What sustainable technologies should you include in your project estimation?

2 Green roofs

Green roofs are another sustainable technology that can enhance your project's aesthetics, performance, and value. Green roofs are roofs that are partially or fully covered with vegetation, soil, and drainage systems. They can improve the thermal and acoustic insulation of the building, reduce stormwater runoff and pollution, increase biodiversity and air quality, and create recreational spaces for the users. To include green roofs in your project estimation, you need to consider the design, materials, irrigation, and maintenance requirements, as well as the structural load and waterproofing of the roof.

3 Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable technology that can help you conserve water and reduce your water bills. Rainwater harvesting involves collecting, storing, and using rainwater for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, flushing toilets, washing machines, and cleaning. Rainwater harvesting can reduce your demand for municipal water, lower your wastewater discharge, and mitigate flooding and erosion. To include rainwater harvesting in your project estimation, you need to consider the catchment area, storage capacity, filtration and treatment systems, and distribution and usage patterns of the rainwater.

4 Geothermal heating and cooling

Geothermal heating and cooling is a sustainable technology that can provide efficient and reliable heating and cooling for your project. Geothermal heating and cooling uses the earth's constant temperature to exchange heat with a fluid that circulates through pipes buried in the ground. This fluid can then be used to heat or cool the building through a heat pump or a heat exchanger. Geothermal heating and cooling can reduce your energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise pollution, as well as increase your comfort and indoor air quality. To include geothermal heating and cooling in your project estimation, you need to consider the site geology, soil conditions, depth and layout of the pipes, and size and type of the heat pump or heat exchanger.

5 Low-emission materials

Low-emission materials are sustainable materials that have low or zero emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and other harmful substances that can affect the health and well-being of the workers and occupants. Low-emission materials can include paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, flooring, carpets, furniture, and insulation. Low-emission materials can improve the indoor environmental quality, reduce the risk of allergies, asthma, and sick building syndrome, and comply with green building standards and certifications. To include low-emission materials in your project estimation, you need to compare the costs, performance, and availability of different materials, and check their labels and certificates for their emission levels and ratings.