The problems of global warming as a result of climate change, along with problems such as the global waste crisis and the growing scarcity of natural resources, has prompted scientists and environmental experts of every kind to contribute in the fight for the preservation of our planet.

With the growth of the global population and the expansion of cities across the world, the problem of over-industrialization is becoming all the more apparent. The solution might lie in sustainable, eco-friendly building design, or better known as green architecture.

An ever-growing number of contractors are starting to incorporate green practices into commercial and residential building design in an attempt to appeal to new generations that are mindful of their environment and want to help in its preservation. Here is how a catastrophe of global proportions can be averted with green building design.

Green roofs

The idea of building a natural oasis on top of an office or apartment building, or even an individual home, is not a new or revolutionary one. In fact, the idea has been around since the early 20th century, yet it has failed to gain the popularity and importance it deserves.

There are many eco-friendly benefits to a rooftop garden, one of which is that it creates a self-regulating thermal mass, able to regulate the temperature inside and insulate the roof naturally. What’s more, green roofs can be outfitted to collect rainwater and they are an excellent way to rekindle the relationship with nature that has been long lost in urban environments.

Solar power

Green architecture aims to optimise energy and water consumption, and a staple of a green building is clean energy collection. Green buildings thrive under natural light via solar panels that collect free, clean energy in order to power their processes.

Moreover, by combining solar panels with contemporary energy storage solutions, these buildings are able to optimise their consumption and minimise energy waste across the board.

Sustainable insulation

Constructing houses and buildings from recyclable and reusable materials is becoming increasingly popular in the modern world in order to help battle the global waste crisis. In order for a facility to become more energy-efficient, it needs proper insulation, however, insulation materials were traditionally harmful to the environment and they required non-eco-friendly processes to be used for their creation and implementation.

Fortunately, this is a thing of the past now, as the market has seen a surge of alternative, green insulation materials in recent years. From old denim, milk bottles, and newspaper, to natural composite panels and other high-durability materials used in construction, these contemporary substitutes are not only cheaper than traditional solutions but are environmentally friendly as well.

Modern window solutions

As mentioned earlier, insulation is essential in green architecture, and special attention is given to heat accumulation and dissipation. Modern window designs are geared towards trapping heat inside, preventing it from escaping the room and thus decreasing the amount of energy wasted on reheating.

Likewise, double-glazed windows prevent heat from reaching into the room as well, keeping it cool during the summer months and thus rendering the AC system unnecessary, cutting down on energy consumption.

Green optimization

Finally, green architecture does not rely solely on green materials and features; it also relies on education and the implementation of green practices. Green buildings are outfitted with LED lighting for added energy conservation as well as smart bathrooms with low-flow toilets and faucets to elicit maximum water savings.

On top of these features, green buildings depend on strict recycling and reusing policies in order to thrive and in order to reach their full potential. Therefore, whether the building in question is commercial or residential in nature, tenants and employees need to be educated and inspired to follow these green protocols. After all, it all comes down to each individual choice.

Green building design is the way of the future. With the rise of air pollution and global warming, now is the time to utilise the power of modern technology to turn the tides and help in the preservation of Mother Earth. The solution might just reside in green architecture.