BASICS OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
Why use sustainable building methods?
Buildings use huge amounts of raw materials and resources:
- 50% of all global resources go to construction
- 5% of energy is used to construct buildings
- 45% of energy generated is used to heat, light and ventilate buildings
- 40% of water is for sanitation & other uses in buildings
- 60% of agricultural land lost goes to buildings
- 70% of global timber is used in construction
What is sustainable building?
- Site layout - make sure buildings are facing the sun to reduce energy costs
- Building design - materials used, insulation, double glazing, natural ventilation
- Heating, lighting, ventilation systems
- Water use in construction and use
- Rainwater harvesting
- Local, renewable or recycled sourced materials, such as using timber that is sustainable from a managed forest
- Renewable energy such as wind, solar, biofuel
- Transportation - roads, use of cycles, building positions
- Waste and recycling strategy