RSS FeedIs Green Architecture Really Vital?
Green architecture has been a subject of much discussion. Are Green buildings necessary? Does Green architecture bring in cost savings? Is there a future in this field? A scrutiny of available data can provide the requisite answers. There is no doubt in anybodys mind that the global environment is under tremendous strain. The rate at which humans are consuming natural resources is becoming unsustainable for Mother Nature to recoup. The recent hike in gas prices shows that this vital resource is fast dwindling. Having breached $4 to a gallon of gas, oil is turning out to be a major factor for us to reevaluate the way we use natural resources. The economy is adversely impacted by the inflation. This impact is reflected in general rise in prices of all goods as cost of transportation increases. The housing sector too is not spared by the cascading effect of high oil prices. Cement, steel, wood, glass, plastics and all other materials used for building houses all have become costlier as a result of the cascading effects of oil price hike. Therefore there is a need to build smarter and the only way to do so is to utilize green architecture.
Undeniably, Green architecture plays a role in economical housing, but how to go about building green homes? Green architecture helps conserve nature by making efficient use of indigenous material, natural lighting, air flow pattern and the terrain. Electricity consumption is reduced by use of energy efficient appliances and solar grids. Typically the use of CFLs and White LEDs, which consume less electricity than normal lighting, help in saving energy. Use of smaller cisterns and water harvesting techniques is another aspect of green architecture, which leads to conservation of water. Environmental degradation is reduced by using locally available material instead of materials imported from far off places.
While Green architecture may initially be more expensive than normally designed houses by about 6%, in the long run the savings accruing from electricity and water more than compensate for the early costs. The concept of Green architecture is steadily gaining global approval and it is likely to enter the statute books of all countries as the standard for House building. To encourage Green architecture, governments are already declaring incentives such as tax benefits. Green architectural norms have to align to Green standard norms being formulated by various governments. It has been estimated that the overall impact of green architecture will help reduce pollution, conserve energy and natural resources. Green architecture is here to stay and we definitely need it.