7 Merits Associated With Sustainable Construction

Sustainable construction focuses on creating structures that are built and operate efficiently. Sustainable construction is needed to reserve the limited amount of resources we have on earth. It becomes more imperative to produce sustainable construction solutions, as the population continues to grow. Preserving the planet is the most important benefit of sustainable construction, but there are also other benefits like building cost reduction and increased worker productivity. Below mentioned is a list of 7 benefits associated with sustainable construction.

1. Cost Reduction

The upfront cost of investing in sustainable construction is on average 2.5%- 7% more than traditional construction. These percentages vary depending on what is being constructed. To negate the increased cost of building green, the government offers Tax incentives. Advances in sustainable construction technologies are Producing innovative ways to cut costs, use less water and lower carbon emission. Decisions like dry hire vs wet hire along with strategic green building plans can help reduce construction and building costs.

2. Improves worker productivity 

A series of studies found that employees of Green buildings tested higher on cognitive tests, reported higher sleep quality and reported having better health overall. The study included 109 participants from 10 different buildings and compared the cognitive results of occupants in green-certified buildings versus traditional buildings. Green certified building occupants reported:

• 24.6% Higher cognitive test scores

• 6.4% higher sleep quality

• 30% fewer sick symptoms

The better lighting conditions, better thermal conditions, and reduced us of VOCs and formaldehyde in green-certified buildings seem to affect occupants positively.

3. Less of an impact on the environment

Susbstanible construction provides a great opportunity to reduce carbon emissions, plant new vegetation and reduce water usage. Reducing waste during construction would reduce deforestation, and the use of recycled material reduces material sent to landfills. 

4. Noise reduction/ cleaner air

Another funded study found that greens walls can dampen noise. The amount of noise deduction was dependent on which type of green wall structure was used, but a weight sound reduction index of 15db and a weighted sound absorption coefficient of 0.40 were found to be possible with green walls. 

Plants have a natural way of diffracting, absorbing and interfering with sounds that could be used in future technologies. In future technologies, we could use plants for noised reduction and for purifying the air.

5. Good for Businesses

Sustainable construction is a rapidly growing subsection of the construction market. Climate change is a pertinent issue that will not be going away. A survey showed respondents expect 60% of their building project to be green-based through 2021. 

There will be plenty of projects available for green construction which means more revenue for construction companies. Also, Construction companies who build green are required to be certified. Certification can provide creditability, increasing the chances of attracting new customers. Going green is just an all-around good look for any business.

6. Helping to improve health

Sustainable construction can help improve the overall health of the global population through numerous methods like purifying the air, encouraging physical activity and better sleep quality. 

7. Conserving resources

Sustainable construction uses less water, recycles more material and sends less waste to landfills. This reduction in resource use will ensure that there are enough resources for everyone in the future.

Sustainable construction is helping the globe to reach net-zero carbon emissions, reducing waste and proving to be profitable for businesses. With all of the benefits of sustainable construction, it is inconceivable that the future would be full of anything but green buildings.