Energy Efficient Construction
Environmental Design Consulting
Green Building and Development Techniques
Environmental Design Consulting
Green Building and Development Techniques
Energy Efficient Construction
Environmental Design Consulting
Green Building and Development Techniques
Environmental Design Consulting
Green Building and Development Techniques
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
The simplest way to reduce material consumption in the building cycle is to construct smaller structures, specifically homes. The average size of a new home in 2005 reached a record 2,412 square feet, whereas the average size in 1970 was 1,556 square feet and 983 square foot in 1950. During this time the average family size has actually decreased. In addition, there is on average 8,000 lbs of waste generated for every new 2000 square foot of home built. Therefore, if you are considering building a new home try to build only the space you need, and if designed smarter you will even get better use out of a smaller floor plan. Another consideration when building a structure is simple floor plans with dimensional lengths so that materials are not wasted. For instance it is better to build a 12 foot wall than a 13 foot wall as sheetrock, OSB and other materials come in 4 foot widths. Simpler elevations and roof plans also create a lot less waste. Waste prevention like reusing building materials and scrap is also more beneficial than recycling as it prevents waste and reduces new material usage.
Reuse of existing structures as well as materials salvaged from structures that have reached the end of their lifecycle is also a great way to help the environment. Tearing down old structures and replacing them with new ones requires a lot of energy and new materials as well as generating a lot of waste for the landfill as most demolitions are done quickly and efficiently with little salvage efforts to save on costs. Many older buildings that are structurally sound can be saved, modified if necessary and renovated to create new and beautiful buildings that are more energy efficient. In addition, when remodeling, evaluate and salvage as many components (like cabinetry and doors) and old lumber as possible.
Recycling is not widely practiced in the construction industry and a lot of waste consisting of 35% lumber and manufactured wood products, 15% drywall, 12% masonry materials and 10% cardboard make up the majority of the waste. The rest consists of roofing materials, metals, plaster, plastics, foam, insulation, textiles, glass and packaging. Many large cities now have recycling programs and with minimal effort many of these wastes can be diverted from the landfill and recycled into new products. Recycled products have a substantially smaller carbon footprint then new materials. In addition, when renovating an old structure make sure to separate metal fixtures and materials like radiators, grates, piping, aluminum siding and old appliances.
Reuse of existing structures as well as materials salvaged from structures that have reached the end of their lifecycle is also a great way to help the environment. Tearing down old structures and replacing them with new ones requires a lot of energy and new materials as well as generating a lot of waste for the landfill as most demolitions are done quickly and efficiently with little salvage efforts to save on costs. Many older buildings that are structurally sound can be saved, modified if necessary and renovated to create new and beautiful buildings that are more energy efficient. In addition, when remodeling, evaluate and salvage as many components (like cabinetry and doors) and old lumber as possible.
Recycling is not widely practiced in the construction industry and a lot of waste consisting of 35% lumber and manufactured wood products, 15% drywall, 12% masonry materials and 10% cardboard make up the majority of the waste. The rest consists of roofing materials, metals, plaster, plastics, foam, insulation, textiles, glass and packaging. Many large cities now have recycling programs and with minimal effort many of these wastes can be diverted from the landfill and recycled into new products. Recycled products have a substantially smaller carbon footprint then new materials. In addition, when renovating an old structure make sure to separate metal fixtures and materials like radiators, grates, piping, aluminum siding and old appliances.
