Year by year, society is becoming more and more aware of how important it is to protect the environment these days. Slowly, everything is becoming more eco: transport, food, energy. So it is no surprise that green building is also becoming increasingly important. But actually, what is the green approach to construction? What factors contribute to architecture being able to get the label eco?
Green building - what is green building?
Green building (or sustainable construction) is based on three main assumptions: environmental impact, economical use of materials and ensuring the comfort and increased quality of life for potential residents. What is more, ecology in architecture is not just about the construction itself. It is important to start taking care of the environment already in the choice of materials and in the very way they are obtained.
The concept of sustainable construction also includes the greening of buildings and the areas surrounding them. Exactly the surroundings. If you want to be true to the concept of sustainable construction, you need to choose your building site well - the structure must be well integrated into the landscape and not disturb its natural aesthetics.
Environmentally friendly building solutions
The use of technology in eco-building is becoming more common every year. Currently, one of the most popular ways to implement green building in Poland is the installation of photovoltaics. Solar panels can be placed both on the roofs of buildings and on the ground. The only condition that must be met by the area developed for the installation is good access to daylight. The use of panels can significantly reduce electricity or space heating bills. The energy generated by photovoltaics can be described as clean and, above all, cheap.
Green building solutions are characterised above all by their ability to generate savings without interfering with the environment. Another way of achieving this effect is by intelligently planning the lighting of the building. The use of LED lamps instead of the usual incandescent bulbs is slowly becoming the standard for modern building construction. The main reason for choosing LEDs is their energy efficiency and durability - LEDs are replaced much less frequently than fluorescent bulbs or halogens. An alternative is the energy-efficient fluorescent lamps, which are most often used in private buildings. This type of lighting works best in long-lit rooms and, thanks to its durability, can last up to 10 years!
Ecology in construction - green homes
Green construction must necessarily be based on environmentally friendly materials and their ethical sourcing and use. Above all, raw materials must comply with site standards. Green materials in construction must not harm the environment and should come from areas managed according to 'green' principles, e.g. timber from certified forests.
An interesting solution is the use of recycled building materials. Recycled metal or linoleum are just two of the many reusable raw materials. The most environmentally friendly materials used in the construction of buildings are recyclable. Plastics such as fibreboard, sheep's wool or coir, for example, can be given a second life without too much trouble. 
Who can get an eco-building certificate and why is it worth it?
Ecology vs. environmental protection - the differences between these two terms are really seen by few people, but it would be worthwhile to know the difference before obtaining an eco-building certificate. Ecology is defined as the science of the effects of living organisms on their environment. This means both positive and negative actions. In Polish, environmental protection is almost always used as a synonym for ecology, when in fact it is only a part of it. Thus, the development of this science means that we are able to learn new ways of protecting health and nature.
Now that we have explained the difference between ecology and environmental protection, it is time to introduce the subject of eco-building certification. The most popular of these are the BREEAM and LEED systems. The former assesses how environmentally friendly a building is and the sheer comfort of living in it. The second, on the other hand, points more towards energy efficiency based on proven systems (such as HVAC). Almost any developer can obtain a certificate, regardless of whether they construct industrial or residential buildings. The biggest advantage of this type of document is that it differentiates the market and encourages brand cooperation with manufacturers of environmentally friendly products and appliances.
Benefits of eco-solutions in construction
In both industrial and private buildings, systems can be implemented that offer many benefits. Solutions focusing on water saving are a good example of this. Developers of housing estates most often opt for rainwater harvesting. When using this solution, they also have to reckon with designing appropriate facilities that make full use of the harvested water. In this way, all kinds of green areas, patios or plants on the walls and roofs of buildings are increasingly common in urban areas. Rainwater is used in such cases to water them, which significantly reduces water intake, thereby lowering bills.
Is green building our future?
Construction and environmental protection is a topic that has been discussed for years, not only in the industry. The introduction of already existing technologies that have a positive impact on nature is, of course, necessary. The relationship between current architectural trends and our ecosystem must follow a common course - after all, the use of harmful materials, for example in façades or finishes, cannot be allowed to become the norm.
The use of substances for eco-building should become a necessity if we want to protect the planet from pollution. Investment in ecology, or the ever-increasing public awareness, makes eco-building seem like a certain point in the near future.
