When I began to write about ecological constructions and to give workshops on the subject, I did so in the first instance thinking of the constructive technical part only. However, as time went by and gathering experiences from the participants, I meditated that it is also necessary to bring condensed, key and simple information that contributes to arousing more interest on the subject since I feel that there is still a greater commitment to caring for the environment. part of the construction area.
In Latin America, traditional construction, despite having so many natural resources, in many cases forgot the environment and became detached not only from its local identity by copying designs from other countries, but also detached itself from energy saving, giving priority to economic construction to obtain the maximum benefit and profit in the construction process. Hence the importance of publicizing the benefits and keys to this type of ecological construction and stopping to think about the difficulties of dealing with the impact and consequences that traditional constructions have had on the environment over the years.
Definition of green building
An ecological construction is one capable of providing not only the functionality and comfort for which it has been designed but must cause the least possible alteration of the environment where it will be built. This type of construction seeks sustainability, that is to say that it maintains itself, that it generates energy and optimizes it, that it makes efficient use of the materials in the area as well as that it can handle most of the waste that is generated within it. It is relevant that the materials with which it is going to be built are not toxic for the environment or for its inhabitants or for those who build them. On the other hand, it must be beautiful and integrated into the locality, which provides security to its inhabitants and that it remains and lasts over time with the possibility of constantly renewing itself.
A) The Design
The design will be materialized in the construction and therefore must be based on architecture, urban planning and engineering standards but also on a criterion of environmental responsibility that considers the review of the following points:
- Design of functional, flexible and friendly spaces for the environment and users. Optimization of natural light and ventilation Vs artificial. The orientation of the construction should be an important object to consider in the design. Use of low consumption and renewable energies. Incorporate simple solar, wind or other alternative energy generation systems available in the locality. Efficient use of water (white, sewage, black and rain). I always consider in my designs the use of sewage and rain water for irrigation, cleaning and reuse Consideration of areas for recycling and proper disposal of garbage Simple study of the influence of construction on the land, vegetation, fauna and the locality. (Investigate, review and study neighboring buildings,their functions and the relationship between them).
B) Materials
The selection of materials can result from the research that must be carried out in the design part and must be based on the conditions and climate of the place where the construction is to be carried out. It could be additionally supported by the following recommendations:
- Choose durable, quality materials that meet the minimum structural criteria if they are to be part of the structure, preferably materials from the area, that is, they can be found to replace and recycle. Even that they are easy to remove the excess or to reuse once the construction is completed. In general, local materials have characteristics and energetic behaviors according to the climate and temperatures of the area, therefore their impact on the environment will be lower and their use more profitable. The materials must be little processed and non-toxic. Preferably those that come from renewable natural resources and that do not generate environmental transformations. If possible, pleasant to the eye and to the landscape.
Some recommended materials are: Local wood available and that is not in risk of extinction, concrete clean works, clays, metals such as steels, raw iron and natural aluminum. The paints must be free of lead and petroleum-derived contaminants and preferably water-based and natural pigments.
C) Energy Management
Both the Design and the choice of Materials must be made under a sound criterion of environmental responsibility and efficiency in energy management. The key is to take advantage of natural energy sources and supplement with artificial ones only for what is necessary. When we talk about optimization and energy efficiency, I do not mean that the user must deprive himself of its use but that the design must be a balance between what is available and what is necessary. Another key is to rely on generation technology mechanisms and equipment that are accessible today. This efficient energy management also implies the creation of habits, that is, the incorporation of control habits, which must be assumed as important without deteriorating, of course, the quality of life of construction users once it is in use.The main sources of energy to take advantage of are:
- Natural energies such as the sun and wind can be harnessed by placing skylights, doors and windows in the right places. A correct layout of the walls can make better use of the clarity and air circulation. Placing the lamps in well thought out places and playing with the height will make an important difference. LED lighting also represents a significant energy saving. Well-adjusted and in good condition sockets and switches are key to saving and reducing energy losses due to false contacts. Appliances must be low consumption and those of essential use such as water pumps, garage door motors or other appliances The necessary ones can improve their consumption if they are 220 Volts, even the wiring will be of smaller section and this represents an additional saving.The use of gas and manual mechanical equipment is sometimes an option that is not only interesting but also quite healthy. The use of water can be the object of significant savings if very simple distribution networks are designed and implemented at the time of construction. For example: White water (clean water) can be controlled with faucets that do not leak and with the implementation of its conscious and rational use of it Sewage (water from showers, sinks, basins) can be used for irrigation only with the installation of an independent and simple drainage network. Sewage (water from toilets and urinals) can be disposed of to a treatment plant and later used for irrigation. Rainwater can be controlled and be the object of significant savings if are collected properly,they are stored and used for cleaning patios, vehicles, irrigation and even for recharging the toilet tanks in case of emergency.
Finally and despite the fact that ecological constructions can be considered as something complicated, in reality it is not, much less in Latin America where we have quantities of high quality natural resources and many of them renewable in the short term. We have little variable climates and rich and constant energy sources.
This ABC shows that this type of construction is possible to carry out and that it is not for the exclusive use of developed countries. Yes, you can build with less damage to nature and make this an ecological commitment to the construction area.
