In eastern Asia, dead palms lay forgotten in fields, waiting to become a beacon of sustainable energy. Fortunately, researchers are taking advantage of these found materials, discovering ways they could revolutionize biomass power generation. The promising findings are cursory steps in reducing the need for virgin materials and eliminating the negative side effects of biofuel production.

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Malaysia and Japan’s Palm Experiments

Researchers in Malaysia and Japan are trying to renew biomass energy with felled palm trees. The concept has been in development since 2018, and operations are currently unfolding in southern Malaysia, in the town of Kluang. Although trees, particularly palms, appear to be a promising source of biomass feedstock, they are burdened with impurities that render them less suitable for processing.

The partnering universities put dead palm trunks into a machine, grinding them down into fiber piles within seconds. Their machine would remove impurities in the process, shaping the powder into pellets for boilers.

From a reduction perspective, Asian palms have a distinct advantage over other biomass feedstocks. Their water content is between 70-80%, making them soft and easier to mulch. Additionally, they contain tons of sap, which opens the door for more sustainable applications, such as green aviation fuels. Any unused materials can be repurposed as fertilizer, assisting local agriculture.

The studies clarify that biofuel is not the only application for dead palms. Furniture makers could lower deforestation rates by crafting pieces from these sturdy trunks. A wood board company sent its palm-originated boards to 15 furniture makers to test on a variety of pieces. Japan has successfully manufactured and sold palm-based items since 2022, demonstrating their commercial potential.

Better Biomass

Biofuels and biomass production may become more prevalent renewable energy generators on the planet. However, several problems keep them from reaching their full potential. The palm tree research provides a glimpse into what needs repairing within the biomass sector to make it more sustainable and circular.

Should trees remain in groves to support healthy soils and encourage new growth? While this is the logic for many plant varieties, decomposing palms may invite more harm than good. In their wake, termites and other unwelcome fungi flourish. Additionally, each tree releases 1.3 tons of greenhouse gasses as it dies, making it more impactful to repurpose them before they do.

One issue these experts solve is palm oil’s negative environmental impact. It is among the most hot-button topics in sustainability as the world’s most used vegetable-based oil. Malaysia and Indonesia are top users of the product, making the research’s impact more meaningful. Naturally, this outfit requires swaths of palm groves, which have overtaken countless acres of land and destroyed other forests to make room for this profitable venture.

The land needed to meet global palm oil demand increased tenfold between 1970 and 2020, totaling 30 million hectares. This is more than any other vegetable oil crop, including soybeans, sunflowers and coconuts. Extracting necessary resources from these dead palms is a sustainable option for the palm oil and biomass market. 

More on the topic: The Challenges of Sustainable Palm Oil Production and Consumption

Palm Tree Progress

The research provides an optimistic perspective on the future of palm oil and environmental rehabilitation. But what do stakeholders need to make it commercially viable?

Palm tree recycling looks good on paper, but it is never sustainable to transport heavy trees long distances to recycling plants. Machinery is also resource-intensive. The equipment required for oil palm field cultivation accounts for 96.08% of its energy. The damage caused at this phase would make a life cycle analysis for these materials look unsustainable. Even for recycled palm trees, the entire value chain and all scopes of emissions would need to be accounted for.

The circular mindset of tree recycling will need to be paired with technological shifts, like electrification or lean processing practices to reduce waste and energy consumption.

These experts and biotechnologists can only see their vision come to life by partnering with oil extractors and grove managers. A compelling pitch must incentivize them to dispose of their waste ethically. If they hand their products to recyclers, then they could get low- to no-cost resources in return. 

The setup is probable because it benefits all parties by appealing to corporate interests. Dead palm recycling stakeholders can convince them further by suggesting it will help adhere to environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks with minimal effort.

Commercial and Consumer Impact

The implications of the palm oil research will change how people purchase palm-based products. Sustainable certifications and labels are one of the most critical components of any corporate social responsibility strategy, so it will not be long before these materials receive similar third-party checks. An external evaluation will prove palm materials are properly recycled and grown in ethical operations, akin to the responsibilities of the Forest Stewardship Council. 

As these guidelines become clarified, eco-friendly palm wood could be used to make carbon-friendly flooring, food products, biofuel pellets or construction materials. Eventually, a sustainable offering will be created to combat palm products made from environmentally destructive sources. 

