Top Green Technologies used in Construction Industry

Green technology has played a major role in making sustainable and energy-efficient construction possible. It has a lower carbon footprint and does not have any adverse effect on the environment. Green technology is playing a major role in new construction projects and is being used in every stage of development. Every aspect of the building, including construction materials, design, and operating systems are chosen to be as energy-efficient and sustainable as possible.The top green technologies used today in construction projects are:

• Solar Power
  In green construction, there are two types of solar power: active and passive. Active solar power involves using l solar systems that absorb the radiation from the sun to cater for electricity and heat provisions. It reduces the need for gas and electricity, and helps save a substantial amount of energy.Passive solar power, on the other hand, uses sun rays to heat up homes through heat-absorbing surfaces and strategic positioning of windows. The windows allow the energy to enter and the heat absorbed by surfaces reduces the for warming houses during the winter season.
• Biodegradable Materials
  Using biodegradable materials in construction is an ecological way of making buildings sustainable. Most of the traditional construction methods result in accumulation of toxic chemicals and waste products, the majority of take several years to degrade. Biodegradable materials like organic paints aid to reduce the adverse effects on the environment. These materials easily breakdown and do not release any pollutants. The use of these materials in building walls, foundations, and insulators play a major part in sustainable construction projects.
• Smart Appliances
  Sustainable construction emphasizes the installation of self-sufficient and energy saving appliances. Smart refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers are some common examples of energy-efficient and sustainable technologies. This technology is a step forward towards building zero-energy houses and commercial buildings.
• Cool Roofs
  Cool roofs aim at reflecting sunlight and heat away and are one of the top sustainable green technologies being used these days. It helps in keeping buildings and homes at standard room temperatures by reducing thermal emittance and heat absorption. Cool roofs have the ability to lower temperatures by more than 50°C during summer.
• Green Insulation
  Insulation is a major concern when it comes to construction of homes and buildings. Green insulation has proven to be a highly advantageous sustainable construction technology as it reduces the need for expensive finishes that are made from non-renewable materials. This technology uses old and used materials such as newspapers and denim. Thus, it is not only energy-efficient but also cost-efficient.
• Low-energy Building Designs
  Green construction technologies usually include mechanisms to lower energy usage. The construction of houses and buildings with wood, for example, is a sustainable construction technology as it has less embodied energy compared to buildings made of concrete or steel. Sustainable construction also makes use of insulation techniques and high-performance windows that allow for free flow of air and reduce air leakage. This helps reduce energy requirements of houses and buildings and makes them more sustainable.
• Electrochromic Smart Glass
  This is a relatively new technology that is particularly beneficial in the summer season and blocks out the harsh radiation of the sun. It uses electric signals to charge the windows to adjust the amount of solar radiation the glass reflects. It is integrated into the control system of buildings and allows users to change the amount of solar radiation to shut out. With this technology, commercial as well as residential buildings can save substantially on air conditioning, heating, and ventilating costs.
• Water-efficient Technologies
  There are various water-efficient technologies that are being used for sustainable construction. Basically, these technologies involve reuse and application of water supply systems that are energy efficient. Examples include dual plumbing, water conservation fixtures, rainwater harvesting and reuse of greywater.