What Are the Important Elements of a Green Building?

Jim Graham
February 15, 2022


Green building involves environmental considerations in every single step of the construction process. It puts more emphasis on the design, structure, operation as well as maintenance stages. Construction companies such as Sun and Earth Construction will ensure that the buildings, they construct are optimized for environmental sustainability right from the beginning until the end of the construction.

Green buildings provide a wide variety of benefits to their occupants as well as the whole community in the Las Cruces (City) New Mexico (State) area and in other areas. Generally, this includes ample amount of natural light, excellent air quality, noise management, as well as easy access to views, making these buildings an excellent place to live or work.

When it comes to designing a green building, there are certain factors that need to be considered such as the efficiency of natural resources, the design of the lot and its development, the interior environmental quality, as well as the overall impact of the building on the environment.

Essential Characteristics of Green Building

Constructing commercial buildings and homes with minimal environmental impact can be advantageous to everyone. It offers cost savings not only to the builder but also to its occupants. It is recommended that green builders should construct on previously developed land instead of developing entirely new land.

It is also encouraged that the building should be done close to existing infrastructures, such as libraries, department stores, and bus routes. In this way, people’s dependence on transportation can be minimized. The design of a green building consists of four major elements including waste, energy, materials, and water. These are crucial in making these buildings more sustainable.

  • Energy

Ultimately, in most green building projects, the key element is energy efficiency. Green builders could start early during the design process by taking advantage of the natural light, wind, and sun to help in heating or cooling the building in a comfortable way. By making use of natural daylight, the electricity requirements of the building can be reduced. At the same time, it can help in improving the health and productivity of the occupants. In this setup, it would be more efficient to use smaller lighting, HVAC systems, and appliances.

Skylights, as well as the proper placement and choices of windows, can greatly help in lighting the homes. Additionally, appropriate placement of air and vapor blockages, duct sealing, and effective insulation as well as the installation of energy-powered cooling or heating systems could help in having an energy-efficient building. Using renewable energy including biomass, wind, or solar energy for your energy requirements can greatly contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprints of green homes or buildings.

  • Materials

When it comes to the construction of green buildings, the materials that are being used are taken from natural and renewable sources. Since these materials are sourced locally, there are significant savings on the energy costs of transportation. Consequently, these natural materials can be managed sustainably. Using recycled products can help in reducing the costs as well as the materials used. Most often, they even perform better compared to traditional products.

When choosing materials, there are certain considerations that you need to take note of including their reusability, durability, and its impacts on air quality. To improve the quality of indoor air and prevent the risk of respiratory illnesses, it is recommended that non-toxic materials must be used. Furthermore, they have minimal VOC content and can resist moisture which can help in preventing mold development. Indoor air quality can also be improved by using materials that can manage humidity as well as installing ventilation systems.

  • Waste

To help in cutting costs and improving the quality of the building, green builders will reduce, recycle, and reuse waste from demolition and construction. Future waste can be avoided by designing a building that makes effective usage of materials and assures stability and durability. By having a proper setup, you will be able to recycle the waste materials found on your construction site.

  • Water

Green buildings concentrate more on minimizing the requirement for water. To achieve water reduction, greywater systems, and low-flow toilets can be implemented since this will recycle water for irrigation. Different ways of water collection including rainwater harvesting also plays an important role in sustainable building.

Different Methods of Water Collection:

  • Rainwater collection on the surface.

This is the traditional way of collecting water. The structures that make use of this include ponds, underground tanks, and check dams.

  • Installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances.

This can help in reducing your utility expenses and conserving freshwater. Some of the efficient appliances that can be used include low-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, self-closing taps, and waterless composting toilets. With regards to water heating, you could make use of lagging pipes and point-of-use hot water systems.

  • Recharging to groundwater.

You may not be familiar with this since this is a new technique of rainwater harvesting. Typically, the structures being used include hand pumps, dug wells, and pits trenches.

What Are the Advantages of Green Buildings?

Green buildings can be the appropriate solution for neighborhoods, communities, and cities. Green buildings can greatly contribute to the reduction of waste, energy, and carbon emissions. Furthermore, it can help in conserving water and favoring safer materials. Other advantages include:

  • Excellent investment since it does not depend on the unstable costs of fuel.
  • Better energy performance with reduced energy bills throughout the year.
  • Increased resale value and owner satisfaction.
  • Requires less maintenance due to its durability and minimal operation.
  • Makes the living environment more appealing by having large windows, accessible views, open floor plans, and bright interiors.
  • Offers comfortable living by keeping your cooler in summer, warmer in winter, with no operation noise.
  • An environmentally friendly solution since it uses clean, renewable energy, reducing air pollution.

Energy Efficiency

One of the major goals of constructing green buildings is to minimize our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Designs that feature windows and solar panels offer more sunshine, reducing the requirement for electricity.

