Green Trends that Are Shaping Our Future

Sustainability is one of architecture’s and engineering’s main concerns right now. This comes as no surprise since the construction industry is responsible for a great deal of the carbon footprint in the world. Ever since this topic has taken a predominant role in the conversation, several green initiatives have emerged. Here’s a list of green initiatives that we believe will transcend and contribute to a better future.

Passive conservation

Passive conservation is focused on the conditions that help conserve energy in a building continuously. This can only be achieved with meticulous planning where every opportunity is seized. For example, the correct insulation of walls and the installment of double windows can prevent heat from escaping in the winter and can also keep the interiors cool during the summer, which requires less energy overall. Low flow toilets and showers, as well as solar panels are other ways of achieving this. Nowadays, many new buildings are implementing these aspects from the start.

Energy Efficiency Within Real Estate

The idea of applying mortgage regulations over new properties in order for them to meet certain sustainability requirements can be an interesting incentive for new homeowners. This initiative, which is already being applied in some cities, can boost the sustainable culture among the population in a positive way.

Sustainable Materials

Sustainable construction materials are diversifying and being perfected along with the popularization of sustainability as a main goal for the industry. From steel beams to biomaterials, the idea is to find resistant and efficient materials that will reduce the carbon footprint that each building causes, as well as being able to decompose naturally when the building’s life cycle concludes. 

Construction Resiliency

More than a single action, this comprehends a shift in the whole construction culture. Resiliency does not only mitigate the effects on the environment, it also allows developers to save money and resources while executing projects that truly face the future. How do we develop buildings that meet the current environmental needs while providing a life span worthy of our efforts? How do we incorporate resiliency in each and every step of the way? This may look different according to each region and culture, but one thing is true: we need to reconfigure the way in which we approach urban development.

What do you think of these trends? Have you heard of more initiatives towards a sustainable future? Share them with us! YOU MUST READ 5 Modern Architectural Feats that Will Go Down in History.

• Chloe Taylor, “5 Green Trends Influencing the Architecture and Design Landscape”, Green Building Insider, https://greenbuildinginsider.com/1265/green-trends-influencing-architecture-design-landscape
• “Green Architecture: Trends in Sustainable Building”,  McPherson Architecture, https://mcphersonarchitecture.com/blog-post/trends-in-sustainable-building/
• Katie Weeks, “Seven Key Green Building Trends”, Architect Magazine, https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/seven-key-green-building-trends_o