Community Engagement and Education

Broadly, sustainable technology covers everything from net zero buildings to energy-efficient appliances. In modern times, sustainable technology is more advanced than ever before. While it is super beneficial for the planet, it is not too demanding on your pocket too. This is because while green technologies like solar power might seem a bit expensive when you look at the upfront costs, they help you save substantially on energy bills in the long run.

Generally speaking, a zero energy building produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, thereby reducing the use of nonrenewable energy in the building sector. These buildings even direct surplus energy back into the power grid. In most cases, wind power technology is used and it is highly common in skyscrapers whereby wind turbines are mounted at the rooftops. This definition also applies to campuses, portfolios, and communities.

Cool roofs are specially designed to offer increased solar reflectance and decreased thermal emittance. In other words, they reflect more of the sun’s rays than your average shingle roof, and prevent the warm or cool air inside from escaping through the top of a building. Under the intense heat of the summer sun, dark shingle roofs can reach temperatures of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The reflectance of a cool roof can cut that down by more than 50 degrees.

There are several water efficient technologies used, which are all part of sustainable construction technologies. Essentially, the technologies encompass re-use and application of efficient water supply systems. Examples include the use of dual plumbing, gray-water re-use, rainwater harvesting and water conservation fixtures. In urban areas, the technologies intend to lower water wastage by 15% to address freshwater shortages.

When it comes to building insulation, the options can be overwhelming, particularly for owners who want to decrease their carbon footprint. The first example would be cellulose. Cellulose fiber insulation is the oldest form of insulation, and can be added to enclosed walls and unfinished attic floors as loose-fill, dense-packed or wet spray.

Another example is denim insulation. A form of cellulose fiber (cotton), denim insulation contains the same advantages of recycled paper. Made of the scraps and clippings from denim manufacturing facilities, recycled denim insulation can be used in place of fiberglass between open roof rafters, ceiling joists and wall studs.

Cork is another completely natural and renewable resource that can be used as a green insulator and is made of the outer bark of oak trees that have reached a minimum age of 18 years. Using the same geothermal properties as double-glazed windows, the air which fills the space between the cork’s cells makes it an excellent insulator.

Similarly, there are many other eco-friendly options when it comes to green insulation.

Since construction is all about building something new, we sometimes forget about the flip side of the coin – tearing something down and disposing of building materials. Biodegradable materials can change that disposal process into something more eco-friendly. Instead of a giant scrap heap of waste products and chemicals, they result in products that degrade naturally without contaminating the soil. An excellent example is the biodegradable paint.

Solar power is one among the most common sustainable green building technology used today. Primarily in green construction, it is being utilized in the following two ways:

Active Solar Power – This system is the use of functional solar systems which absorb the sun’s radiation to provide for heating and electricity provision. It helps in reducing the need for gas or electricity. While the upfront installation costs are higher in such systems, in the long run it saves on energy bills and also aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels.

Passive Solar Power – This design uses the sun’s rays to warm homes through the strategic placement of windows and the use of heat-absorbing surfaces. The windows allow energy in and the heat absorbed reduces the need for warming the house during cold winter months.

Do you know that electrical appliances account for over 30% of your monthly energy bills? This is why a lot of people have shifted their focus to investing in energy-efficient appliances. Energy efficient appliances are designed to utilize minimum energy to complete the required task. SmartGrid refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, micro oven are examples of such technologies.

Sustainable resource sourcing ensures the use of construction materials designed and created from recycled products and have to be environmentally friendly. Overall, the materials are remanufactured, recycled, recyclable, and obtained from sustainable sources.