Construction Law
Eco-Friendly Construction Techniques Part 2
The construction industry plays a substantial role in environmental degradation thanks in part to its considerable contributions to global carbon dioxide emissions. While it’s impossible to completely erase the construction industry’s carbon footprint, innovations in green construction technology have lead to new, eco-friendly construction techniques that reduce emissions and energy consumption throughout all phases of a project.
In part one, we examined how building smaller, using energy efficient equipment, and improving insulation can reduce your environmental impact. In part two, we will continue to explore various eco-friendly construction techniques that can help your company go green without spending too many greenbacks. If your company is converting to green construction, a Raleigh contractor lawyer can help you prepare for any resulting changes to your legal obligations.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
This famous call to action embodies three of the most important facets of sustainability. Reducing the amount we use saves resources, as does reusing items we would traditionally throw out, and recycling allows us to develop new tools and equipment without harvesting raw materials from our planet.
Contractors should consider sourcing recycled supplies and materials to build sustainably. Recycled materials like glass, aluminum, tile, lumber, and plastic can become integral components in eco-friendly construction projects. Sustainable materials have been incorporated into nearly every aspect of a building at one point or another, including roofs, walls, floors, and even internal build-outs like cabinets or staircases.
Incorporate Solar Panels into Your Design Plan
Harnessing the power of the sun to help power your building can reduce emissions. Solar panels are the most widely used form of renewable energy technology, and while they can be expensive in the front end, the long-term savings have been verified through years of scientific studies. Currently, breakthroughs in solar technology have cut the price of solar panels considerably, which means they are a feasible addition to projects of all sizes. The efficacy of solar panels depends on location and sun exposure, but the benefits nearly always outweigh the costs, especially when considering the government grants, incentives, and tax breaks offered to individuals and businesses using solar.
Install Appliances that Conserve Water
Reducing emissions and saving energy aren’t the only ways to reduce your environmental impact. Decreasing water usage with low flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads are small modifications that result in significant savings. Not only can you cut down on your investor’s monthly water bills, you can ensure that their building is more environmentally friendly than their competitors’.
Keeping our planet healthy depends entirely on our actions. Are you going to help fight environmental degradation? Consult a Raleigh contractor attorney to find out about any legal complications that can arise from shifting to eco-friendly construction techniques.
If you would like to speak with a Raleigh construction litigation attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.