Using alternative water sources for tasks like flushing toilets and irrigating lawns allows the green building to retain high-quality fresh water for essential tasks, like drinking and cooking. Typically, wastewater flows from the site into a septic tank or sewage system, but treating wastewater onsite helps to reduce the strain on infrastructure by reducing the amount that needs to be treated. Features and Finishes of Sustainable Homes 4. If possible, purchasing these materials from a local supplier is encouraged as it supports local businesses and reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with transporting the materials. It is recommended that a mechanical HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit is used to maintain the indoor air and environmental quality. Other Sustainable Features. In extreme cases, green buildings are even able to regenerate natural systems by protecting habitat, cleaning water or harvesting renewable energy. The systems include an extensive green roof and a rainwater collection system which might be capable of making the building self-sustainable for water supply. You can use Natural Resources Canada’s Keeping the Heat In guide to learn more about how insulation, air leakage, and building envelopes improve the energy efficiency of a green building. The relatively small building integrates multiple environmental systems to enhance the overall building performance. Recycled content carpet tiles help reduce landfill waste. Other Sustainable Features. What makes this building a sustainable one is that its interior design features a colossal atrium, immersing the entire space with natural lighting thus saving a lot from energy consumption. High performance envelopes generally employ windows and wall insulation with higher R-values than conventional buildings. Greenspace/Parks/Public Gardens/Allotments. It is a good practice to ensure that the building or facility manager is familiar with the green building’s mechanical systems, so they can effectively operate the building in the manner its design intended. Net-zero essentially means that you are getting the same amount out that was put in. We deliver award-winning solutions by continually learning and improving our methods. Conserving potable (fresh) water is another important feature of green buildings. This article will describe 20 green design features that can be added to buildings, reducing emissions and waste while achieving an attractive return on investment. Many green buildings encourage their occupants to take advantage of. If the people living and working in the building do not lead energy efficient lifestyles, then only so much can be done to reduce its environmental footprint. With the emphasis on sustainable building… The building will incorporate a wide range of sustainable design features, which will reduce energy consumption, use of natural resources, impact on the environment, as well as providing a healthy environment through the use of low VOC emitting surface materials, millwork and furnishings that improve the overall air quality and occupant’s health and comfort. Builders interested in constructing net-zero buildings should read the solar ready guidelines from Natural Resources Canada. One of the most beautiful apartments in the West Village, this two-bedroom, three-bathroom duplex has a … This goes beyond simply turning off the lights when they are not being used. Renewable energy generation is a service provided by the building that benefits the community beyond simply reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The materials used in a sustainable building minimize life-cycle environmental impacts such as global warming, resource depletion, and toxicity. The systems include an extensive green roof and a rainwater collection system which might be capable of making the building self-sustainable for water supply. The north wall is constructed using the traditional site baled method of... Hempcrete and Slip-straw Insulation. Using building materials from forests that are actively being renewed helps protect our world for generations to come. Many green buildings are able to capture this rain and treat it or use it as an alternative water source for gardening or cleaning. Solar heat gain coefficient is the amount of solar radiation that... 3. Certified Wood from Sustainable Forests. Limiting the heat energy lost through the day-to-day operations of a building can have a phenomenal impact on reducing its GHG emissions. 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