What are the Benefits of Green Architecture?
/The “Green Movement” has seen many variations throughout history. From the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in 1948 to the Clean Energy Act in 2009 and beyond, Americans have continuously looked for ways to reduce waste and encourage recycling. While this means different things for different industries, the architecture industry has responded with the creation and development of green architecture.
Green architecture centers on the idea of sustainability. The ability to build with the environment in mind requires a calculated mix of ingenuity and commitment to conservation. As such, the pledge to “preserve as much as possible” lays the foundation for successful green architects today.
While many architecture firms claim to work with a green approach, many fail to adhere to critical preservation principles in practice. Understanding the primary benefits of green architecture lays the foundation for architects to embrace new technologies and build with a consideration for sustainability.
Green Architecture for Modern Sustainability
Vehicles get the most attention surrounding fossil fuel consumption. And while electric cars may play a big role in reducing said consumption in the future, the reality is that buildings, not vehicles, are responsible for being the largest energy consumer. According to research from the University of Michigan, nearly 40 percent of all energy consumption in the United States is used in residential and commercial buildings.
Energy consumption in buildings can be addressed with the implementation of green design. So, how can architects be a part of the solution? From sourcing local materials to incorporating solar design to using reclaimed materials, there is a great opportunity for sustainability in buildings. Green architecture opens the door to some truly impactful benefits:
Cost-effective: green architecture can lower building costs. Implementing habits like using reclaimed and recycled materials lowers construction costs. Plus, there are tax incentives for green home owners.
Energy-efficient: sustainable architecture shifts dependency from electricity to renewable energy sources to achieve the same thing. As a result, utility needs are lowered. For instance, solar power uses the sun’s energy for heating and cooling living spaces. However, while solar power is appropriate in sunny, warm climates, green dollars might be better spent on other alternates in colder, grayer climates.
Improved health: studies have shown that those living in homes with green architecture design are less likely to suffer from things like allergies or asthma due to the improved air quality in these homes.
Home value: the market value of a home increases with green architecture. Pointing to things like lower utility costs and sustainable features, the resale value of residential and commercial green buildings is higher.
Green architecture has slowly but surely gained momentum in the United States and beyond. As everyone tries to reduce their energy consumption, innovative architects are offering solutions for small homes to large high-rises.
At Paul Janicki Architects, we are focused on a holistic approach to green architecture that centers on preservation. In doing so, we apply the “preserve as much as possible” approach to both new construction and historic home renovation.
Contact our office today to learn more about how we can apply our sustainable architecture principles to your home renovation.