Building eco-friendly homes can make a huge impact on your home’s energy consumption and your carbon footprint. This is especially true for modular homes built in factories that are close to the installation site, as they significantly cut down on emissions.
A green transportation infrastructure is a means for people to get around their communities using non-motorized transport such as walking and cycling, as well as public transit systems that are more environmentally sensitive.
Building Materials
When you’re building a new home, the choice of your building materials can have an effect on the entire structure and environment. Many homeowners are choosing sustainable materials that are environmentally friendly and help reduce energy consumption.
Fortunately, the construction industry has a lot of eco-friendly options to choose from. This includes insulating materials, which are made from recycled glass or organic material; nontoxic paints and sealants; and other products that contain low-or-zero VOC levels to avoid air pollution.
The construction industry can also be made more sustainable by using reclaimed or recycled wood. This can be a good choice for homes that have been around for several years, as it has a lower environmental impact than cutting new timber.
Another environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional construction materials is bamboo. This fast-growing grass is a natural, renewable resource and is biodegradable if not chemically treated. It can be used for floors, walls and even furniture. It requires very little maintenance and produces a minimal amount of waste.
Energy Efficiency
When building a new home, it is important to consider the energy efficiency of the design. This will save you money in the long run, while also reducing your carbon footprint.
The Energy Star certification program is one way to ensure that a new home is highly energy efficient. Homes that meet the requirements of this program use an average of 20% less energy than standard homes.
Many builders today are making green construction a priority. This is due to the cost advantage of energy-efficient solutions, as well as the fact that they are more durable and need less maintenance over time.
PNNL researchers are working on new ways to reduce energy use, and to improve the efficiency of existing buildings. These researchers focus on building envelope, heating, cooling, water heating, and energy storage technologies. They work with partners across a wide range of industries to identify and develop new technologies that will help build a clean, efficient future.
Lighting
A key focus of the sustainable building industry is lighting. Lighting accounts for around 15% of global energy use and is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions.
Fortunately, advances in technology mean that the time is now to make changes to your home or business’ lighting. Switching to LEDs and other energy efficient light sources can save up to 10 percent of electricity usage, which is a major impact on climate change.
Smart lighting is a key trend in transportation as well. Imagine streetlights that are dimmed at night and only illuminated when vehicles are about to arrive.
For the eco-conscious builder, the placement of windows and skylights is also an important consideration. Houses with long faces facing east or west, for instance, will often suffer from undue glare and heat gain. Ideally, houses should be designed to be entirely oriented with the cardinal directions in mind. This allows for natural light to be reflected and diffused throughout the building.
Transportation
Regardless of whether you’re building a new home or simply looking to green up your current place, going eco-friendly is a good idea. Not only does it help the environment, but it also helps save money on energy costs.
The future of transportation is a complex and unpredictable field. This is due to the fact that technological advances are often unforeseen and subject to regulations, especially in the public sector.
When multiple disruptive technologies are developing in tandem, the likelihood of abrupt shifts and tipping points rises. In addition, it’s difficult to predict which technology will come to dominate in the future because of economic constraints.
One of the major trends influencing the future of transportation is automation. This includes improving the speed, efficiency, safety, and reliability of vehicles and terminals (airports, ports, and rail stations).