Sustainable Buildings
Sun, 11/04/2007 - 01:59 — feedthefire
Sustainable Buildings are designed, built and operated in a way that use resources with ecological efficiency throughout the structure, such as steel, concrete and wood as well as the resources necessary to operate the building, such as water, gas and electricity. Sustainable construction of buildings conserves natural resources by using materials that are recycled and/or renewable, by salvaging the waste associated with building and by operating the structures using recycling rather than sending waste to landfills. Besides reducing a building’s negative impact on the environment, these types of structures are also designed to meet certain objectives resulting in healthier conditions for inhabitants. Green buildings have interior spaces that maximize natural light and outdoor space; highly efficient heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems; use low-volatile organic compound materials (VOC) like paint, sealants, carpet and furniture; and provide higher levels of filtered outside air to insure superior indoor air quality. |