If you have invested in energy consumption with minimal dependence on power plants, the next step in creating “green” buildings should be to minimize heat loss. The main method for achieving this goal is effective insulation: from triple-glazed windows to residential attics finished with heat-trapping layers of cellulose, fiberglass and mineral rock wool.
Maintaining a stable indoor temperature minimizes the need for heating sources. It also germany phone number list reduces the use of gas or electricity, some of which are produced using dwindling natural resources that are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.
Increasing the layers of thermal insulation is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to achieve energy savings. It reduces ongoing operating costs, which is especially important during periods of economic instability, increases the attractiveness of commercial and residential real estate, reduces periods of downtime and allows the building to remain suitable for its intended use longer. All these factors, in turn, eliminate the need to invest additional funds in reconstruction or a new construction project in the future.
Green buildings
It may seem easier to just tear down the entire structure and build a brand new structure, but it’s not. Keeping the existing elements of a building reduces its carbon footprint, even if every brick or stone is reused.
Resource conservation measures in green buildings can also extend to furniture, decor and hidden infrastructure. For example, existing heating pipes can be used, or high-quality roof tiles from a demolished factory can be installed on the roofs of new houses replacing it.
Maintaining functional appeal
Environmental issues are bringing a variety of innovations into our lives, and the rapid spread of electric vehicles is a prime example. A modern building equipped with multiple fast-charging stations is effectively protected from downtime. Failure to integrate charging stations into a building today may reduce its attractiveness to residents or workers in the future. In addition, integrating green technologies into an outdated building can be very difficult, depriving its owners of potential benefits.
It is very important to understand how an object can perform not only its main function. For example, the free roof of an office complex is suitable for placing an apiary or planting plants that absorb carbon dioxide and help maintain the population of certain species of insects.
Compliance with the ESG agenda
Installing beehives above the top floor of an office may seem like a strange idea, but it is a great way to attract new employees who follow modern trends. It is worth remembering that even if some design elements do not bring tangible benefits today, they are still worth considering, as they will increase the attractiveness of the facility in the coming years. In addition, such an initiative is suitable for mentioning in the annual report in the section on environmental protection.
Remember that doing things regularly for the benefit of society is always more important than constantly demonstrating isolated actions. However, actively advertising your awareness can be useful not only for recruiting and retaining staff, but also for attracting investors. “Green” buildings are an obvious way to demonstrate a commitment to the environmental agenda and a good tool for achieving such difficult goals as maintaining carbon neutrality.