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EcoARK by Miniwiz
 

Major cities around the world are seeing an increasing need for eco-friendly buildings. While cities make up only 2% of the world's total land area, they account for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions — and a whopping 30% of those emissions are generated by buildings. 
 

Today, 55% of the human population lives in cities. By 2050, estimates suggest that nearly 70% will have migrated to an urban area, prompting us to seriously consider the impacts of our current infrastructure. 
 

Traditional construction practices are accompanied by a whole host of issues, including but not limited to:
 

• Excessive energy consumption

 

• Greenhouse gas and particulate emissions

 

• Habitat damage to local streams and wetlands

Green building can provide an alternative to wasteful and unsustainable construction practices.
 

What Is Green Building? 

"Green building" is an umbrella term used to describe both a building and its construction process. The term refers to building designs and operational setups that reduce negative impacts on the environment. Green buildings can help us conserve natural resources and enable people, profits, and the planet to thrive.
 

Companies like Nike are already investing in green practices: Recently, they teamed up with MINIWIZ to build Nike Kicks Lounge X Xinyi A11, a store made using upcycled material from used sneakers and plastic bottles. 
 

Here, we'll explore some of the most impactful green building benefits across a variety of areas.
 

Environmental Benefits

Green buildings most obviously benefit the environment:
 

Energy Conservation

In 2018, 20% of total energy use around the world was attributed to residential and commercial buildings. Following the LEED green building standards, however, can lead to a 25% reduction in energy usage compared to traditionally building structures.
 

Reduction in Air Pollution

Approximately 23% of air pollution can be attributed to the construction sector, which includes practices such as sourcing unsustainable materials, excessive transportation to and from construction sites, and rampant waste production. 
 

To mitigate these issues, green building standards encourage

• Sourcing sustainable materials (e.g. bamboo)

 

• Incorporating air-clarifying vegetation

 

• Avoiding shipping waste materials to landfills

 

• Repurposing existing structures instead of resorting to demolition 

 

• Using recycled materials whenever possible.
   

Climate Change Effects

In the United States, buildings account for approximately 38% of carbon dioxide emissions. Implementing green practices would mean prioritizing proximity of structures to public transit centers and reducing energy consumption, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions.

 

 

 

The Health Benefits of Green Buildings by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

 

 

Health Benefits

Green building benefits include better health and physical well-being for the residents and employees that occupy these buildings.
 

Sick Building Syndrome

What do headaches, dizziness, constant fatigue, skin irritation, and a hard time breathing have in common? They're all symptoms of sick building syndrome — a condition caused by poor building ventilation and air quality. To maintain air quality and keep healthy ventilation rates, green building standards encourage:
 

• Cutting back on pesticide usage

 

• Maintaining ventilation systems

 

• Implementing specific cleaning practices
   

Reduced Allergy and Asthma Symptoms

Asthma and allergy symptoms often get triggered and exacerbated by moisture problems, dust mites, and mold — conditions that are often part and parcel of many traditionally designed buildings. Green building design aims to reduce the amount of allergens and irritants in the air.
 

Green operational standards include:

• Improving HVAC maintenance

 

• Controlling humidity

 

• Eliminating indoor smoking

 

• Cleaning regularly to avoid moisture buildup

 

• Using air filtration systems
   

Airborne Disease Transmission 

Airborne microbes can quickly spread infectious diseases throughout a building or complex. With proper ventilation, reduced crowding, and smart usage of ultraviolet radiation, green buildings can help reduce the spread of disease or infectious agents.
 

Social Benefits

Green buildings lend themselves to social benefits and the improved mental well-being of residents and employees.
 

Better Brain Function

A joint study conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Syracuse University Center of Excellence, and SUNY Upstate Medical School showed that well-ventilated offices resulted in a 101% increase in employees' cognitive scores.
 

Improved Sleep

Green buildings aim to increase window space and provide better lighting. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reported that employees who worked in offices with windows slept an average of 46 extra minutes per night. 
 

Promote Eco-Friendly Behaviors

A building complex designed according to green standards will incorporate structures that make it easy for residents to recycle and compost. This may also encourage long-term changes in people's everyday behavior and attitude towards the environment. 
 

Economic Benefits

Green building does not mean sacrificing your company's bottom line. In fact, taking advantage of environmentally friendly construction practices could mean more money in the bank, with reduced building costs and increases in the overall value of your properties. Green buildings will also provide jobs and business opportunities for people all over the world. 
 

Reduced Energy Spending

Measures to improve energy efficiency could result in anywhere from €280 to €410 billion in energy savings across the globe.
 

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Though LEED-certified buildings may come with a slightly higher initial construction cost, they typically enjoy a 20% reduction in maintenance expenses.
 

More Green Jobs 

In 2014, the green building industry accounted for over 300,000 jobs in Canada. Today, the industry supplies upwards of 3 million jobs in the U.S alone (representing nearly a third of the American construction sector). When you build green, you make jobs.
 

Higher Occupancy Rates

Green buildings typically see a 17% increase in occupancy rates, which could lead to an overall increase in total asset value.  
 

Conclusion

Green building practices promise to provide many benefits, especially as the global population grows and people migrate to ever-expanding urban areas. 
 

Companies will enjoy reduced energy costs and long-term savings on building maintenance. Residents and employees will benefit from better physical and mental health, as well as greater job opportunities.
 

Of course, no conversation about green building benefits is complete without discussing all of the positive environmental impacts: 

• Conserving natural resources 

 

• Reducing energy consumption

 

• Sourcing and producing sustainable building materials

 

• Curtailing greenhouse gas emissions 

 

Green building will doubtlessly propel us towards a healthier future for our planet.

Interested in construction solutions that benefit both the planet and your business’s bottom line? You can learn more about MINIWIZ’s work here.

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