Utilizing Green Building Technology in Construction
Without a doubt, green building is on the rise as trends attest. According to McGraw-Hill Construction publication, 28 percent of architects, engineers, contractors, building owners and building consultants around the world report that they are focusing their work on sustainable design and construction by doing at least 60 percent of their projects green. The reason for this growth is that green initiatives represent business opportunities in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. In 2008, McGraw-Hill Construction conducted a study on green and sustainable practices in the construction industry sector and found that a main reason for green building was “doing the right thing.” Today, client and market demands have made green construction a business imperative.
California has long been at the forefront of sustainable design and construction and is farther along than most states in managing its energy consumption and environmental impact. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, which is experiencing a boom in commercial real estate development and construction sectors, many cities have adopted green building standards and implemented programs designed to conserve resources and reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Concurrently, new construction technologies are being developed to keep up with an escalating shift to sustainability.
South Bay Construction and Green Building Technology
Since 1978, South Bay Construction has created award-winning buildings and offices for the Silicon Valley’s most recognized companies. We know that benefits of green construction include greater health and productivity, low rental vacancy rates for LEED-certified buildings, cost savings for business and taxpayers and increased property values. Whether constructing a new sustainable building or greening an existing structure, the following trends are ones we see in green construction technologies aiming to save the planet.
Using Sustainable Construction Materials
Green construction materials are alternatives to prevent exhausting already depleted natural resources. For example, steel beams made from recycled metal help eliminate the need for wood beams and recycled steel offers more resistance to severe weather conditions.
Lighting
Title 24 stipulates that lighting in commercial buildings use ADR (automated demand response) in buildings 10,000 sq. ft. and larger. Title 24 also requires use of occupancy sensors in corridors, stairwells and aisles/open areas. Multi-level controls allows energy savings to be achieved in situations where complete shut off could be unacceptable, for example in hotel or multi-family buildings.
Zero-Energy Buildings
Zero-energy buildings are designed to rely on renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, allowing them to operate independent of the electric grid. California’s Governor Jerry Brown recently authorized through executive order that state agencies take measures towards achieving zero net energy for 50 percent of the square footage of existing state-owned buildings by 2025.
Water Reuse
Actions to achieve net-zero water use in buildings include installing water-conservation plumbing fixtures to manage water consumption, and rainwater harvesting and greywater collection to make use of recycled water.
Indoor Environmental Quality
Providing increased air quality and thermal and visual comfort enhances the health and productivity of its occupants and also improves the value of the building.
At South Bay Construction, we live and work in the Bay Area. We have embraced sustainable construction methodologies that promote a cleaner, greener environment to protect the beauty of the Bay Area for generations to come. Contact us today for a quote on your next green building project.
