Sustainable construction and green building

In the current energy, environmental and population context, the development of sustainable infrastructure represents a viable and practical solution that can be offered by the construction sector. This concept, applicable to both residential and office buildings, seeks to create environmentally friendly urban areas, minimizing energy consumption and contributing to the fight against climate change.

Below, we will explore the importance of sustainable construction and green buildings, analyzing how these practices can transform the construction sector and offer lasting and effective solutions to today's environmental challenges.

What is sustainable construction?

It is the construction developed simultaneously in consideration of the environmental impacts related to the whole building process. The sustainable construction process encompasses all phases of a building, from its design and project, construction and use of the building, to its demolition. Its purpose is to minimize the possible impacts of each of these processes through the efficient use of resources and proper management.

The evolution of the construction sector

In the beginning, traditional constructions were based on economic and temporary criteria. However, over time, new needs have arisen, such as the urgency to mitigate environmental problems, which has led to a paradigm shift. For this reason, the sector has adapted to these new demands, and as a result, a new building model has arisen that presents opportunities to lead urban planning towards sustainability.

Why sustainable construction is important

Sustainable construction is crucial because it offers the opportunity to significantly reduce the consumption of natural resources and energy, from the construction stages through to use and demolition. The environmental impacts of the sector include the exploitation of wood, minerals, water, fuels, and electricity, as well as the generation of construction waste that pollutes surface and groundwater. The implementation of sustainable construction represents a way to promote sustainable practices and important concepts such as the circular economy, which are essential to mitigate problems, and protect the environment.

Fundamentals of sustainable construction

In order to realize sustainable construction, certain fundamentals must be in place during the development phases of the projects. Some of these fundamentals are described below:

●???? Sustainable building materials: Sustainable construction requires the selection of recycled or renewable materials and those with a lower environmental impact, prioritizing local materials to minimize the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

●???? Renewable energy sources: Sustainable buildings should incorporate renewable energy sources, such as solar, thermal, and photovoltaic energy, from the design phase. Energy efficiency should be a priority, and it is vital to maintain it throughout the life of the building through proper design and regular maintenance.

●???? Waste management: In order to carry out efficient waste management, we seek to optimize the application of the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. This involves segregating and properly treating waste, preventing recyclable materials from ending up in the rubble.

Green buildings and their benefits

These buildings are designed to be highly efficient and have a minimal environmental impact. These buildings usually incorporate recycled materials, rainwater harvesting systems, and renewable energies. They also seek to provide a healthy indoor environment by regulating temperature, humidity, and air quality, and to promote sustainable habits among their users.

Green buildings offer numerous advantages, such as reducing environmental pollution, saving energy and natural resources, improving people's quality of life, and boosting the sustainable economy. In conjunction with sustainable construction, urban planning is being driven towards innovation and the development of sustainable infrastructure.

Sustainable construction and green buildings represent a necessary and beneficial change for the construction industry and society in general. By adopting this methodology, buildings, in addition to being cost-effective, can also be environmentally friendly and beneficial to the quality of life of their occupants.