EPA states that cooling and heating contribute to 43% of energy use. Consequently, it also generates more greenhouse gases and causes air pollution. Green buildings can improve energy efficiency while reducing indoor air pollutants which can lead to serious health issues.

Cost-Effective

Green buildings may cost a bit more compared to traditional buildings; however, you have to consider their long-term benefits. That is why green buildings are more valuable compared to those that are constructed in other methods. In fact, green building owners reveal that they gain a 10% increase and even more in their asset value.

There is a great reduction in the operating expenses and overall maintenance while saving you more money on water and energy bills.

Water Conservation

Most people have ignored the importance of having a clean water supply. Water conservation is essential since it can assure that the future generation has a constant supply of clean water. Green building reduces water waste through the installation of efficient plumbing fixtures and making use of alternative sources such as rainwater.

Improved Quality of Indoor Environment

The indoor environment of green buildings is highly improved, making it more comfortable and healthier for its occupants. There is a better quality of air, lighting, and thermal conditions, making the indoor environment more enjoyable and healthier. With better indoor air quality, the productivity of employees will also be improved. Since employees are happier and healthier, the rate of absenteeism will be lowered.

Healthier Conditions

With sustainable construction, the materials and substances that are being used are safer for the environment as well as its occupants. In other words, the construction does not use anything that emits toxic substances which could be dangerous to those who work or live there.

Improved Air Quality

Green building uses substances that do not cause air pollution, minimizing the number of toxic elements around the environment. Reducing the levels of carbon dioxide in the air can slow down the speed of climate change.

Material Efficiency

The construction of green buildings only requires fewer materials, and less waste is being generated. This is because the products that are being used are reusable, recyclable, durable, and long-lasting. The construction processes focus more on using less energy, raw materials, and water.

Improved Economy

Throughout the years, more money has been generated and more jobs have been created through the green building industry. Recently, the Senate introduced a new bill that would convert non-sustainable buildings in the government to green buildings. If approved, this could possibly generate more jobs and millions of dollars. At the same time, the quality of life of government employees will also be improved.

Go Green

If you are looking to have a home that is more cost-effective, more energy-efficient, and healthier, then you can trust the green building professionals at Sun and Earth LLC. We build green homes in the Las Cruces (City) New Mexico (State) area. We can renovate or build your green home so it can meet your sustainable goals.

Just give us a call at (575) 521-3537 so we can help you in building your dream home while saving the planet at the same time!

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Green building involves environmental considerations in every single step of the construction process. It puts more emphasis on the design, structure, operation as well as maintenance stages. Construction companies such as Sun and Earth Construction will ensure that the buildings, they construct are optimized for environmental sustainability right from the beginning until the end of the construction.

Green buildings provide a wide variety of benefits to their occupants as well as the whole community in the Las Cruces (City) New Mexico (State) area and in other areas. Generally, this includes ample amount of natural light, excellent air quality, noise management, as well as easy access to views, making these buildings an excellent place to live or work.

When it comes to designing a green building, there are certain factors that need to be considered such as the efficiency of natural resources, the design of the lot and its development, the interior environmental quality, as well as the overall impact of the building on the environment.

Essential Characteristics of Green Building

Constructing commercial buildings and homes with minimal environmental impact can be advantageous to everyone. It offers cost savings not only to the builder but also to its occupants. It is recommended that green builders should construct on previously developed land instead of developing entirely new land.

It is also encouraged that the building should be done close to existing infrastructures, such as libraries, department stores, and bus routes. In this way, people’s dependence on transportation can be minimized. The design of a green building consists of four major elements including waste, energy, materials, and water. These are crucial in making these buildings more sustainable.

  • Energy

Ultimately, in most green building projects, the key element is energy efficiency. Green builders could start early during the design process by taking advantage of the natural light, wind, and sun to help in heating or cooling the building in a comfortable way. By making use of natural daylight, the electricity requirements of the building can be reduced. At the same time, it can help in improving the health and productivity of the occupants. In this setup, it would be more efficient to use smaller lighting, HVAC systems, and appliances.

Skylights, as well as the proper placement and choices of windows, can greatly help in lighting the homes. Additionally, appropriate placement of air and vapor blockages, duct sealing, and effective insulation as well as the installation of energy-powered cooling or heating systems could help in having an energy-efficient building. Using renewable energy including biomass, wind, or solar energy for your energy requirements can greatly contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprints of green homes or buildings.

  • Materials

When it comes to the construction of green buildings, the materials that are being used are taken from natural and renewable sources. Since these materials are sourced locally, there are significant savings on the energy costs of transportation. Consequently, these natural materials can be managed sustainably. Using recycled products can help in reducing the costs as well as the materials used. Most often, they even perform better compared to traditional products.

