No matter where you turn these days the importance of conservation and going green seems to be at the forefront of many people’s mind. The vast depletion of widely used petrochemicals and the associated environmental impacts from these resources have forced many companies and individuals to reconsider a move to non-depletable resources. The importance of preserving and sustaining our Earth, its resources and the health of our future generations are ensuring more and more individuals and companies are adopting greener operations to reduce their carbon footprint.
There are many things that individuals can do to reduce their own carbon footprint such as choosing energy efficient appliances, adopting wiser fashion choices, choosing a low carbon energy provider, looking at alternate transport options such as biking, public transport, ride sharing – electric or hybrid cars and eating plant based foods and less animal foods.
But, how do you achieve sustainable building practices when choosing to build your home or new building? Let’s begin by understating what is sustainability? Sustainability is the study of how natural systems function, remain diverse and produce everything they need for the ecology to remain in balance.
Sustainable building practices are designed to lower the environmental footprint of the construction/building development and ensure the dwelling and building itself will have a reduced impact on the environment over its lifespan. Buildings and dwellings are responsible for a substantial amount of the earths energy waste and energy use. Sustainable practices can help minimise waste, conserve energy, and even save money.
So what can you do when you are in the process of construction/building development to reduce your environmental footprint?
Sustainable construction means using renewable and recyclable materials when building new structures, as well as reducing energy consumption and waste. The primary goal of sustainable construction is to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment.
Sustainable construction doesn’t end when the building is complete; the building itself should have a reduced impact on the environment over its lifespan. This means that the building design should incorporate elements that have an ongoing positive influence on the buildings environmental impact. These can include proper insulation to prevent heat loss, energy star rated windows and appliances, solar panels to reduce energy consumption and building material with a long lifespan.
Sustainable building designs minimise the initial environmental cost of the building by reducing material waste and using sustainable building products. The long term benefit is the actual impact of the building – by using efficient building practices in the development stage, the dwelling will only use a fraction of the energy required to power and heat the building in the future.
Sustainable building practices are most effective at the design stage – as almost all aspects of the design phase can incorporate minimal energy consumption. Ideally sustainable buildings promote good health of their occupants through natural, renewable materials and operate without polluting the environment for the entire life cycle of the building.
Take a look at the benefits of Green Building Practices.
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At Quantum Timber Finishes we are dedicated to producing and supplying a range of ecologically sustainable timber coating products. Our commitment to supplying ecologically sustainable, bio based timber conditioners and finishes. Partnering with Greener Spaces Better Places and Green Building Council of Australia, we at Quantum Timber Finishes looks forward to contributing towards achieving more productive, liveable, sustainable and healthy cities for years to come.
Green buildings benefit everyone, not just the people that live and work in the buildings. The less energy consumed by building/dwellings means a lower carbon footprint that will benefit the community, economy and the planet.
Take a look at some of our projects using TIMBRE PLUS VERTICAL. A unique, water reducible, oil based coating that has outstanding UV resistance and surface toughness.
- Environmentally responsible – made from bio based, ecologically sustainable products
- Non-toxic, low odour
- UV resistant, contains UV absorbers
- May be tinted to Quantum transparent stain colours
- Touch up weathered areas as they occur, no need for a full recoat
- Low VOC – <33g per litre
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