Before defining this new trend, it is important to understand some of the main reasons that concerned scientists, architects, engineers, government agencies and construction professionals in general to develop this green movement.
They analyzed the effects of conventional construction and found a significant negative impact on the environment, many health problems caused to workers and occupants and secondly the high operating costs due to the failure of their systems.
Among some of the negative environmental impacts, we note the following:
- "According to the Department of Energy of the United States, buildings consume 37% more power and 68% of the electricity produced annually.
- It is attributed the 38% emission of Carbon Dioxide to existing buildings.
- "In the United States, approximately 340 billion of fresh water are extracted daily from rivers and reservoirs for use in buildings, where only 5 billion gallons of potable water per day is used to lower the toilets.
- "The construction and demolition waste constitutes approximately 40% of total solid waste in the United States.
- In 2003 is estimated to have been generated about 170 million tons of waste and debris related to construction and demolition.
Among the negative health impacts can include the following:
- "According to the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States, the internal levels of particle air pollutants in a building are 2 to 5 times, and occasionally 100 times higher than external levels.
- "In conventional construction, there is the use of materials that emit volatile components such as formaldehyde, among others, found in wood products, glues, adhesives, most carpets, fabrics, paints, etc. Which cause irritation to eyes, throat, nose, causing skin irritation, asthma and even cancer.
- "During the construction process, generate large amounts of dust particles. This results in indoor air pollution which is causing respiratory problems and asthma among its workers.
BENEFITS:
From the environmental point of view, the Green building practices can substantially eliminate the negative impact on the ecosystem,reducing the large amount of waste, improving the quality of air we breathe, while preserving natural resources.
Compared to conventional construction, green building, emits 33% less polluting gases into the environment, and
have a power consumption savings of 26%.
Operating costs of systems is reduced by 9% and 13% maintenance.
This construction has increased worker productivity, reduce health risks and the lawsuits associated with them.
It is estimated that property values increased by 10% per square foot compared to the conventional one because it has greater efficiency in their equipment, and provides a healthier place to live or work, with 27% more satisfaction in its occupants.
GO GREEN AND LIVE HEALTHIER!
