Every 24 hours, we release 162 million tons of greenhouse gas pollution caused by humanity into the thin ozone layer, as if it were an open-air sewer, causing global warming. In addition, an increase of 2 °C in the ambient temperature to generate an increase of 0.60 m to 4.60 m at ocean level.
Surprising, isn't it? The truth is that sea level will continue to rise due to the damage we have caused for years, but if we use Renewable energy, the speed of the increase decreases by up to 50%.
In this article, we'll look at how guarantee sustainability and well-being in the construction sector in the face of a world that requires us to be greener.
Currently, different countries have a commitment signed in different editions of the COP on objectives to be met by 2030 and 2050 against global warming, although it is not legally binding.
The objective of the COP26, held in November 2021, was to achieve commitments to action to keep global warming “well below” 2 degrees Celsius and reach 1.5 °C to avoid a climate catastrophe. The goal is to continue reducing emissions until net zero is reached by 2050.
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, or American Council for Sustainable Construction, buildings have an impact of up to 47% on energy consumption, 50% on drinking water consumption, 23% on waste generation, 27% on forest destruction, 40% on CO₂ emissions. What is mentioned above is the impact of the design, construction, but above all the use of our buildings, and it has a significant effect on the environment and human health.
Sustainability must be constant. In the construction sector, green building is a process that applies to buildings, their locations, their interiors, their operations and the communities in which they are located. The sustainable construction process flows throughout the entire life cycle of a project, starting from the beginning of a project idea and continuing without problems until the project reaches the end of its life and its parts are recycled or reused.
To verify that green buildings really exist, sustainable certifications are used. There are two: LEED Certification and EDGE Certification. If you want to know what the LEED certification, see this section and if you want to understand the EDGE certification, see our explanation.
It should be noted that green buildings consume less energy. Compared to average commercial buildings, LEED buildings can consume 25% to 30% less water, reduce maintenance costs by 19%, consume 25% less energy and generate 34% less greenhouse gas emissions.
Yes, through extreme weather events or infectious diseases. In addition to water and air pollution or heat stress, the intake of transgenic foods and other situations directly affect our health.
First let's understand what are the sources of indoor air pollution. According to the IWBI certification, International WELL Building Institute or International Institute for Building Wellness, 52% comes from poor ventilation, 16% from pollution inside the building, 16% from pollution outside the building, 5% from microbial contamination, 4% from finishes and 13% from unknown sources.
We realize that our environment is changing the way we live, work, observe and it makes us rethink the habits we have. And if we spend 90% of our time indoors, we should start there. For the buildings.
There are two types of certifications that guarantee the well-being of people in buildings. WELL Certification (Read our explanation) and FITEL certification (visit our section). Both guarantee companies a good workplace for their employees, where health and well-being are promoted through air, water, nutrition, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, used materials, mental health and the establishment of an inclusive community.
El 90% of company expenses go to employee salaries, which is why investing in a building that meets welfare standards brings returns such as increased worker productivity and a decrease in the rate of worker absenteeism.
To summarize what has been read in this article, the 2022 trends for the construction sector are green buildings that comply with sustainable certifications such as LEED and EDGE. In addition, with the WELL and FITWEL certification to promote the well-being of the people who inhabit the buildings. If you want free advice on your next real estate project, contact us here.
EDGE certification is one of the fastest and most effective ways to create efficient buildings, reduce energy, water, and material consumption, and increase property resale value. Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, EDGE helps real estate projects lower their environmental impact, reduce operating costs, and support decarbonization efforts. With a streamlined and measurable process, EDGE has become a strategic certification for developers and investors seeking sustainability, profitability, and market differentiation.
Sustainable certifications in Mexico are gaining prominence as a key tool for companies and projects that seek to demonstrate their environmental, social and governance commitment. They are no longer limited to construction alone, but encompass complete processes, operations, products and business models.
Discover how environmental certifications, energy efficiency and sustainable buildings increase the resale value of a property and reduce its environmental impact.
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