However, the most significant impact will be on cost-effective, accessible biomass feedstocks. Boilers and stoves could now accept palm products when it was a challenge before because of impurities. There were few examples of manufacturing outfits producing palm-based biomass products at scale, and many default to compressed wood or other options. 

Buyers from all perspectives will also feel a reduction in climate anxiety and the weight of individual responsibility. Researchers show workers harvested only 10% of fresh fruit bunches from Malaysian palms. Typically, the remainder contributes to palm groves’ carbon footprints as they die, as milling equipment and operations remain inefficient. When companies recycle dead palms and get more out of each tree, consumers will feel less guilty about these items.

Dead Plant Research Is on Fire

Malaysia and Japan could see palm tree recycling facilities operate in the coming years. The advancement inspires corporations to find accessible implementations to boost sustainability in one of the most toxic sectors.

It also alleviates the burden on businesses and individual consumers, who fear their adverse climate impact of palm oil. These efforts should catalyze further creative ideation in the biomass and biofuel world to reduce overfarming and deforestation.

The post From Dead Palms to Sustainable Energy Solutions: How Asia Is Maximizing Biomass Fuel appeared first on Earth.Org.

The construction industry has long been a significant contributor to greenhouse gasses and climate change. As such, the sector has sought greener building standards as an alternative to conventional structures. Declare labels have proven to be a viable approach to product transparency — a powerful resource for contractors, building designers and consumers interested in using sustainable materials. Highlighting the eco-friendliness of building components allows stakeholders to make sounder decisions for environmental and public health. 

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The climate crisis has inspired a wave of ecologically sound building projects targeting reduced emissions and greater energy efficiency. Green buildings have especially appealed to companies with sustainability initiatives due to the widespread adoption of environmental, social and governance principles.  

The construction sector is not well-renowned for having pro-environment fundamentals. Studies suggest the industry is liable for 25% of worldwide logging activities while emitting 39% of global carbon dioxide, 49% of sulfur dioxide, and 25% of nitrous oxide. It is also responsible for extracting 40% of the world’s raw materials.

Transitioning to green products and practices, reducing waste, and increasing operational efficiency can dramatically diminish buildings’ adverse environmental impacts. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), energy-saving construction and design could reduce emissions levels by 12.8% by 2035 from 2022 levels. Existing construction practices illustrate a 13% increase in emissions without mitigation efforts.

Green building frameworks have paved the way for more climate-resilient clean energy structures worldwide. However, sourcing and incorporating sustainable materials into building projects remains challenging. Fortunately, Declare labels can help streamline this process. 

What Are Declare Labels? 

The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) developed Declare labels to deliver a transparent database of product sustainability. The labels follow Living Building Challenge’s (LBC) requirements, indicating what the item is made of, its carbon footprint, and how harmful it is to the environment and people. 

Many compare Declare labels to food nutrition labels, as each breaks down the most critical product information and ingredients, helping construction stakeholders and consumers make informed buying decisions. Declare labels allow the green building sector to achieve the highest sustainability standard and construct safer, energy-efficient structures. Products with Declare labeling comply with the LBC Red List – chemical compounds deemed most hazardous to human health and the environment. Manufacturers must disclose all ingredients and residuals at or over 100 parts per million – or 0.01% – in each product.

How Do You Read Declare Labels?

Declare labels aim for straightforward clarification and accessibility to building products’ composition. Some of the labels’ core components include:

• Product identifier: States what the product is and its model, if applicable;
• Declaration status: Identifies the product as LBC Red List Free, LBC Red List Approved or Declared;
• Ingredients: Lists all the ingredients used to manufacture the product;
• Red List chemicals: Discloses any substances from the Red List;
• Additional details: Details end-of-life options for the product, life expectancy and certifications it’s received.

The key difference between the LBC Red List Free and Approved statuses is whether the item is entirely free of the ILFI’s chemicals or contains trace amounts. The LBC Red List Free declaration is also a product’s highest attainable status.

Construction professionals should familiarize themselves with the Red List to identify the most concerning compounds. They can then use the Declare labels to compare products and weigh the environmental and health impacts before use. 

Benefits of Declare Labels 

Declare labels eliminate the guesswork in sourcing quality green materials for sustainable building projects. This offers several advantages to construction stakeholders and the average consumer pioneering eco-friendly infrastructure and design.

