As more people are becoming aware of our planet’s environmental situation, more have started looking into numerous opportunities to make a difference in their own way. For some, that means turning to less wasteful behaviors and habits, trying out the plant-based diet (or at the very least meatless Mondays), and going for green architecture, design, and building solutions for their homes. The last on the list has become somewhat of a growing trend in the construction industry across the globe, as many homeowners are doing their best to refurbish and build their houses and apartments with Mother Nature in mind.
Although we can expect a range of new and innovative solutions on the horizon, for the time being, there are a few carefully selected trends that have shown the potential to steal the spotlight in 2021. Whether you want to build a home from the ground up or you’re looking to make some changes, the following ideas can help you build green and preserve the environment in the process.
Rethinking the rooftop
Yes, smaller spaces are all the rage now, as more people are looking to cut down on maintenance expenses and costly adaptations for their homes. Smaller, cozier apartments and houses are more popular than ever, but since people want to make the most of their available space, it was only natural for this particular trend to emerge: adapting the rooftop.
Since the rooftop is typically the least used space for most houses and buildings, eco-conscious builders have started offering customized rooftop solutions that maximize the use of space and give it a new purpose. You can use it for a rooftop garden, a small gym, or for your solar panels. It all depends on your location, climate, and of course, the purpose you want to give your roof.
Solar and other green energy sources
Renewable energy is a growing trend in construction, meaning that more people are looking to leverage already accessible, and even cost-effective options such as solar panels to go green. Thanks to the more recent innovations in this realm, there are various affordable and widely available solar solutions that are easy to install, even easier to maintain, and they provide ample energy for entire homes – depending on your location.
The same goes for water and wind-based energy grids. If you live in a region that utilizes such power sources of renewable energy, you can look for construction experts that can help adapt your home or business space to use it.
Eco-friendly lighting solutions
Much like implementing solar panels to fuel your home with green energy, you should also consider this rising trend of transitioning to sustainable, long-lasting lighting solutions. This is especially vital for larger commercial spaces, be they galleries, or even entire institutions such as hospitals, where lighting is both aesthetic and functional. Many lighting experts such as this company called BUCK Lighting offer numerous LED-based solutions that ensure sustainability with their products.
These LED lights are purposeful, durable, but also in line with the latest sustainability requirements, making them a cost-effective element of construction, and one that both homeowners and business owners can use to build with sustainability in mind.
Building for water and energy efficiency
Wastefulness has been a trait of our species for a very long time, but now that we have realized how harmful this attitude can be, building companies have started investing in solutions that prevent the problem at the source. For example, among many things worth considering for building green, you should make sure that your water and electricity installations are made with preservation in mind.
From water faucets that prevent water waste, to automatic thermostats that prevent wasting energy on heat, you can make your home comfortable, but also eco-friendly. Cooling systems such as your AC can also be taken into consideration and replaced with advanced architectural solutions that allow for natural airflow and better heating and cooling, while you choose cutting-edge ACs if need be.
A transition to green materials
Much like in manufacturing and production of any kind, we are rapidly turning to materials and resources that aren’t harmful to the environment and don’t lead to the destruction of wildlife habitats, or increased soil, air, and water pollution. To help in this goal, construction companies and architectures alike are now pushing for an increase in using natural, green materials that can help keep the process as sustainable as possible.
Unlike timber, bamboo is extremely easy and quick to grow, less demanding and it allows for durable building solutions. It can be used in making tiles and flooring instead of traditional wood, as well as decking. Then, natural wool is a great material for natural insulation, and it’s compostable when it’s time to be replaced, so it doesn’t pollute the environment. It’s also flame-resistant, making it a safer choice for family houses, too.
Despite the still ongoing pandemic that has yet to affect our lives in the months to come, companies that contribute to green building have been growing steadily, and will continue to grow this year, too. This alone shows the persistence of people to find and stick to green, more sustainable solutions that will both allow us to build the home of our dreams, but also to protect our natural world. These trends will contribute to that mindset and growing awareness, and thus change the construction industry for good.
