.
Using sustainable building materials
Perhaps the sustainable construction technique most easily implemented is the use of sustainable building materials.
These are materials typically sourced from renewables and also contain high amounts of recycled content.
Another aspect is products and materials that use lower amounts of energy to extract, manufacture and transport.
Green building materials may come from sustainable raw materials, but can also be produced from innovative manufacturing processes that reduce harmful emissions to the atmosphere.
Concrete and steel are two examples of materials now being produced via eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
Higher-performing buildings developed through the use of advanced technologies applied to product manufacturing and building construction are transforming the construction industry at an increasing pace.
Exploring new ideas can be the cornerstone of innovative use of sustainable building materials.
Through the use of sustainable building materials, structures will likely have a lower carbon footprint and better energy efficiency.
Flexible space design
Flexible and dynamic design is another sustainable technique, which involves making a space multi-functional.
This dynamic design trend first started with common areas like reception areas being designed to also act as administrative spaces and a lounge for both guests and employees.
The technique is being incorporated into hallways, classrooms, stairways, meeting spaces and dining spaces, and has taken on added importance with changes that occurred with our new understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and other social challenges.
By making a previously static space more useful for different functions, architects and builders can improve operational efficiency, reduce material usage and save on valuable resources.
Resilience
Sustainable construction also involves improving the durability and resiliency of buildings.
Climate change and growth have increased the impact of weather and geological events (such as flooding, wildfires, and hurricanes) with structures needing to be designed to withstand those situations or be easily repaired after those events occur.
These eco-friendly design and construction techniques not only contribute to more sustainable structures but also result in reduced costs, increased quality and improved efficiency over the lifetime of the structure.
Jody Andres is a senior project architect at Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc., an Appleton-based, integrated Total Project Management firm.