1. Better Product Decision-Making

Using the product information on Declare labels results in healthier and environmentally sound product choices. For example, a plumbing specialist may forgo using a pipe with potentially hazardous compounds, which could increase occupant exposure to poor air quality. 

Because manufacturers must meet stringent criteria to receive a Declare status, the labels also improve customer satisfaction and loyalty by cultivating trust in how products are made.

Declare labeling makes green product selection more efficient, as designers and contractors can verify sustainability and meet LEED certification standards. For example, builders might select Meganite’s silica-free countertops and sinks, which have obtained Declare labeling and various certifications for low emissions.

Kohler Co. – a global kitchen and bathroom plumbing manufacturer – also began applying GreenCircle Certified’s third-party declarations in 2020. GreenCircle Certified examined Kohler’s processes to ensure material health and compliance with Declare label standards, indicating whether any chemicals matched those on the Red List. 

2. Efficient Building Performance

Declare labeling’s transparency ensures excellent building performance by specifying sources of indoor pollutants, boosting awareness of potential allergens, and maintaining maximum indoor air quality. They also indicate a product’s carbon footprint to encourage material use with reduced embodied energy. 

Integrating vegetation and recycled materials on green roofs saves 12.5% of energy daily during summer. Meanwhile, light-emitting diode bulbs use 90% less power than incandescents, lowering the amount of heat expelled. Contractors, architects, and designers can use Declare labels for these products to ensure optimal efficiency. 

3. Public Health Risk Mitigation

Because Declare labels point to potential hazards within a product, they can prevent public health risks associated with the materials.

For instance, formaldehyde – a known carcinogen – is widely used in pressed wood products, while phthalates make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more pliable and durable. PVC products are among the most common materials found in construction. Likewise, perfluorinated compounds – including perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOAs – do not break down and have a four-year half-life in the human body. Animal studies show these forever chemicals cause pancreatic, liver, mammary, and testicular tumors in rats.

4. Greater Sustainability

Promoting less harmful material use in building and design reduces pollution and resource consumption. The Declare labels emphasize end-of-life information, encouraging a more circular economy. Likewise, the labels facilitate a transition toward low-carbon materials, enabling fewer building greenhouse gasses. 

More on the topic: 5 Ways the Construction Industry Is Getting Greener

Challenges and Criticisms

Overall, the adoption of Declare labels is relatively aligned with resistance to green buildings. Studies show they have 31% higher design expenses, 11% longer completion timelines, and 6.5% higher construction costs than standard structures. Green upgrades can also be more difficult and costly to insure, especially since repairing or replacing damaged property with eco-friendly materials is more pricey.

The criteria for achieving LEED building status are also complex. As such, only 4.08% of new construction in the US is considered green.

Although Declare labels can help contractors, designers, and consumers make better product choices to ensure building sustainability, there might be misunderstandings about the information presented. The labels are highly detailed and may be challenging for everyone to comprehend. Likewise, there must be a way for people to verify the accuracy and authenticity of the information presented on them. 

Addressing the challenges requires implementing new policies and incentives for adoption. Tax credits and manufacturer rebates should be offered for product purchases with Declare labels while industry stakeholders promote their value and use. Additionally, educational resources and training will help manufacturers, construction specialists, and consumers better understand the labeling process. 

Building Transparency 

The future of green building demands widespread adoption of Declare labels. Their benefits for the construction sector and society are too crucial to overlook. Transparency and a deeper understanding of eco-friendly materials and design are critical as the industry continues to shift toward sustainability.

Featured image: Danist Soh/ Unsplash.

The post Declare Labels: Unpacking the Sustainability of Construction Materials  appeared first on Earth.Org.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat – it is a reality that farmers around the world are grappling with daily. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, increased pest and disease pressure and shifting precipitation patterns have made agriculture more challenging than ever. Farmers are demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of the uncertainty brought about by climate change. 

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1. Diversification of Crops and Livestock

Diversification is one of the most effective strategies farmers use to adapt to climate change. Farmers can spread the risk associated with changing weather patterns by planting various crops and raising different types of livestock. Diversification provides a buffer against crop failures, helps maintain soil health and prevents the spreading of diseases and pests. Farmers are experimenting with new crop varieties better suited to changing conditions and exploring niche markets for specialty crops and livestock breeds.

