Sustainable architecture that mainly defines the construction of energy efficient LEED certified buildings with additional sustainable features having a beneficial impact on the environment and occupants comes with loads of benefits. The word sustainable that implies long lasting is no doubt the main criterion of this type of construction. With the popularity of green buildings growing at a fast pace, the benefits of sustainable architecture need to be thoroughly assessed that will carry long term benefits for the builders and the buyers. Modern age consumers are already aware of the ‘green products’ and look for star ratings, green- certified or eco-friendly labels while procuring any lifestyle gadget or equipment. This year, countries of United Nations General linked hands to take substantial endeavors in achieving 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for a greener future among which the need for Sustainable Architecture is being considered vital.
Naturally, the benefits of sustainable architecture can be summarized as follows:
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Long lasting:
As discussed above, sustainable architecture implies long lasting construction. Buildings that can sustain natural calamities like strong winds, earthquakes, floods and other weathering conditions are more likely to be the buyers’ choice.
Energy efficient:
Optimizing energy usage reducing energy consumption to a great extent is another important feature of sustainable architecture. Customers will be happy to pay much reduced energy bills. Therefore, energy-efficient constructions involving ICF blocks and insulated concrete walls minimizes the energy usage by keeping indoors warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Less maintenance:
Prolonged building maintenance pinches your pocket. Sustainable architecture involving ICF block construction greatly reduces this botheration. Where conventional construction materials are prone to damage, ICF blocks ensure the buildings last for centuries instead of decades.
Fetches tax credit:
LEED certified buildings are best examples of sustainable architecture which are eco-friendly as well. Owners of these buildings enjoy special tax credits as these buildings being energy efficient consume less energy and are beneficial for the environment.
Enhances property value:
With enhanced life cycle, energy efficiency and environment friendly features, sustainable architecture highly enhances the property value.
Apart from the above mentioned benefits, extensive researches and case studies related to green building movement have revealed interesting facts about the hidden benefits of sustainable architecture which have not been taken seriously so far. But if all the factors are realized cumulatively, certainly the advantages of sustainable structure will stand out convincingly in the long run. Let us talk about a few of the hidden benefits:
Improves overall wellbeing of the occupants:
Green buildings with sustainable architecture improve the overall wellbeing of the occupants that unlocks new opportunities in economic growth and sustainability. When much of the investment in construction goes into man power and materials, the impact of other sustainable and well-being initiating features are seriously overlooked. The studies emphasize on sufficient ventilation and lighting systems of the building which greatly affect the well being of the occupants.
Sustainable green constructions boost productivity:
Better dwelling conditions with clean air having minimum carbon-di-oxide levels and healthy environmental set ups affect the health of the dweller in a great way which has a direct impact on human productivity. A highly specialized research conducted by researchers of Harvard University, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University clearly asserts the fact that green constructions along with sustainable architecture enhance the cognitive functions and productivity of human beings.
Buildings with sustainable architecture to be considered highly valued human resource:
Green buildings with sustainable architecture that maximize health benefits of the occupants can be considered as the hub of highly valued human resources with the highest productivity level. Those days are not far when this factor will play a crucial role in deciding the employability of human beings. The group study also revealed a startling fact that human beings working in green conditions scored 61% higher in various tests encompassing productivity, strategy-implementation and crisis handling.
Fosters socio-economic development:
Building complexes with sustainable architecture have a great socio-economic impact. As per the set 17 Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of mankind and the planet earth, green buildings and sustainable architecture reduce wastage and generate cleaner air and water considerably reducing energy emissions. This automatically reduces the strain on local civic bodies and infrastructure enabling all to lead a better quality of life.
Summary:
Buildings with sustainable architecture have immense benefits that enhance the life and quality of the occupants. Assessing its benefits is imperative to enhance the sustainability of future generation.