As the demand for sustainability in real estate grows, we are seeing significant changes in the construction industry. Much of this demand is coming from consumer preference and an increase in ESG initiatives from the government. However, there are also numerous benefits for developers and investors in commercial real estate that are driving this shift toward more sustainable building practices.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the importance of green construction and its benefits as well as some of the latest sustainability innovations that are reshaping the industry.

The Benefits of Green Construction

According to the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), the building sector accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. With many governments having a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, this means a significant sustainable transformation is necessary within the construction and real estate industry.

With recent advances in technology, we are already seeing some incredible innovations having a positive impact on green construction. This not only helps the environment by reducing emissions but there are also tangible benefits for developers, investors, building owners, tenants, and the public.

• Green building investment means the property will be more valuable.
• Green buildings reduce day-to-day operational costs.
• Investing in green construction helps create more jobs.
• Sustainable buildings improve health outcomes.
• Green construction promotes more resilient building design.
• Green buildings attract better tenants.
• There are government incentives for companies that invest in green building design.

 

Of course, making big changes toward sustainability can come with its risk, like any investment. However, the benefits generally outweigh the risks in this case, especially for those who want to safeguard their building investments against future regulatory shifts. Still, to ensure you are on the right track and reaping the most rewards, it’s helpful to use the right tools to track and enhance corporate sustainability.

This can include using AI-driven ESG reporting software, impact measurement and management (IMM) software, and integrated data analysis. IoT devices can also be used to monitor and track building efficiency to help reduce waste and emissions and optimize resources.

Current Green Construction Innovations Reshaping The Commercial Building Industry

There are some truly game-changing innovations in the green construction space that have been making waves in the building and real estate industries as of late. As technology continues to advance, we are likely to see even further growth and change in this sector.

Below is a list of some of the latest sustainable construction trends and innovations reshaping commercial building today:

1. IoT-Enabled Buildings

IoT devices are made using sensors that can collect real-time data to provide insights to help optimize the eco-efficiency of green buildings. For example, IAQ monitors measure air quality and can send alerts when the indoor air quality needs attention. IoT-enabled systems can also auto-control operations such as the lighting and the HVAC systems for better efficiency.

2. Low Carbon Concrete

Low-carbon concrete is a mix of supplementary materials such as fly ash, metakaolin, and slag. These cement alternatives help reduce CO2 emissions, which are typically high with traditional concrete. Carbon capture technologies are also being used to take the CO2 emissions from cement production and put it toward strengthening concrete to make it more resilient.

3. Passive Solar Power

Passive solar heating and cooling are systems used to reduce reliance on traditional HVAC systems to consume less energy. Passive solar heating captures the sunlight and then releases it as heating in the building during times when it’s cloudy or at night. Passive solar cooling stores cool air at night to release as air conditioning during the day when it’s warmer. They also use shading and natural ventilation during the day to block and remove heat.

4. Smart Glass

Electrochromic glass is a type of smart glass that can auto-adjust its tint and transparency throughout the day depending on the temperature. On a hot day, for example, the glass will darken to prevent heat from getting inside. On a cool day or on cloudy days, the glass will remove the tint to let the light and the heat pass through.

Conclusion

The real estate and commercial building industries are already seeing positive change with the advent of green construction innovations. As the demand for sustainability increases, it’s important for those involved in these sectors to continue investing in green technologies and find new opportunities to push the boundaries of what is possible.