Why You Should Consider Living in a Green Apartment Building?

The Features and Designs that Reduce Harm to the Environment

Green building is a term that has been used more frequently as of recent years, but what is the advantage of living in a green building?

According to the EPA, buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of total energy use, 12% of water consumption, 68% of total electricity consumption, and 38% of total carbon dioxide emissions. Green residential buildings are booming across the US, and apartment buildings are no different.

The most prominent feature of green apartment buildings are recycled construction materials. Builders use recycled metal, wood, stone, and other materials without depleting natural resources. Residence conscious about green building feel good about saving trees and using alternate resources for hardwood flooring.

Wood substitutes like Bamboo, which can replace itself in 6 years, are a very popular alternative. Another method is to use building material from the construction site. Builders are also using natural resources from the construction site itself in order to avoid purchasing materials from another site.

To increase energy efficiency, green apartment properties have implemented new designs and technology. Some properties use onsite renewable energy solutions such as wind power, solar panels, and hydro power. Energy-efficient light bulbs, Energy Star certified appliances, and dual-flush toilets are some of the features apartment properties can use to reduce energy consumption.

Recent water shortages across the US have increased awareness for water conservation efforts. Green apartment buildings along the west coast have implemented water-conserving features. Examples of this include rainwater collectors and grey water reuse for daily functions like flushing toilets, washing cars, and watering plants.

Grey water is waste water generated from domestic purposes such as washing dishes, bathing, and laundrey, and comprises 50%-80% of all wastewater generated in residential areas. Greywater recycling can lower fresh water extraction, groundwater recharge, plant growth, and reduce the energy use required for water treatment.

Green roofs and rooftop gardens have the ability to reduce urban heat pollution. It is common knowledge that asphalt and concrete can radiate heat to dangerous levels. Imagine standing in a parking lot in a summer day. Now imagine the parking lot and increase it to the size of a large city like Los Angeles.

This urban heat island effect causes increased energy consumption. The Heat Island Group estimates that the urban heat island effect costs the Los Angeles area about $100 million per year in energy costs. The urban heat island effect can also increase the magnitude of heat waves in cities, which can lead to deaths among people that are susceptible to heat.

But why live in a green apartment? Tenants can save money by lowering their utility bills. Renewable energy sources and energy efficient building materials are a sure fire way to cut costs on the monthly bill. Residents can also actively participate in reducing energy consumption. Finally, residents will be living in a healthier environment since green roofs will lower heat radiation and reduce the effects of the urban heat island.