What does “Green Building” mean?
Green building is a resource-efficient construction method and refers to an environmentally friendly manner at all steps of the life cycle of the building, including planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. Sustainable architecture intends to increase resource use efficiencies, such as energy and water, to maximize the positive effects and minimize the negative impacts on human health and the environment throughout the entire life cycle of a building.
Why is sustainability important?
The sustainability and environmentally-friendly products approach has been completely changed over the past few decades. There are lots of threats to the human race as a result of human actions. This concern finds its own place in the construction industry by supporting sustainable and eco-friendly buildings. Protecting resources, minimizing pollutants, and reducing waste are the primary targets for the sake of humanity and its future.
What features are there in a green building?
minimum the environmental impact,
efficient use of energy, water and other resources,
use of renewable energy,
use of non-toxic and sustainable materials,
reduced pollution and waste,
have a long lifespan,
conserve natural resources,
being able to re-use or recycle sources or waste,
adaptation to a changing environment,
good indoor heat and ventilation quality.
high quality of life for the occupants in design, construction and operation.
Is natural stone sustainable?
Natural stone is typically one of the sustainable materials for being lasting, resistant, harmless and recyclable. Many consumers or even professional people, such as architects and designers, are not aware of the vast difference in the carbon footprint in favour of natural stone compared with other materials used for the same purposes in construction. Natural stone has a minimal carbon footprint compared to other building materials. The more processing is needed, the bigger the carbon footprint will be. The bigger the project at hand, the more significant the choice of materials when we consider the “bottom line” of the final carbon footprint. The research about the ecological advantages of natural stone is very comprehensive. Having natural resources in sustainable architecture improves our life quality, and natural stone plays a vital role in that purpose.
How sustainable is natural stone?
Natural stone is an environmentally friendly material in the building industry for several reasons. From a pure sustainability point of view, emphasizing natural stone use over other materials is well justified. Most important is that the production of natural stone from the quarry is eco-friendly and leaves no harmful waste or pollution to the environment. Furthermore, durability and high-pressure resistance have given the stone a reputation for being a lifelong material. Having these values results in less consumption and more benefits from the net usage of resources. Since the natural stone comes from nature, any stone remnants can be recycled for many different purposes or re-used in construction. Last, it does not require any additional treatment, and it is easy to maintain stone without harsh chemicals. Soap and water are just adequate to keep the surface clean. Not only because of its lowest carbon footprint in production but also because its life span is longer than the other materials’ if taken care of properly.
What can I do about it?
Designing and constructing green buildings requires profound thought and planning initially, but the paybacks in the end are rewarding and justify the time and effort spent on the project. The marketplace has many materials and designs competing with each other for the customer’s attention. Still, natural stone such as marble, travertine, limestone, sandstone, granite, slate, etc., stands out as a perfect choice to create timeless and beautiful but sustainable buildings for interior/exterior design, landscaping or restoration. The choice of design with natural stone might be personal, but when it is taken into consideration, it will give satisfaction, in general, achieving the aesthetic, performance, and cost goals in the long term. Choosing natural stone proves that you take charge of conserving, restoring, or enhancing the Earth by contributing actively.
