Old architecture and constructions are valued till date not for no reason. Be it traditional homes or commercial buildings the buildings stand strong in all weathers. The materials used then were so good that it didn’t even require touch-ups due to changing weathers unlike the new homes. The supreme quality binding materials, cement mixture, brick work and sturdy architectural designs are becoming obsolete in many places because they are being replaced with modern & more functional buildings.
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| Traditional homes |
Needless to say that resources used for building purposes these days are just about sufficient to bear the regular stress and strain on it. The biggest factor that proves this point is the thickness of the walls. Earlier homes have around 10 inches thick walls which made these traditional homes automatically cooler in summers & warmer in winters. As a result it makes for a cost cutting factor for electricity bills because cooling or heating appliances are not needed or shall I say, less needed?
Today’s constructions are more beauty oriented as real estate and land costs are sky rocketing like never before. Thus, people want everything from beauty to custom designs to functionality, etc. in their homes and offices. This has obviously led to fall of Eco-friendliness and given rise to some practices that contribute against the idea too. Have a look at it in the following paragraphs.
Usage of Electrical Appliances: When I say appliances I don’t only mean air conditioners, I mean electricity in general, in spite of air conditioners being the largest energy consumer in modern times. Temperature controlling devices run throughout the day; imagine the emissions and electricity consumption of huge commercial buildings.
Excessive Use of Lights: Well, this point is about the need to switch on lights even during broad daylight. Use of lights has increased manifold; blame it on the concrete jungles mushrooming all around. There is very less scope for sunlight to enter the interiors. You can turn this need Eco-friendly by using fluorescent compact lights.
A remedy for this would be to install big glass windows for transparency. Many offices have applied this idea to have an entire office wall made of awning windows. At the same time one should have proper insulation too for avoiding chances of heat or cool air escape.
Today’s constructions are more beauty oriented as real estate and land costs are sky rocketing like never before. Thus, people want everything from beauty to custom designs to functionality, etc. in their homes and offices. This has obviously led to fall of Eco-friendliness and given rise to some practices that contribute against the idea too. Have a look at it in the following paragraphs.
Usage of Electrical Appliances: When I say appliances I don’t only mean air conditioners, I mean electricity in general, in spite of air conditioners being the largest energy consumer in modern times. Temperature controlling devices run throughout the day; imagine the emissions and electricity consumption of huge commercial buildings.
Excessive Use of Lights: Well, this point is about the need to switch on lights even during broad daylight. Use of lights has increased manifold; blame it on the concrete jungles mushrooming all around. There is very less scope for sunlight to enter the interiors. You can turn this need Eco-friendly by using fluorescent compact lights.
A remedy for this would be to install big glass windows for transparency. Many offices have applied this idea to have an entire office wall made of awning windows. At the same time one should have proper insulation too for avoiding chances of heat or cool air escape.
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| Traditional homes |
Use Eco-Friendly Products: Everyone is allergic, directly or indirectly, to pests and rodents; they don’t like them scurrying around in their homes. How do you get rid of them in ways that will not harm the environment? By using natural pesticides as this would largely avoid pollution.
These two major points will be helpful only in trying to reduce the energy consumption and in turn giving a helping hand in reducing the emissions from these sources. As far as building constructions are concerned one should check and approach new home builders who take care of the environment friendly factors while erecting buildings. Many builders are certified and do take it as their responsibility to ensure there constructions conform to the government laid standards. But by initiating small steps you can contribute towards making your traditional home more Eco-friendly too.
These two major points will be helpful only in trying to reduce the energy consumption and in turn giving a helping hand in reducing the emissions from these sources. As far as building constructions are concerned one should check and approach new home builders who take care of the environment friendly factors while erecting buildings. Many builders are certified and do take it as their responsibility to ensure there constructions conform to the government laid standards. But by initiating small steps you can contribute towards making your traditional home more Eco-friendly too.
