Greening Construction | Atlas Roofing Corporation

Go Green in Construction:

Greening Construction

The construction world is seeping with opportunity to turn projects into green. This does have a double meaning of course as we are always trying to find ways to make things less expensive and increase our bottom line, but with advancements in technology, rising consumer interest in energy efficiency, government tax incentives and initiatives from green advocacy groups around the world, going green in construction has never been easier.

There are many resources that can help guide industry professionals in selecting products, during the contructions phase, and after the building is in use that can make a positive impact on the environment. Architects, specifiers, contractors and laborers all play an integral role in contributing to waste reduction and energy efficiency. Pull out your “Green Thumb” and let’s get to work on renovating our planet!

Here are some easy things you can do to get the ball rolling in:

	Plan early! Try to look ahead at future projects and start looking for ways to incorporate energy efficiency and green products before jobs begin. It is cheaper to plan ahead than to try and make changes later.
	Recycle products when possible. Many of the building materials that will be discarded in the existing structure of buildings can be reused or recycled. Some of these materials can be sold, others would simply be a contribution to a recycling trend.
	Seek out government tax incentives for building green. Nearly every state and local government has some program set up to reward green building/construction efforts.
	Explore the guidelines within the LEED program through the USGBC. This program can help you achieve greater tax incentives and will bring you increased exposure. Actual certification in one of LEED’s rating categories is wonderful, but simply educating yourself about the benchmarks in each category will provide greater insight into future projects.
	Design buildings with energy efficiency in mind. Install energy efficient windows, add an extra layer of polyiso insulation, design spaces with plenty of natural light and create good air flow. All these things will help you increase the value of the property and improve energy efficiencies for the buildings occupants.
	Seek out resources and industry experts to assist you with such issues as waste removal, recycling, contamination, green building design and much more. The green building landscape is constantly changing and new opportunities are waiting around every corner.
	Look into energy efficient roofs. The roofing system has a serious impact on a buildings overall energy performance.
	Stay up to date on industry periodicals and web content. There are many sources that provide stories, case studies, product news and much more. Learning about what other professionals are doing is a great way to increase your green building knowledge that can then be applied to future projects.
	Keep in mind building reuse after its useful life has expired. Reuse includes the ability for a building or its components to be re-applied to future projects.
	Plan projects near areas with mass transit options for future building occupants, thus reducing fossil fuel emissions from transportation.

These are just a few things you can do to start greening your construction projects. Click on the buttons to the left to find links to other great resources for Going Green in building design and construction.

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