# Why Sustainable Building Techniques Are the Future of Construction

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/10/why-sustainable-building-techniques-are-the-future-of-construction/
- Published: 2020-10-26T02:49:28-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Firstly, using green building techniques is a fast-growing trend. That’s especially
in the construction industry. Therefore, the U.S. Green Building Council ([USGBC](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/usgbc-reports-green-building-trends-green-keeps-growing/))
certifies [2.2 million certified square feet](https://new.usgbc.org/press/about-leed)
per day. That’s according to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (
LEED) [green building](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/09/communities-living-in-danger-chemical-disasters-see-ruling-as-important-victory-for-health-and-safety-allowing-177-million-americans-sleep-easier/)
rating system. Cause the global market for green building materials is expected 
to grow to [$364.6 billion by 2022](https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-green-building-materials-market).

So, various factors are causing this push toward green buildings. To start, they
consume less energy, use more [environmentally friendly materials](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/making-manufacturing-better-for-the-planet/)
and offer healthier indoor environments for their occupants. Here are five of the
biggest drivers.

![Why sustainable building techniques are the future of construction](https://i0.
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unsplash.jpg?resize=420%2C315&quality=52&ssl=1 "Why Sustainable Building Techniques
Are the Future of Construction - The Green Living Guy")

#### **1. Environmental Concerns**

Of course, concerns about the state of our environment. That’s namely [climate change and resource scarcity](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/businesses-focus-short-term-sustainability-goals-not-climate-change-resource-scarcity/).
They are one significant reason for the increased focus on sustainability in construction.

More importantly, buildings use significant amounts of energy. Also, therefore, 
give to climate change-causing greenhouse gas ([GHG](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/ghg-carbon-markets-take-flight-in-europe-txchnologist/))
emissions. According to the World Economic Forum, around 30 percent of GHG emissions
come from facilities built by the infrastructure and urban development industry.
Constructing buildings also uses about 3 billion tons of raw materials every year.

So as climate change and other environmental problems become more clear and well-
understood, the construction industry is taking steps. Steps to cut its environmental
impact to help address them.

#### **2. Cost Reductions**

In addition to its environmental benefits, making construction activities more [sustainable has economic benefits](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/01/sustainability-pop-up-retail-trends-and-benefits/).
Although employing green building techniques can sometimes increase initial costs,
it leads to savings over the long term and increases the value of buildings.

Heating and cooling constitute a significant part of the cost of operating a building
and require large amounts of energy. Green building techniques aim to make heating
and cooling more efficient. One way green builders do this is by improving the insulation
in a building to [tighten the thermal envelope](https://www.superiorwalls.com/resources/green-info/)
or cut the amount of air that escapes.

Green buildings can also cut the cost of lighting, which can make up 10 to 30 percent
of a building’s energy use, by incorporating more efficient technologies such as
LED bulbs and allowing in more natural light.

⌊ADATA LED lamp⌉⌊ADATA LED lamp⌉⌊ADATA led lamp opened⌉⌊ADATA led lamp opened⌉

#### **3. Increased Comfort and Health**

More importantly, green construction companies are also increasingly focused on 
making buildings healthier. Many of the same measures that make buildings more environmentally
friendly can also make them more comfortable and healthy for the people who occupy
them.

Green builders often focus on improving ventilation, so occupants get more fresh
air and allow more natural light into the building. Green buildings often use more
natural materials and fewer harmful substances.

One recent study found that occupants rated green buildings [10 percent more comfortable](https://www.worldgbc.org/news-media/green-buildings-and-healthy-buildings)
than other structures. A Harvard study also found that working in a healthier, green
building can improve cognitive scores, potentially making employees more productive.
The study found that workers’ cognitive scores increased by 61 percent after one
day in a building with improved ventilation and 101 percent after two days.

#### **4. Standards and Regulations**

Both voluntary standards and legal requirements are increasing the use of green 
building techniques around the world. Many companies are seeking certification for
green building standards to increase the value of their facilities. These standards
are becoming more well-known, and many new rating systems have emerged in recent
years.

[Some of these standards include](https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/green-building-standards)
LEED, the International Code Council’s International Green Construction Code (IgCC).
Also, the International Living Future Institute’s [Living Building](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/02/green-architecture-what-makes-a-structure-a-living-building/)
Challenge. Sustainable construction also contributes to global goals, such as the
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

#### **5. Public Pressure**

Public pressure and consumer demand are also significant drivers of the use of green
building techniques. According to the World Green Building Trends 2016 report from
Dodge Data & Analytics, client demand was the top reason for using green building
techniques, with [40 percent of firms](http://fidic.org/sites/default/files/World%20Green%20Building%20Trends%202016%20SmartMarket%20Report%20FINAL.pdf)
citing it as such.

Consumers are starting to value [sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/04/gold-transparency-building-consumer-trust/)
in the products they purchase and the buildings they buy or rent. Many businesses
want to operate out of sustainable buildings to help them meet their environmental
targets, reduce their costs and improve their reputation among consumers.

Due to the benefits green buildings provide, consumers, businesses and governments
are pushing for more [environmentally friendly buildings](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/breakthrough-envelope-sealing-technology-to-be-used-on-all-new-homes-built-by-arizona-based-production-builder/).
Sustainable building techniques will be an increasingly important part of the construction
industry in the years to come.

#### **_Bio:_**

Emily Folk is a freelance writer and blogger from Lancaster, PA. She covers topics
in conservation, sustainability and renewable energy. See her latest posts. Check
out her blog Conservation Folks, or follow her on Twitter

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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