Every aspect of the building procedure, from material manufacturing to land development, can lead to long-lasting damage to the environment. It is well-known that traditionally, the design and construction industry did not give much thought to most buildings’ environmental impact. It is only in the previous few years that this particular industry has started to move towards sustainable architecture and has introduced sustainability ratings, green building principles, and several local as well as global governing bodies.

Focusing on sustainability is all about aiming to decrease the negative impact of buildings on the environment. It can be done through things like careful use of energy, materials, and development space. Besides focusing on architecture, there are also some things you can do once the project is completed. Learning how you can make your project eco-friendly is the key here. Here are the sustainable design practices for any building project.

1.   Choose the Correct Site

Site selection is highly important when it comes to decreasing the carbon footprint of a project and enhancing the occupant’s well-being. Ideally, the building site should be a dense area that people can easily access by bike, foot, or any public transport. Having the building in a walkable area promotes sustainable forms of transportation and decreases the carbon footprint that gas-powered vehicles can cause. In addition, the building site must feature trees that you can plant and safeguard during the construction procedure.

This is even truer for areas with extreme annual temperature changes because trees provide a lot of benefits. For instance, they provide shade while keeping the building cool during the summer. Once they lose their leaves in the winter, they allow the natural light to come in, which helps heat the building. Depending on the tree’s position, it can also act as a natural barrier against rough winter winds, helping the building maintain a consistent interior temperature.

2.   Think About Insulation

You should consider investing in quality insulation because that can make way for utility savings. Just an additional inch of insulation can significantly decrease the chances of drafts, allowing you to maintain a consistent indoor temperature during winter. It will offer more resiliency in case the mechanical system fails during extreme weather.

Quality insulation also enhances the comfort of the occupant, which decreases the chances of the individual turning up the thermostat. One thing that you should remember is that, unlike the other sustainable design techniques, investing in insulation might increase the overall construction costs. But you will definitely get a good return on your investment through utility savings.

3.   Take Advantage of Natural Ventilation

One of the best ways to reduce energy consumption is to basically power off the mechanical system and open the doors and windows instead. It will help ensure proper ventilation. When you open the windows, sensors will turn off the mechanical system, reducing energy consumption. However, the return you get on operable windows will depend highly on your building type as well as climate. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to take advantage of natural ventilation.

Wrapping Up

It is worth noting that buildings are responsible for around 40% of carbon emissions, which just highlights the importance of sustainable architecture. It is important to integrate sustainable design practices. The ones mentioned in this article are perfect for reducing your project’s carbon footprint.