The world is constantly changing, and we’ve reached a point where using unlimited natural resources and careless disposal can’t keep happening. We need to find ways to use what we have more efficiently and reduce our negative impact on the planet. One way to do this is by building green.
Green building is the practice of creating structures and using environmentally responsible and resource-efficient processes throughout a building’s life cycle. Also, energy codes are essential for the construction of these buildings. If you want to learn more about this, keep reading!
Green Building Codes
Their Purpose
Green building codes aim to ensure that all new construction is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. This includes everything from the materials used to build the structure to how it’s designed and operated.
Green building codes lower harmful environmental effects while promoting green construction methods in our communities. As a result, they improve public health, safety, and general welfare.
Water Conservation
Specific requirements for landscape designs and plumbing fixtures are among the water conservation measures. For your project, there may be a variety of landscape specifications to fulfill. Rain sensors that connect to landscape irrigation systems and switch off sprinklers in case of rain are a typical recommendation.
Plant selections that prioritize native plants, as well as the landscaping area’s square footage parameters. These are frequently regulated in some way.
Stormwater Management
Stormwater management keeps our communities clean and safe. However, waterproof surfaces, such as concrete patios, driveways, and roofs, immediately send water to storm drains.
On the other hand, natural landscapes generally act as filtering sponges, absorbing much of the runoff and purifying the water before reaching streams and tributaries. Rules governing the percentage of your land that can be covered with impervious surfaces may apply to you.
Environmental Impact
Green building regulation covers a wide range of potential negative environmental consequences. Some obligations, such as those relating to the early stages of a project’s demolition, will be unavoidable. Any potentially hazardous items that are already present will need to be assessed and neutralized.
Specific conditions regulate air quality for neighbors, workers, and future inhabitants. These relate to air movement criteria for bath fans, EPA ratings for fireplaces, heating and cooling system design guidelines, and standards for various material features (such as paint and carpet) widely used throughout a home.
Energy Codes
Their Purpose
They advocate for environmentally responsible building techniques and designs to make our houses energy efficient. This has been determined to be the most practical approach to ensure the current energy supply while also assisting in reducing greenhouse gases in the environment.
These rules are sometimes the result of legislative pressure from elected officials. The mandates call for a reduction in pollutants that contribute to climate change.
Water Heating
The energy efficiency of your water heater is determined by its construction, design, and operational management. The energy code sets minimal requirements for home heating and provides hot water to all rooms.
It also includes specifications for recirculating water pumps and on-demand water heating systems and instructions for piping insulation features. The code is designed to evolve when new technologies and efficiency capabilities emerge.
Work With A Professional & Reliable Design-Build Firm In North Carolina
This was an overview of the Green Building and Energy Codes. However, contact the experts to go further with the details before starting a construction project. At Exco Builds, we’re here to help!
We’re a professional, reliable Design-Build firm located in North Carolina. We’re dedicated and have an excellent reputation in the area. Exco Builds has high-end equipment and is up-to-date with the latest designs to meet all codes and regulations; we’re eager to assist you. Contact us today for more information!