Next Generation Construction Leads to Understanding Green Build Opportunities
Friday, May 11, 2012 at 12:01AM
The initial reaction is to place increased cost with efficient buildings the ability to construct elegant buildings is a change in mind set and doable. The Guardian out of the UK article "Can buildings be elegant and efficient?" authored by Alistair Guthrie posed the question. Greenbuild and energy efficiency is not a question of elegance but in development of systems optimizing resources in consideration of environment.
The relevance of environment and construction is vital in the transformation of new builds,
Over 70% of an average city's greenhouse gas emissions derive from buildings and the construction industry itself consumes more than 12% of the world's water. We only have one planet's worth of resources and it is vital that we transform the way the manmade environment is planned, designed, constructed and operated. It's more important than ever that engineers and designers work together to make sure all construction projects not only achieve emissions targets, but also meet the needs of future inhabitants whilst remaining visually attractive.
This challenging context has inspired the delivery of a new wave of beautiful landmarks in cities worldwide. Many sustainable buildings are also remarkable iconic structures that are internationally recognised. This new-found harmony between elegance and efficiency is raising the bar for architecture, design and engineering. The best buildings perfectly integrate art and science: they look good, people enjoy being in them and they work efficiently.
The built environment is the largest user of natural resources in the world but the striking buildings emerging from this marriage of elegance and efficiency are also becoming powerful statements from mayors and property owners about their intent to improve the environmental impact of their city and perhaps, over time, they will also encourage a change in consumer behaviour.
What I determine is in the "Next Generation Construction" that manages resources, energy and efficiencies with resources to produce and design new sustainable construction that considers life cycle, recycle and environmental integration. Aesthetics is not a problem it is the moving developers and A/E firms to support next generation thinking that leads to LEED, greenbuild, energy efficient facilities that integrate vegetation and the nexus of water, waste and environment to balance cost, resources and outcomes that lead to better builds. To learn more on how to employ next generation construction on your projects contact LAND sds who are experts in Sustainable Green Energy Strategy and Consulting producing next generation thinking.