sustainable building Essay

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Sustainable building is an approach to construction that minimizes the impact of a building (home, office, schools etc.) on the environment. The essence of a sustainable building is one that is sustainable: environmentally, socially and economically and yet is also enjoyable to live and improves quality of life. But, the idea’s main purpose has to be the preservation of the earth from us and encouraging the change of our way of life for the benefit & well being of future generations. The aspirations of sustainable buildings are perfectly embodied in the following quote: “This planet came with a set of instructions, but we seem to have misplaced them. Important rules like don't poison the water, soil, or air, don't let the earth get overcrowded, and don't touch the thermostat have been broken” (Paul Hawken, entrepreneur, environmental activist and author, May 2009) The beginnings of nowadays sustainable building can be traced back to the environmental awareness of the 1960’s. New construction techniques have led to the development of innovative materials and design concepts. Sustainability in construction is done by designing, constructing and commissioning the building to ensure that it is healthy for the occupants and, more importantly, the earth. Successfully designed sustainable projects can involve an intensive array of factors, ranging from the resourceful use of materials, to careful consideration of function, climate and location. The concept of sustainability can generally be organized in four main ideas: recyclable and environment friendly materials, energy efficiency, land use and waste control. Sustainable buildings are not only designed for present use. Careful consideration is given to their future as well. An adaptable structure has to have the ability of being recycled many times over the course of its lifetime. Careful selection of environmentally
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