Green Building Basics: Building Materials

Posted January 24, 2017 | Tags: Green materials

Building green has never been easier. The movement of making choices based on the environment is in full swing. The green initiative has completely taken off, and people are responding all over the world. One group of people that are leading on this idea and making a direct impact are green building architects. In a world with some of the most amazing technology and resources, these professionals are starting to create houses, buildings, and many more structures that help the earth instead of hurting it.

Benefits of Building Green 

Many builders think that building green is an inconvenience. It takes more time and often more money to build things that will pay for themselves in time, but there are a few clear benefits to building green that more than outweighs the disadvantages of doing so. Green building architects are different. They thrive on innovation and creativity to help you achieve your building goals while also making the planet a better place.

Green Materials: Why It Matters 

When it comes to materials, there are thousands of options. When it comes to green materials, there are almost just as many. There are just as many green, eco-friendly, and environmentally clean materials as there are conventional materials. These items might be harder to find, but they are some of the most important parts of the decision to start building greener.
 
Here are a couple of examples.

Glass 

Glass might seem like something that is simple and irreplaceable. It’s such an important and visible part of a building plan, how could there be anything but glass?
 
One of the only, yet super important eco-friendly glass materials, is called the Low-emissivity windows, known as Low-E for short. These are the first step in creating glass windows that are great for both the environment and the residents of the building. They feature a clear coat of a substance called metallic oxide. This window treatment alone helps prevent heat from entering the windows during the summer and keeps it from escaping in the winter. The benefits come from the energy and money saved over years of use.

Wood 

Wood has always been a sore subject. It is used in so many things and is often wasted or taken too quickly. Trees are such a crucial part of our living and, literally, breathing environment, it’s important that we try to find good and renewable alternatives.
 
Bamboo is making its way to the top of some of the most incredible green building materials. It is stronger than standard concrete and almost just as strong as steel. Bamboo is an excellent choice for many reasons aside from its strength.

Green Architects Know Green Materials

You have options. For many years our buildings and houses have all been made the same, and we are just beginning to see some of the adverse effects from what that long-standing tradition has caused.
 
There are green options for your home or building that involve green building material that are affordable and attainable.
 

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We are a small Design-Centered Practice Studio that promotes cost effective Green Building technologies.
We provide a wide range of services, and no job is too big or too small for our experience. With over 15 years of commercial experience, we can design a wide variety of architectural styles that can fit most needs or tastes.