What Makes a Sustainable Building?

A sustainable building is one that is designed to conserve water, materials, and energy from initial creation to end of use. Structures consume approximately seventeen percent of water resources and another forty percent of total electrical flow. Material consumption averages twenty-five percent of performed wood harvesting. These staggering percentages show the importance of creating a more sustainable building for preservation of vital resources. A greener structure operates more efficiently, provides a healthier occupant environment, and reduces associated costs. Green buildings consist of any structure that is designed, renovated, or reused in a manner to promote conservation and proficient use. Sustainable properties can also be incorporated as part of the operational characteristics of a building. Green designs or alterations typically have one or many of these objectives:

• Occupant Health Protection
• Employee Productivity Improvements
• Decreased Energy Consumption
• Water Conservation
• Productive Resource Usage
• Limiting Environmental Impact

The economic benefits supplied through a sustainable building are phenomenal as time progresses. In some scenarios, the initial implementation costs can be extensive; however, the delivered long term savings make up for the initial investment. Not every eco-friendly building implementation has a large upfront cost. Photoluminescent egress safety products are one example of an affordable, energy saving solution. Green Buildings Consist of Specific Elements Several approaches can be taken when desiring to create an eco-friendly structure either during initial design or post construction. These elements are often considered prior to or after construction:

• Site Location
• Protection of Natural Landscaping
• Incorporation of Recycled Materials
• Passive Design Approaches
• Natural Lighting Implementations
• Increased Efficiency Lighting Systems
• Selecting An Appropriately Sized HVAC System
• Implementing Measures to Limit Electrical Loads
• Use of Alternative Energy Sources

A variety of additional options are available depending on the current phase of development. Photoluminescent egress products are a good starting point if you have been seeking an existing building option with limited costs. Every structure is required by law to have signing and markings for egress path identification. Traditional approaches involve incandescent, electrically powered items in addition to toxic metal signing. These items are costly to install, maintain, and dispose whereas self-luminous alternatives provide an abundance of sustainability benefits. Photoluminescent Choices Significantly Lessen Environmental Impact Reduction of electrical loads, recyclable materials, and minimal resource use are some of the easiest sustainable building requirements for any business or public facility to meet. Self-luminous products require no energy and promote resource preservation through these properties:

• Condensed Production Materials
• Recyclable
• Extended Life
• Minimal Maintenance
• Limited Installation Provisions

They supply an affordable way to begin adding sustainable qualities to a building. The purchasing cost of this choice is equally comparable to traditional incandescent or common metal alternatives. Installation expenses are less due to limited materials and elimination of backup power source requirements. You receive a reduction in continued use expenses through removal of energy needs. Professional  setup or care is not necessary and additional components such as bulbs are no longer a concern. Photoluminescent signing is a simple, affordable, and reliable way to promote building sustainability. These items are also an approved method for remaining compliant with egress safety requirements.