2. Precision Agriculture and Technology

Technological advancements have played a crucial role in helping farmers adapt to climate change. Precision agriculture techniques, like GPS-guided tractors and drones, optimise farmer’s use of resources like water and fertilisers. With data-driven insights from weather forecasts and soil analysis, farmers can make informed decisions about when to plant, irrigate and harvest, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. 

3. Sustainable Farming Practices

Sustainability has become a central focus for many farmers. Implementing practices like conservation tillage, crop rotation and cover cropping helps sequester carbon, improve soil health and reduce water usage. Additionally, sustainable farming practices contribute to biodiversity conservation, which is vital for maintaining ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change. 

You might also like: How Climate Smart Agriculture Can Help Us Tackle Global Food Insecurity

4. Water Management and Irrigation Efficiency

As water resources become scarcer and more unpredictable, farmers are adopting innovative irrigation techniques to make the most of available water. Drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting and soil moisture sensors are just a few examples of technologies that help farmers manage water resources more efficiently. Water recycling and storage systems also enable farmers to store excess water during wet periods for use during dry spells.

5. Maximising Existing Agricultural Land

With a growing global population and increasing pressure on land resources, finding ways to enhance productivity on current farmland is vital. Farmers already use approximately 50% of vegetative land for agriculture, so there is little room for expansion and they need to get the most out of the land. 

Many farmers are adopting high-yield crop varieties and implementing crop rotation and intercropping techniques. Farmers can achieve higher yields by optimising land use and reducing the need for deforestation or land expansion. This approach helps them meet the rising food demand and conserves natural ecosystems. 

6. Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties

Crop breeding programmes are developing climate-resilient varieties that can withstand extreme temperatures, droughts and other climate-related stresses. These new varieties ensure better yields and reduce the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. Farmers are adopting these resilient crops at increasing rates to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

More on the topic: Bioengineering Climate-Resilient Crops to Safeguard Global Food Security

7. Knowledge Sharing and Adaptation Networks

Farmers are not facing climate change in isolation. Many join local and global networks to share knowledge, experiences and best practices for adapting to changing conditions. These networks help farmers learn from each other and gain access to valuable resources, including climate information, financial support and technical expertise. 

8. Weather Forecasting and Early Warning Signs

Access to accurate weather forecasting is critical to help farmers make timely decisions. The unpredictability of climate change has led to an increased demand for localised and reliable weather information. Many farmers now rely on weather apps and services offering real-time data and long-term forecasts tailored to their specific locations. Additionally, early warning systems for extreme weather events, like hurricanes and floods, have become invaluable tools for risk mitigation.

9. Resilient Infrastructure and Farm Design

Building resilient infrastructure is another game-changing strategy. Farmers are constructing climate-resilient buildings, storage facilities and irrigation systems to withstand extreme weather events. Farm design is evolving to incorporate natural features like wetlands and windbreaks to protect against erosion and create microclimates that foster healthy crops and livestock. 

10. Education and Training

Continuous learning and training are essential for staying ahead of climate change. Many agricultural universities and organisations offer workshops and courses on climate-smart agriculture, helping farmers stay up-to-date with the latest practices and technologies. This knowledge exchange promotes innovation and empowers farmers to make informed decisions.

11. Government Policies and Support

Government policies play a significant role in helping farmers make adaptations for climate change. Many countries are implementing policies and incentives to encourage sustainable farming practices, provide financial support during extreme weather events and promote research and development of climate-resilient crops. Farmers are actively engaging with policymakers to ensure they address their concerns and needs in climate-related legislation. 

For example, the US has various programmes and initiatives to support farmers. These include the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programmes, which promote sustainable farming practices, and crop insurance programs to help farmers recover from weather-related losses. Additionally, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides grants and technical assistance for research on climate-resilient crop varieties and practices. 

You might also like: The Future of Farming: Can We Feed the World Without Destroying It?

Adapting to a Changing Environment

The unpredictability of climate change presents significant challenges to farmers worldwide, but they are responding with innovation and adaptability. Through strategies and practices like diversification and technological advancements, farmers are beginning to thrive amidst the challenges of climate change. Their ability to adapt and innovate is crucial for their own livelihoods and for ensuring food security. 

As the effects of climate change continue to unfold, the agricultural community’s ability to adapt will be instrumental in securing a sustainable future for us all. 

