Green Technology: Creating Greener, More Efficient Building Techniques

The benefits of green building go beyond energy conservation. Green buildings improve the health of those who inhabit them because the materials used are nontoxic. In addition to lowered toxicity, the building materials are also re-used or re-usable, so they have a low impact on existing resources. But how do architects and engineers go about using these materials to design and build green structures? Here are a few green building techniques that are used in the creation of efficient green buildings. Site Assessment Before construction begins, architects and engineers must determine if the building site is environmentally sound. Since the goal of green and sustainable building is to protect both the environment and the building’s inhabitants, techniques like mapping and geo-location are used to ensure that the building’s location is easily accessible to those who wish to use it. The site should be located in an area where it doesn’t impact the environment in a significant way. It shouldn’t be situated in a wetlands, for instance. The building shouldn’t be situated in an area that would increase sprawl, or lead to a long commute for employees that work there. Engineering Green Construction Sites Once the site has been approved, the actual building begins. The job of maintaining a green construction site is usually undertaken by civil engineers. Civil engineers study the impact that construction sites and buildings have on the surrounding environment. Unlike architects who study how to artfully design buildings, civil engineering is a more pragmatic field and engineers often earn an online master’s in civil engineering while on the job. They put this knowledge to use by using techniques that facilitate green construction. They monitor water usage, and limit excessive heavy equipment so that waste is minimal and little damage is done to the surrounding area and environment. Civil engineers establish the safest routes taken by heavy equipment so that earth and resources aren’t negatively impacted. Green Materials Civil engineers assist architects in choosing materials that support both the design of the building and the building’s green requirements. They determine which materials are the most sustainable and durable and which materials work best to support the building’s design. Some materials, like sand and concrete, are desirable because of their low toxicity and their extreme durability. When designing and constructing a green building, civil engineers and architects use techniques that take into consideration the building's location and the most suitable, environmentally-sound building materials.