Private homes are estimated to be responsible for about one fifth to one fourth of global carbon dioxide emissions; and for that reason eco- friendly construction or green building is not just a way of life but it is a necessity.
What Is Eco Friendly Construction? One has to understand the difference between Green Washing, Green Building, Green construction & Sustainable construction. It is a fairly new concept to talk about sustainability. The term was used increasingly in the 1980s, according to Google Books word trends.
What is Green Washing?
Green-washing is the practice of misleading consumers about the real environmental practices of a company for the purpose of making the company seem more environmentally friendly. Find out what the signs of green-washing are and how to spot them. Have you been to a 'Eco stay' resort in a deep forest to enjoy blissful serenity and the resort management started loud music at 11 pm? Companies get rebates/ certifications and carbon credits based on their environmental friendly practices. One has to simply watch how they speak and what they actually practice at their workplaces. Though it is not very practical to be totally sustainable immediately, one has to start the journey and with sincerity. Using heavy steel, concrete, plenty of unwanted architecture marvels consuming resources and replacing all native plants with invasive green species in an ornamental garden, green lawns don't really make a housing site green.
What is Green Building?
World Green Building Council defines A ‘green’ building is a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment. Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our quality of life.
A building can be 'green' by incorporating a number of features. These include:
Efficient use of energy, water and other resources
Use of renewable energy, such as solar energy
Pollution and waste reduction measures, and the enabling of re-use and recycling
Good indoor environmental air quality
Use of materials that are non-toxic, ethical and sustainable
Consideration of the environment in design, construction and operation
Consideration of the quality of life of occupants in design, construction and operation
A design that enables adaptation to a changing environment
What is Sustainable Construction?
In green construction, the focus is on the environmental impact of the construction process, whereas sustainable construction focuses on resources which are used, how we use them, and being smart about recycling and minimizing waste. As a result, we are more sensitive to the environment, but we are also more focused on the resources themselves.
We are living in an age of rapid development and knowledge. And we can no longer ignore the negative impact of traditional construction practices on our environment. It's worth noting that buildings account for almost 40% of global greenhouse gases. By using eco friendly construction materials, we can reduce our carbon footprint. And this also creates a healthier space for people to live. Making the switch towards living or holidaying in a green home can generate a positive impact on our planet's climate. Our energy-efficient domes provide tourists with the opportunity to rent a holiday home in a sustainable way. There is an excellent opportunity for sustainability investment. More than ever, people want to travel responsibly, and these eco friendly holiday homes also bring in high rental income. What Are the Pros and Cons? There are plenty of benefits to this growing trend of eco friendly homes, but it's also important not to overlook the drawbacks. We've compiled three significant advantages and disadvantages. Advantage #1: Protect the Environment Many may consider this as the standout benefit of eco friendly construction. This planet we call our home is rapidly changing because of our overexploitation of natural resources in the last century. By choosing to build greener homes, we can address this issue of climate change. It reduces air pollution and generates less waste. This construction trend stresses the importance of using energy, water, and other resources efficiently. Eco friendly buildings in India result in notable energy savings of 40 - 50% and water savings of 20 - 30% compared to traditional buildings.
Advantage #2: Save Time and Money
You don't need to be a mathematician to understand that energy and water efficiency leads to cheaper bills. As well as that, using recyclable materials can also save you money.
It's an innovative field, and the materials used in green construction are still being improved to be more efficient. Thus, you can spend less time on fixing and repairing.
Your property value will also increase if your home is eco friendly. More people want to invest in a buildings or rental properties that have a positive impact on the environment. A 2021 Knight Frank sustainability study found that green buildings can achieve up to a 12.3% premium in rental income.
Advantage #3: It's Healthier For You
As well as environmental and economic advantages, there are also social benefits to going green. There is less exposure to harmful toxins that are used in the building of conventional structures. The toxins found in various traditional building materials can cause respiratory problems. They can also lead to skin conditions, migraines, and other health issues. By using eco friendly materials, we create a healthier living environment. Research shows that this can also improve our cognitive abilities. As per a Harvard study, workers in green offices enjoy better cognitive function. They recorded a 101% increase in brain function compared to conventional building conditions. Disadvantage #1: Higher Initial Costs
There are undeniable benefits to opting for eco friendly construction, but there are also some drawbacks. For example, green structures' initial costs are often higher than traditional buildings. Banks may also be skeptical about lending money to an alternative project. Green construction materials often cost more than their traditional counterparts. And some of the natural materials are not always readily available. Eco friendly construction is also more complex, so the project can cost more and take more time to build. But it's important not to forget the savings homeowners enjoy in the long run. A green home requires less maintenance and has cheaper energy and water bills. Although the costs may be higher to begin the project, eco friendly construction tends to be a smarter financial option. Disadvantage #2: You Have to Find the Right Builder
As noted above, green structures are more complex than conventional buildings. Green construction adopts a unique method that considers the surrounding environmental conditions. It's not easy to find the right builder who is both knowledgeable and experienced in eco friendly construction. The technology and the methods are quite new. The structure must be deliberately thought out depending on the environment. If you choose to work with a builder who is new to green construction, you may have to do lots of research yourself. Disadvantage #3: Availability of Materials
Finding the right builder can be a difficult task. And finding all the necessary materials can also be a challenge. Due to its recent emergence, the infrastructure around eco friendly construction is still a work in progress. This can be a problem in areas where the vast majority of structures' are conventionally built. Some of the materials may not be available locally, so they may need to be shipped, costing time and money. Other natural materials may need to be used instead, but they may not be as efficient as your top choice.
Make Domes Your Next Investment Property If you're looking to start a homestay or buy a farm house, you should consider paying a visit to Madikeri to buy property. Located at 5500 feet above sea level, Madikeri is renowned for its lush green surroundings and coffee estates. Sustainable holiday properties are growing in popularity for weekend getaways. El Domo is the perfect opportunity to buy a resort home property and start a tourism business/ rent on Airbnb responsibly. We need more people to start an ecotourism business, and our domes nestled in nature make the perfect villa rentals. The unique dome architecture is aligned to natural forces. Guests can enjoy the incredible biodiversity of birds, mammals, insects, and plants. It can take just a matter of weeks to buy a resort and start Airbnb rental. Click here to realize how much you can earn from property holiday rentals with our calculator Sustainability Is The Future
Now, you know a little more about eco friendly construction, and hopefully, you can see why it's a good idea to invest in this sustainable revolution. No one can deny the positive impact of green materials on an environmental, economic, and social level. If you enjoyed this article about eco friendly construction, you should take a closer look at our innovative domes.
At EL Domo, we maintain high standards. We are amongst the leaders taking initiative with a pre project execution Ecology study and Biodiversity Registry creation. This can be analysed year after year for comparison. We take certification from Indian Green Building Council. Our staff are trained with the Biodiversity present in each project, to guide the Traveller.