This article was originally published on October 26, 2023

The post 11 Ways Farmers Are Adapting to the Unpredictability of Climate Change appeared first on Earth.Org.

Sustainable efforts continue to expand, changing one industry after another. The recent rise in green retirement options has urged seniors to rethink ecological living for various reasons, including more affordable home maintenance, better overall well-being, and protecting the planet. Learn more about this growing green lifestyle trend, its features, and how you can benefit from it.

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Green initiatives began as a flicker several years ago, sweeping through industries from construction to finance and now senior living. About 30,600 assisted living communities throughout the US provide almost 1.2 million licensed beds. If these numbers all go green, it will carry a wave of massive positive change for the environment and help curb the worsening climate problem.

Sustainable Retirement

Like in other sectors, sustainability is fueled by the optimistic benefits encompassing all health aspects. Facilities providing senior care pursue ecological lifestyles in the following ways.

• Renewable energy

Many communities are shifting from fossil fuels to solar panels to power their units. It is cleaner and lowers residents’ monthly electric bills.

• Building architecture

They are opting for environmentally friendly and recyclable building materials, such as wood, brick and glass coverings. These boost insulation throughout all seasons, with walls retaining heat in winter and keeping indoors cooler during summer.

• Rainwater harvesting system

Having passive and active resource caching systems allows residents to collect and use water in many ways, such as flushing toilets, irrigating plants, bathing and washing laundry.

• Low-flow water fixtures

Over 45% of water use in an average American household happens in the bathroom. Many communities are revamping their plumbing design to slow water pressure in the toilet, shower, and kitchen faucets. It minimizes waste that converts into savings.

• Leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) certification

LEED is a globally recognized rating system granted by the Green Building Certification Institute. Many senior living companies pursue this as proof of sustainability and to attract ecologically conscious residents.

What Attracts Seniors to Pursue Sustainable Retirement Options?

Many older adults move because of rising home maintenance. Annual upkeep can cost anywhere between 1-4% of the total cost of your residence, meaning you will spend about $20,000 each year to maintain a $500,000 home. To reduce those expenses, check for these aspects.

• Renewable electricity

The community can power their units using clean energy sources. It is self-sufficient to promote efficiency, leveraging solar panels, LED lighting and smart thermostats to reduce environmental impact. These options lessen seniors’ monthly bills.

• Accessible transportation

The facility should support ecological transportation options, such as having bike-friendly infrastructure to encourage residents to participate, providing access to electric vehicle charging stations and shuttle services to public transportation to lower reliance on private cars.

• Gardening

Many curve into the route of food independence by creating their own gardens to taper off emissions, provide a refuge for local species and have access to chemical-free produce. Gardening is a meaningful hobby many seniors share, and being near green spaces benefits mental, social, and emotional well-being. The joy of planting and harvesting their own organic produce can give residents a sense of purpose.

• Quality indoor air

They use renewable and recyclable materials – such as cork, stone and wood – during construction to dial down the environmental impact and simultaneously promote healthier indoor air for residents.

What Are Other Benefits of Moving Into a Green Community?

A green senior living facility has several advantages for the residents, the business and the environment.

• Reduced carbon footprint

Home energy use contributes to 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US. Wealthier people have 25% higher footprints than those with lower incomes because of larger space. Efficient design and practices in green retirement facilities can keep individual carbon footprints to a minimum.

• Access to green spaces at any time

A sustainable community gives seniors access to wider green spaces that affect their health positively. One study found older adults who participated in a 24-session therapeutic gardening program maintained healthy sleep patterns and mental health, including reduced anxiety and improved brain function. Their mean happiness score also increased. The more available nature is to you, the better it is for your well-being.

• Strong sense of community

Loneliness is a prevalent problem among seniors who live independently. By moving to a retirement community, they can make friends who foster shared values around sustainability. They get more social opportunities and avoid loneliness more easily.

What Are Top Sustainable Communities in the US to Retire to?

Leading a sustainable lifestyle can be challenging initially, but things get better after a while. Here are three examples of thriving eco-conscious communities that incorporate sustainability in their way of living.

• Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage

This community in Missouri started in 1997 with six members who left California to search for a new home where they could pursue ecological living. The community has since grown, with more than 40 members dedicated to creating a place that prioritizes the environment. They grow most of their food, and each house follows sustainability guidelines in building materials, techniques and design.

