Apartment complexes are a wonderful housing solution, as they can host a large number of people within one building. This takes up less space than creating a plethora of houses and can be more sustainable too. Building green apartment complexes involves designing structures that generate more energy than they consume, contributing to a sustainable future. It takes up far less energy than implementing energy-positive designs onto several houses, which makes it more cost-effective.
This guide will explore how to build energy-positive apartment complexes and how it can contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone that lives there, as well as benefiting the surrounding area. Continue reading to find out more.
How to Build Energy-Positive Apartment Complexes
Energy-Efficient Design
Reducing energy consumption in an apartment complex is very important to ensure that it uses up as little energy as possible. There’s a variety of ways to achieve this, such as implementing strategies like proper insulation, efficient lighting and renewable energy integration. With the lighting, having LED fixtures throughout the design will lower the costs of running it and use up far less energy than standard bulbs.
Renewable Energy Integration
Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels and geothermal heat pumps can significantly reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and generate on-site electricity, which can power an entire apartment complex. When all of the apartments run off renewable energy, it will have a much better effect on the environment.
Sustainable Building Materials
It’s crucial that the entire apartment complex be made out of sustainable materials for it to be considered eco-friendly. This includes everything from the main frame of the complex to the windows, doors and flooring of each apartment. Hemp and timber are very effective materials that can be ethically sourced and used within the building for it to be more sustainable.
Use Effective Machinery
The better the machinery you use, the better the results will be. This can be great for being sustainable, as it will usually result in the project causing less harm to the environment and surrounding area. Scissor lift hire can be a great solution, as it allows you to reach tall heights that are needed for apartment complexes and it’s a much more sustainable approach than purchasing the equipment to keep.
Water Conservation
Implementing water-saving features like low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems reduces water consumption and minimises strain on local water resources. This is vital if you are building an apartment complex near a body of water like a lake or river, as you will be using less resources from that which means you will be causing less harm to the environment. Waste management programs are also crucial for creating a closed-loop system that can save water from being wasted.
Conclusion
Sustainability is a great option for benefitting the environment and making its inhabitants more eco-conscious. With a few simple changes to the construction process, contractors can transform a standard apartment complex into a sustainable haven that will be accepted by the local community.