When choosing materials, there are certain considerations that you need to take note of including their reusability, durability, and its impacts on air quality. To improve the quality of indoor air and prevent the risk of respiratory illnesses, it is recommended that non-toxic materials must be used. Furthermore, they have minimal VOC content and can resist moisture which can help in preventing mold development. Indoor air quality can also be improved by using materials that can manage humidity as well as installing ventilation systems.

  • Waste

To help in cutting costs and improving the quality of the building, green builders will reduce, recycle, and reuse waste from demolition and construction. Future waste can be avoided by designing a building that makes effective usage of materials and assures stability and durability. By having a proper setup, you will be able to recycle the waste materials found on your construction site.

  • Water

Green buildings concentrate more on minimizing the requirement for water. To achieve water reduction, greywater systems, and low-flow toilets can be implemented since this will recycle water for irrigation. Different ways of water collection including rainwater harvesting also plays an important role in sustainable building.

Different Methods of Water Collection:

  • Rainwater collection on the surface.

This is the traditional way of collecting water. The structures that make use of this include ponds, underground tanks, and check dams.

  • Installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances.

This can help in reducing your utility expenses and conserving freshwater. Some of the efficient appliances that can be used include low-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, self-closing taps, and waterless composting toilets. With regards to water heating, you could make use of lagging pipes and point-of-use hot water systems.

  • Recharging to groundwater.

You may not be familiar with this since this is a new technique of rainwater harvesting. Typically, the structures being used include hand pumps, dug wells, and pits trenches.

What Are the Advantages of Green Buildings?

Green buildings can be the appropriate solution for neighborhoods, communities, and cities. Green buildings can greatly contribute to the reduction of waste, energy, and carbon emissions. Furthermore, it can help in conserving water and favoring safer materials. Other advantages include:

  • Excellent investment since it does not depend on the unstable costs of fuel.
  • Better energy performance with reduced energy bills throughout the year.
  • Increased resale value and owner satisfaction.
  • Requires less maintenance due to its durability and minimal operation.
  • Makes the living environment more appealing by having large windows, accessible views, open floor plans, and bright interiors.
  • Offers comfortable living by keeping your cooler in summer, warmer in winter, with no operation noise.
  • An environmentally friendly solution since it uses clean, renewable energy, reducing air pollution.

Energy Efficiency

One of the major goals of constructing green buildings is to minimize our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Designs that feature windows and solar panels offer more sunshine, reducing the requirement for electricity.

EPA states that cooling and heating contribute to 43% of energy use. Consequently, it also generates more greenhouse gases and causes air pollution. Green buildings can improve energy efficiency while reducing indoor air pollutants which can lead to serious health issues.

Cost-Effective

Green buildings may cost a bit more compared to traditional buildings; however, you have to consider their long-term benefits. That is why green buildings are more valuable compared to those that are constructed in other methods. In fact, green building owners reveal that they gain a 10% increase and even more in their asset value.

There is a great reduction in the operating expenses and overall maintenance while saving you more money on water and energy bills.

Water Conservation

Most people have ignored the importance of having a clean water supply. Water conservation is essential since it can assure that the future generation has a constant supply of clean water. Green building reduces water waste through the installation of efficient plumbing fixtures and making use of alternative sources such as rainwater.

Improved Quality of Indoor Environment

The indoor environment of green buildings is highly improved, making it more comfortable and healthier for its occupants. There is a better quality of air, lighting, and thermal conditions, making the indoor environment more enjoyable and healthier. With better indoor air quality, the productivity of employees will also be improved. Since employees are happier and healthier, the rate of absenteeism will be lowered.

Healthier Conditions

With sustainable construction, the materials and substances that are being used are safer for the environment as well as its occupants. In other words, the construction does not use anything that emits toxic substances which could be dangerous to those who work or live there.

Improved Air Quality

Green building uses substances that do not cause air pollution, minimizing the number of toxic elements around the environment. Reducing the levels of carbon dioxide in the air can slow down the speed of climate change.

Material Efficiency

The construction of green buildings only requires fewer materials, and less waste is being generated. This is because the products that are being used are reusable, recyclable, durable, and long-lasting. The construction processes focus more on using less energy, raw materials, and water.

Improved Economy

Throughout the years, more money has been generated and more jobs have been created through the green building industry. Recently, the Senate introduced a new bill that would convert non-sustainable buildings in the government to green buildings. If approved, this could possibly generate more jobs and millions of dollars. At the same time, the quality of life of government employees will also be improved.

Go Green

If you are looking to have a home that is more cost-effective, more energy-efficient, and healthier, then you can trust the green building professionals at Sun and Earth LLC. We build green homes in the Las Cruces (City) New Mexico (State) area. We can renovate or build your green home so it can meet your sustainable goals.

Just give us a call at (575) 521-3537 so we can help you in building your dream home while saving the planet at the same time!