• Sawyer Hill EcoVillage

This ecovillage is located in Massachusetts and uses the best sustainability practices in housing development. Homes meet the LEED standards, while the clustered units allow residents to leave more than 75% of their 65-acre compound for open space. The community maintains organic gardens, uses neighborhood lighting systems, and has shared facilities like a dining hall and play area for kids.

• EcoVillage at Ithaca

This hamlet in upstate New York is one of the pioneers in the country’s green community. It is set on 175 acres of land, with over 90% of the space preserved for farming, recreational trails and wildlife habitats. The two onsite farms provide fresh vegetables and fruits to 1,500 people in the Ithaca area. It currently has 100 homes clustered within a 10-acre zone.

How Can You Support Sustainability in Your Community?

Seniors who are not ready to downsize and relocate to a green community can gradually adopt sustainability practices to lower their carbon footprint. Here are strategies to try.

• Participate in community gardening

Check if your church, nonprofit organization, or neighborhood association has a shared garden close to home and ask how to become a member. Tending a garden is a great opportunity to stay active and social instead of being cooped up and living sedentary. Get to know other members of the community and build friendships.

• Advocate for renewable energy adoption

Advocating for clean energy is challenging if you know little about it, so start by learning everything. Pioneering the adoption by installing solar or switching to LEDs gives you more convincing power to entice others in your neighborhood to do the same.

• Engage in local sustainability groups and initiatives

Sustainability projects are widespread, so get involved in a program in your local area. Check if there are recycling, tree-planting, composting, or community-supported agriculture programs, and volunteer to be part of them.

• Eat locally

Support local merchants and pick eateries that source their products from nearby farmers and suppliers.

Sustainable Retirement Options Promote Health

A healthy environment translates to cleaner air, water and more nutritious food. Moving to a sustainable community to retire empowers seniors to be part of the climate solution. By changing one or more aspects of their lifestyle, whether choosing restaurants using local produce or downsizing and relocating to a smaller home, they can become role models for green movements. Consider eco-friendly factors during your retirement.

Featured image: joyce huis/Unsplash

You might also like: 4 Steps to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

The post The Rise of Sustainable Retirement Living Options in the US appeared first on Earth.Org.

Climate change has prompted plenty of people to ask themselves what they can do to slow down this rapidly deteriorating crisis. Until not long ago, there were very few answers. Thankfully, as society grows and technology expands, more and more innovative and efficient energy solutions are developed. In this article, we explore how the construction industry can benefit from some of these solutions.

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Residential and commercial construction projects use energy every day. In 2021, the industry was responsible for 37% of all process-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Builders have a big responsibility in adopting and implementing more sustainable building options. However, it is also essential to conjure up demand. And if consumers start seeking more sustainable energy solutions from companies, they will directly contribute to boosting their development.

Best Energy Solutions for Construction

Some energy solutions have already been deployed, while others are still in the works. It’s best to be aware of both and to seek what’s available for your future construction endeavors.

1. Integrative Design

The primary energy solution most builders utilize is turning to renewable sources. Solar, wind, and other types of clean energy are sustainable alternatives that can lessen dependence on conventional resources. However, there is also the matter of embodied energy, which accounts for all the resources used to produce a material or product.

The concept of integrative design is a good energy solution that focuses on utilizing available tools more efficiently. This technique applies to other sectors like transport, but construction can also take note of this. 

For instance, having a proper pipe layout and installation in a home is a better alternative to using a different duct system. Pipes are smaller in diameter than other tube options, so they are more efficient in transferring hot or cold air through the building. Doing this can save an estimated 97% of pumping energy and can contribute to conserve a staggering one-fifth of global electricity. 
Another example is concrete. Heating and cooling cement requires plenty of energy and water. The traditional method of mixing one ton of cement can produce one ton of carbon dioxide. It is possible to avoid this by opting for other structures like permanent wood foundations.

2. Prefabricated Materials

Prefabricated materials are a good energy solution already available on the market. It allows reusing construction materials that would otherwise go to the landfill. It also eliminates going overboard with your resources since everything is already precalculated. 

The construction process for prefabricated buildings like manufactured homes goes by quickly. Creating prefabricated structures generates 15.38% less waste than other construction forms. It is certainly a worthy option for walls, roofing, or even a whole building. 

