Throughout the past decade, green building trends and developments have certainly gained momentum. In the past, “going green” was more of a novelty rather than a here-to-stay necessity. The question is no longer whether or not to jump on the green bandwagon, but more of a question of “how” to get involved. How to decrease construction waste and how to maximize energy savings, water conservation and how to enhance workplace productivity.
Green Building Trends Continue to Grow
According to green building elements, green building activity is growing and continues to double every three years. A recent study conducted across the United States found that more than 60% of all projects would be green projects by 2018. In recognition of Earth Month, we’re featuring a blog series of the top green building trends businesses can expect this year.
LEED Ratings
As we mentioned above, more and more businesses are becoming green savvy; looking for ways to incorporate these practices in their buildings. Likewise, an increased number of building owners and managers will set sustainable goals to achieve LEED certification. From high-cost savings and increased property values to public health gains and lower rental vacancy rates, the benefits of LEED-certified buildings are driving dramatic green building market growth.
Cool Roofs
Cool roofs are the future of sustainable energy-saving rooftops that actually lower temperatures and energy usage. They utilize eco-friendly roofing materials such as foam, metal, tile, and rubber polymers that cool and insulate. Looking at savings, you can expect a 7-15% total cooling cost savings. That’s a lot more than recycled shingles can provide.
Green Roofs
Different from cool roofs, green roofs use plant vegetation to double a roof’s lifespan. It’s literally a green roof! This environmentally friendly roof adds a natural base of insulation to keep the structure cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It reduces storm water runoff…and at the same time, cleans the air! According to an article in Living Architecture Monitor,
“The roofs consist of a water resistant membrane, soil and the vegetation that is being grown. A number of factors determine whether the green roof upkeep is “extensive” (requiring, for instance, only annual weeding and fertilizing), intensive (requiring irrigation and other regular types of upkeep) or somewhere in between, or semi-intensive. The soil depth will vary depending on the demands of what is planted and the amount of maintenance the building managers want to provide. Unlike a traditional roof, an appropriately maintained green roof has an almost limitless lifespan.”
Water Conservation
As states across the nation continue to experience droughts, water conservation and efficiency becomes even more important. Rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, irrigation technologies and efficient landscaping (Xeriscaping) will all gain in popularity.
WELL Building
The WELL Building Standard (WELL) is the world’s first building standard focused exclusively on human health and wellness. WELL commercial building designs start with sustainability as a platform, but expands on it. The goal is to facilitate human health through seven thematic categories—air, comfort, fitness, light, mind, nourishment, and water—with requirements meant to align with those of LEED.
KMB Stays on Top of Green Building Trends
Reducing energy consumption and reducing water consumption tops the list as most important green building trends. So, as building owners seek to create a more sustainable, energy-efficient and productive environment, KMB seeks to provide the sustainable engineering solutions to make it happen.
Contact us to get started today!