With the growth of technological progress and its impact on humanity, civilization has faced not only boons but also global problems. Yes, our cities have grown, and buildings are getting taller and more spectacular, autobahns with incredible interchanges are being built in every climatic zone, the amount of traffic and consumption of electricity and other resources is growing.
However, this also has the other side of the coin – the deterioration of air quality, violation of the ecological balance of the environment, outright pollution, which already has consequences, if not ecological disasters in some cases. So now we have to reconsider approaches in the construction industry – to anticipate the consequences of pollution and take every possible care to preserve the environment, using only harmless solutions.
Thus, the trend of “green” construction and its “green” technologies and practices, as well as the introduction of environmentally friendly building materials has become extremely relevant – link.
1. Technology: biodegradable materials
Modern materials used in construction can generate large amounts of waste after the building is eventually demolished. This waste can be toxic to the environment and take hundreds of years to decompose. But by using biodegradable materials, we can improve the future without sacrificing the functionality of buildings.
What’s more, eco-friendly materials often last longer, but for less money. Organic plants, such as hemp, or recycled materials, such as fiberglass insulation, are good examples. Replacing some components or reusing raw materials makes a difference in green construction, extending the life of a building and reducing the amount of waste it will produce in the future – Юровский Кирилл profile.
2. Eco-materials
Arbolite – this type of material for construction has been known for a long time. It is a special kind of concrete, it is also called lightweight concrete, because it contains a certain percentage of wood, or hemp, or flax and mineral additives. It does not emit any harmful substances – the main advantage. In addition, arbolite is resistant to fire to a certain extent.
Thanks to the porous structure in buildings made of arbolite there is a natural air exchange without stagnant zones, and at the same time excellent performance in sound insulation. This material has high thermal insulation, which makes it a suitable eco-material for different types of buildings. Also, experts note its bending strength – the material will “forgive” small inaccuracies in the calculations.
Pink tuff is an absolutely natural, volcanic building material. It has low rates of sound insulation and thermal conductivity Therefore, this type of rock is used as a cladding material. Its advantages are water-resistant, durable – in comparison with bricks.
Since it is a natural kind of material – it is porous and due to this in the cold retains heat, and in the heat – not heated. It also does an excellent job with soundproofing. It is mined in certain places – that is why it is not cheap.
Kerpen is a material with a cellular structure. At the heart of its creation – the technology of foaming on burning of industrial wastes (clay, for example, slag, basalt, glass slag, etc.) or using inexpensive natural raw materials.
It is as environmentally friendly as glass. Kerpen has excellent thermal insulation characteristics, so it is used for insulation and cladding. Moreover, it is frost- and moisture-resistant, not susceptible to atmospheric influences, and therefore durable.
Saman is also again in demand in modern construction eco-material for dry climates. This type of brick is made of soil with a high percentage of clay, which is mixed with straw and other fibrous plant materials.
Houses made of adobe have been known for a very long time and originated in countries with hot climates. Saman bricks will provide heat capacity and energy efficiency, are very durable and the rooms create a great microclimate. And, of course, they are completely environmentally friendly. Pressed straw (straw and reeds) – also environmentally friendly type of material made from natural raw materials – straw, reeds. Blocks of them in a special way are pressed and stitched with a special wire-frame, plus, add lime or borax to protect against rodents. Such blocks are good for filling framed structures, or featherbed houses, as well as for insulation.
3. Peat blocks / geocar
Building material, which consists of a mix of straw, sawdust, shavings and peat paste. Peat blocks formed from raw materials are thoroughly dried and then used as a building material. Natural components make geokar eco-friendly material and safe for humans – peat natural antiseptic. Peat blocks are used to create low-rise “healthy” housing, as well as household outbuildings and even saunas. High heat capacity of the material is used to insulate walls. Also the material is noise-absorbing.
4. Technology: half-timbered houses
Technology of frame houses. An old German technology from the Middle Ages, common in Europe. It was originally used before the invention of concrete, but now it is becoming relevant because of its environmental advantages. The essence is simple: frame blocks of wood are created, and the finished blocks are filled with natural stone, straw, clay, wood and other available eco-materials that provide energy-saving and eco properties. The main advantage of half-timbered houses is their high energy efficiency.
5. Technology: cool roofs
Cool roof technology available at roofing companies in Dayton Ohio is a special design designed to effectively reflect the sun’s rays.
Roofs are designed and angled so that there is no direct absorption of solar energy, and so that there is an effective dissipation of cold or warm air through the roof. Plus, the use of special roofing materials capable of reflecting visible, infrared and ultraviolet waves of the sun, reducing heat transfer into the building, and a higher thermal emissivity – the ability to emit absorbed or unreflected solar energy than standard roofing products.
By reducing the heating of the roof, you can significantly reduce the heating of the entire house, which means less energy is needed for air conditioning and other climate systems, as well as having an overall impact on reducing air pollution and CO2 emissions, and also reducing the thermal effect of the house.
6. Technology: self-powered buildings
Off-grid buildings use “green” energy – that is, solar, wind or thermal energy – to power their systems. High-rise buildings use wind turbines, and some suburbs may use geothermal technology, benefiting the entire neighborhood. The most popular green energy, however, is considered solar. Panels on a house or building will give autonomy on electricity, and air conditioning systems are also based on them.