BASICS OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

Why use sustainable building methods?

Buildings use huge amounts of raw materials and resources:

• 50% of all global resources go to construction
• 5% of energy is used to construct buildings
• 45% of energy generated is used to heat, light and ventilate buildings
• 40% of water is for sanitation & other uses in buildings
• 60% of agricultural land lost goes to buildings
• 70% of global timber is used in construction

What is sustainable building?

• Site layout - make sure buildings are facing the sun to reduce energy costs
• Building design - materials used, insulation, double glazing, natural ventilation
• Heating, lighting, ventilation systems
• Water use in construction and use
• Rainwater harvesting
• Local, renewable or recycled sourced materials, such as using timber that is sustainable from a managed forest
• Renewable energy such as wind, solar, biofuel
• Transportation - roads, use of cycles, building positions
• Waste and recycling strategy