Prefabricated buildings can also work in tandem with other forms of renewable energy, for example by integrating biomass energy through organic materials like wood pellets and agricultural remnants. Doing so can further lower the carbon footprint of the construction process.

In the US, manufactured housing has reached almost every state. Texas leads with 556,611 units, while North Carolina records 318,752. The growing demand for prefabricated buildings is mostly attributed to increased house prices and mortgage rates.

3. Dynamic Gas Blending

Dynamic gas blending is an engine design that helps builders run machinery on a combination of diesel and natural gas. This technology enables you to get the best of both fuels while minimizing emissions as much as possible. 

Plus, the engine operates like a pure diesel engine, so there’s not much of a learning curve in implementation. However, the main appeal of adopting dynamic gas blending is the ability to use other fuel sources.

For example, flare gas only produces 1% of manufactured carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions worldwide. Flaring or letting it break can do more harm than good, so it is best to adopt dynamic gas blending into construction processes. Utilizing it for your operation and combining it with another gas can lessen the overall environmental impact.

4. Solar Fuel Production

Solar energy is at the top of the list for renewable energy. Solar thermal technology is a popular approach, and it’s also used as an alternative to electricity in many homes and businesses. While many are shifting to solar energy use, it’s natural to start wondering what is next: solar fuel production. 

Solar fuel production is the process of harnessing sunlight energy and converting it into liquid fuels with water and carbon dioxide. The solar energy hitting the Earth’s surface in an hour can support global energy consumption for a whole year, so this method can lessen reliance on diesel and other harmful gases. 

While the concept is still being refined, solar fuel production’s impact on the construction and manufacturing sector seems promising. Many contractors use kerosene to power up construction equipment. It can also provide heating and lighting on work sites. 

While kerosene is quite valuable, it comes from petroleum and produces emissions. Solar fuel can serve as a green replacement for that. It can also substitute hydrocarbons like methane and ethanol. Finding and employing these renewable alternatives is key to minimizing reliance on fossil fuels in the long run.

Ideally, solar fuel can be a jumping point for even more efficient energy storage systems. The Department of Energy says the ability to store the fuels for months or longer and transport them anywhere in the world makes the resource valuable.

5. Green Hydrogen Systems

Green hydrogen utilizes electrolysis, which breaks down water particles to extract hydrogen energy. The output is similar to gray hydrogen, though the latter uses fossil fuels to break down particles, resulting in 830 million metric tons of emissions annually. 

Green hydrogen is a renewable resource produced without pollution. Australia is seeking to become a leading exporter in Asia due to its climate and strong capabilities to generate this type of energy, with its government investing A$525 million (US$347 million) to develop eight hydrogen hubs across the country.

On an industrial level, electric vehicle production and mining are set to utilize green hydrogen systems. Hyundai has pledged to manufacture 500,000 hydrogen vehicles with fuel cell technology by 2030. Essentially, cars will run on compressed clean hydrogen tanks rather than just operating on electricity.

You might also like: All You Need to Know About Green Hydrogen

6. Airborne Wind Energy

Wind turbines are the most common way to harness this energy source, but they can be challenging to use in areas lacking space. This dilemma sparks the innovation of an airborne wind energy system, power generation that’s done suspended in the air.

Most airborne wind power devices fly in a crosswind or transverse direction. Their design allows them to navigate altitudes of 200 meters (656 feet) and above. Some variations, like aerofoil kites, can stay connected to a stationary turbine, supplying it with the collected energy. Airborne wind energy systems can also generate power on board an aircraft.

According to the DOE, this system can harvest as much energy as ground-based turbines. However, they highlight that the technology still needs further development. University of Delaware Center for Research in Wind (CReW) director Cristina Archer says that while this type of energy will not replace conventional wind turbines, it can help with smaller operations, like powering remote islands.

7. Geothermal Heat Pump

Another form of renewable energy that can be helpful with the building process is integrating a geothermal heat pump. Space heating accounted for 42% of energy consumption in the residential sector, with most households dependent on natural gas.

Geothermal energy is a renewable heating source that combats that dependency. The area below the earth offers a great heat source, and households can utilize it to change the temperatures of their homes.

Utilizing geothermal heat pumps is recommended for new buildings, but they can be retroactively added to existing structures to maximize heating efficiency. According to DOE, this can decarbonize heating and cooling and avoid 24,500 grid transmission line miles by 2050.

