3 Components for Effective Sustainable Building Design

Sustainable building is a fantastic trend that supports the environment without compromising the comfort for the inhabitants. However, many people still don’t know much about them, especially considering they aren’t exactly on every corner. The good news is that more and more people are starting to see the benefits, if not for the environment than on their wallets. Sustainable building is all about leaning on the resources the planet provides – saving money in your wallets. Learn more about what it takes for them to be effective, and how they work.

Space Efficiency

Optimizing space is a key component in sustainable building design. In order to do so, architects must maximize interior daylighting through the introduction of daylight and views into occupied areas of a building with a well-structured floor plan. There are two focus areas for space efficiency, including the use of open-space to maximize interior daylighting (delivery systems) and a raised floor to facilitate the use of underfloor systems that can improve HVAC efficiency and control, reduce overhead, and easy access to power and communications.

Energy Savings

Solar power is an underutilized form of energy, and while not everyone has enough light coming in during every month, it’s still a valuable resource that can power all of your appliances for pennies on the dollar. Shifting to energy efficient equipment, implementing design strategies that reduce dependence on HVAC systems, and relying on more natural lighting is key to optimizing energy performance and savings.

Waste Reduction

Essentially, you’re trying to get rid of any waste that might be generated in the building. From compost to recycling and beyond, sustainable buildings attempt to eliminate as much trash as possible. There are a number of ways that sustainable buildings can reuse objects inside and it just takes a little ingenuity and planning to do. By using reusable and reconfigurable products, materials with minimal packaging, and quality products that will stand the test of time, this will directly minimize the negative environmental impact of a building.

If you are looking for green construction services or general contracting service for a variety of different design projects, contact Schonsheck, Inc today.