Why construction companies are going green

With focus on protecting the environment at a high, construction companies are now looking at ways that they can be eco-friendly, while still being able to make a profit. Light Supplier finds out more…

One increasingly popular way to improve environmental credentials is through the creation of sustainable design builds, also known as ‘Green Buildings’. These buildings are designed to be environmentally-friendly, as well as resource efficient; reducing unnecessary waste of energy, gas and water.

Green Building should not be seen as a new trend in the construction industry, it is now an essential part of protecting our environment, and something that all future builds should take into consideration.

These builds rely on using natural resources that we have available and ensuring they are reusable, recyclable and able to withstand climate changes.  With a rising demand for green buildings, many construction companies are now offering this service.

Benefits of going green

Construction is one of the biggest industries in the world, and has the potential to make a huge difference on protecting the environment.

The designers and builders working on a green build plan are responsible for ensuring they have as little impact on the environment as possible. They do this by making use of natural resources, such as using natural sunlight as a source for light or building heat in the building, reducing rainwater run off to re-use, and even ensuring the location has good transport links to avoid excess emissions from cars. 

They will ensure that they use as many natural materials as possible in order to keep wastage at a minimum, even though they may occasionally have to source some synthetic materials from environmentally-friendly companies. As environmental planning is taken into consideration in these builds, natural resources are conserved, helping to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.

Businesses that are looking to invest in or rent out space in a green build will benefit from a healthy environment. Traditional air conditioning systems will be replaced by clean and fresh ventilation systems that use real outdoor air, which will be recycled throughout the building. This prevents common issues such illness, breathing problems and overheating, resulting in a happier environment for occupants to work in. 

Operating costs are an advantage of a green build: they will be highly reduced as result of reduction of energy, saving a lot of money for occupants. A building that has an eco-footprint will also have a higher market value than other builds; it has been noted that UK commercial builds with an environmental certificate can sell for 38% more than a non-sustainable building. 

There are many benefits of going green for both the construction companies and occupants. With a rising demand for green buildings, the construction industry is set to get even bigger.