Free Essay: Green Site Selection & Development for Commercial Construction

The construction of buildings is a sensitive issue that requires architectures, engineers and other stakeholders to take precaution to ensure that the final product will be safe for people and animals. Construction is the primary source of environmental pollution today. Transportation of materials, noise pollution and dust are some of the primary ecological pollutants in the construction industry. Various factors such as social, human-made, natural and economic factors need to be examined. Further, the location and how buildings are created have an impact on the local and global environments. The building site is a concern for most people since it affects human and environmental health causes pollution and uses resources and therefore building practices need to be considered. According to Kruger & Seville (2013), a green site is that which guarantee people that it will be healthy for the planet, people and home that will be near the building. Despite the massive growth in the construction industry, green site selection and development for commercial construction are some of the factors that have continued to cause environmental degradation.

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Background

Sustainable building is making sure that the needs of the current generation are met without having to compromise the ability to meet the needs of the future generation. A sustainable construction leaves space for sidewalks, bike paths, bus stops and extra space for public use. Environmentally sensitive areas such as lakes, tree-covered hills, native wildflowers and plants and others need to be avoided to protect the environment. Green building is one of the current trends in architecture where structures built have efficiencies for both energy and water from materials that are environmentally friendly. Close cooperation among the stakeholders is required to ensure that a green building is constructed (Furr & American Bar Association, 2009).

Principles of Sustainable Building

Sustainable buildings need to maximize the site potential, energy, water, space and material. It also needs to reduce the use of toxic materials and waste. The buildings need to adhere to regulations and laws that pertain to construction and need to increase indoor environmental quality.

Optimize Site Potential

The site where construction is to occur needs to be appropriately selected. The location, landscaping and orientation are factors that need to be considered since they are likely to affect the local ecosystems, energy use as well as transportation approaches. Physical security is critical to consider when optimizing a site design. A construction also needs to protect the native plants and animals in the site and also reduce possible storm water runoff.

Selecting a Particular Site

Before a construction project can begin, it is vital to consider the various environmental disturbances that can happen and therefore mitigate the risks. Different areas need to be avoided such as a habitat for certain species which are endangered or vulnerable, public parkland, land that is within 100 feet around a wetland and a land that is near a body of water by 50 feet. A sedimentation plan and erosion plan need to be implemented to minimize pollution from a construction project. The project manager needs to control soil erosion, dust, and regulate soil erosion (Kruger & Seville, 2013).

The Immediate Effects

The immediate effects of embracing green site selection are an enriched ecosystem. The water bodies, native and animal species would be protected to ensure that they will be present for future generations. People would benefit since they would have public spaces for them to enjoy. People who would reside in the building would have access to clean air, water and environment leading to high healthy living. People would also benefit as they would be able to access public transportation, parking, bicycle storage and changing rooms.

Further, people in the area would not encounter environmental pollution that is caused by construction activities since various measures would be put in place to reduce the risks. Climatic changes would not occur when green buildings are created therefore preventing the adverse environmental disasters. Green buildings would promote inclusive and environmentally sound projects to boost shared prosperity.

Long-term Effects

The buildings that are created today must be able to withstand the climate that will be there in the future. Green site selection prevents the adverse effects of climate change since the building design and location has the least environmental impact. It, therefore, means that construction projects must consider if their building will cope with extreme conditions in the future such as flooding, wildfires, temperatures, wind and others. Sustainable development is that which is inclusive and environmentally friendly which therefore lessens poverty and ensures there is equality in regards to economic resources. Successful designs for construction will dominate the region thereby increasing the number of green buildings which is beneficial to all living things in the area (Furr & American Bar Association, 2009).

Conclusion

Green Site Selection & Development for Commercial Construction are ideas that can be promoted in society in efforts to boost sustainability and environmental conservation. Urban areas need to be considered as the best sites for commercial construction. Different forms of pollution can be eliminated including sound and light pollution when green site selection is implemented. Green site selection can help to preserve native plants and animals and also help people to enjoy their lives since the environment would be free of pollution and other hazards.

References

Furr, J. E., & American Bar Association. (2009). Green building and sustainable development: The practical legal guide. Chicago: Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law, American Bar Association.

Kruger, A., & Seville, C. (2013). Green building: Principles and practices in residential construction. Clifton Park, N.Y: Delmar Cengage Learning.