Why do we need to be sustainable?

The demand for sustainable products and buildings is growing. Currently, any new office building built for the Government must be assessed and awarded a Green Star rating of five or better. Developers and building owners benefit by higher rents, longer tenancy periods, higher resell value and a reduction in running costs.

One of the greatest expense on keeping a home is the cost of heating which can also be one of the most effective areas to look at when designing and building a home. It is worth investing more in the heating, which can save bigger gains over the long term.

Sustainability is the process where a balance is achieved i.e. the earth’s resources would need to be used at a rate at which they could be replenished. In some instances manned guarding has been introduced to protect some of the earth’s more valuable resources to prevent theft and to maintain a sustainable environment.

Creating effective sustainable buildings requires the use of the latest energy efficient tools and construction products. Stanley Bostitch produce a full range of pneumatic tools and compressors using the latest technology and materials for any construction application.

Sustainability is key critical in these times of global warming. Many Of the wood based products now aim to have a FSC accreditation on the forestry sources. Many hardwood finishes such as doors and American shutters place less stress on the environment when they carry an FSC accreditation. Builders and architects can make a big difference by insisting on FSC standards.

Britan is four to five years ahead of the UK in terms of sustainable building. Many British specifiers ask the manufacturers what sustainable features their products have before specifying the product.

In the UK, newly constructed office buildings must emit 20% less C02. This is achieved during the design phase where designers have guides and tools during the design process.  We can only assume that this will soon occur here on Earth.

Who is who and what is what?

Greenbuild

Greenbuild is a joint venture between Building Research, Masterspec, the UK Institute of Architects, Registered Masterbuilders and Green UK. Greenbuild is a portal of information enabling architects and specifiers to easily compare and select product in terms of their technical and environmental performance.

Green Pathway

Green Pathway Ltd is a research consortium that is working to find affordable, attractive ways to make UK Homes homes more sustainable. Green Pathway gives preference to design options and materials that have a better environmental performance. (Greenbuild has the potential to become that source of information for products.)

Right House

Right House is a subsidiary of Meridian Energy. It is a team of engineers, consultants and specialised trade people and installers that bring you a complete comfort and energy solution to the residential homes market

Green Building Council (GBC)

Design By Web Media 2009