Participate in the Change

The variety of available energy solutions means society is actively seeking sustainability. Join the cause by looking into different methods and staying updated on these projects. It is possible to make a difference, one shift at a time.

Featured image: Steele Rutherford/Unsplash

The post 7 Innovative Energy Solutions That Are Changing the Way We Build appeared first on Earth.Org.

The world has slowly become more connected over time. People take an interest in other cultures and want to experience them themselves. Traveling is an exciting part of life because it broadens your horizons and provides excellent educational opportunities, but how can you do so sustainably? To celebrate World Tourism Day 2023 under the theme “Tourism and green investment”, we dive deep into the world of ecotourism and explore new and innovative solutions to promote the movement of people around the world. 

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What Is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism involves traveling sustainably. When you vacation, domestically or abroad, you stay conscious of the environment as much as possible. Ecotourists try to limit their carbon footprint and support local ecosystems by contributing positively. For example, they could eat at a local restaurant or refrain from using plastic on their trip. Ecotourism has become critical as people try to expand their worldview while staying environmentally conscious. 

Why Should You Practice Ecotourism?

Tourism is vital for many communities worldwide. Vacationers spend their money to help small businesses thrive and to stimulate local economies. However, tourism can negatively impact the environment. A 2022 study found that tourism is responsible for nearly 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, most of which came from food and waste management. 

The pandemic hit the tourism industry with a steep 74% decline in international travel. Many countries had lockdowns in place to prevent COVID-19 transmission from foreign places. While this contributed to a significant drop in carbon emissions in 2020, tourist-dependent nations suffered huge economic losses.

Three years after the first case was detected in Wuhan, China, the pandemic is finally winding down and international travel is resuming, with air traffic set to reach 2019 levels soon. Last year saw a 153% increase in air travel compared to 2021 and about 62% pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, air traffic is expected to continue rising as most countries lift restrictions.

The bounce-back of tourism means the same will happen in terms of emissions. In 2022, GHG emissions increased by 7% in the first quarter compared to 2020. 

It is critical to practice ecotourism as global warming becomes more apparent. You’ll benefit from learning and becoming a better friend to the environment. Implementing ecotourism comes with many benefits:

• Educate yourself: The most significant benefit of ecotourism is educating yourself on environmental issues. If you find ways to be environmentally conscious on your trip, you are more likely to repeat those behaviors at home. Reading literature and research from scientists puts into perspective how the planet needs your help to survive.
  

• Protect resources: Sustainable travel means using natural and renewable resources to improve the planet’s health. You’re protecting the environment around you from the negative impacts of travel. If you believe in leaving something better than when you found it, ecotourism is the way to go.
  

• Help economies: Practicing ecotourism means other vacationers behind you also get to enjoy a clean environment. One way is by spending your money at local businesses. These shops are the heart of communities and give the location its remarkable personality. Patronising these companies helps them grow and continue their services for future visitors.

How Can You Be Mindful on Vacation?

It’s challenging to be perfect regarding your carbon footprint when traveling, but there are ways to limit your environmental impact abroad and contribute positively to the area. These five ways show how you can be a mindful ecotourist on your next trip. 

1. Research Ecotourism Locations

Ecotourism starts before you travel. Research as thoroughly as possible to see what destinations are the most conducive to ecotourism and find ways to be an ecotourist at the location. For example, you could look for hotels with biophilic designs. These spaces combine buildings with nature to maintain a connection with the environment. You may see natural materials like hardwood, stones, and trees inside the facility.  

Ecotourism means accounting for your environmental impact, but you should also examine how the area cares about green practices. When planning a trip, search for cities that implement eco-friendly policies to promote ecotourism. For example, Seattle, Washington, uses hydroelectric power for nearly 100% of its energy consumption.

2. Beware of Greenwashing

Talking about environmentally friendly practices is one thing, but implementing them and supporting the planet are the next steps that some businesses do not take. You may know this strategy as greenwashing. Due diligence can tell you which organisations stay true to their word and which only use eco-friendliness as a marketing term. 

It is essential to be able to spot greenwashing when you travel. Research hotels and businesses in the area and review their practices. How do they align with environmentally positive initiatives that they claim? For example, in 2018, Hilton said it would reduce CO2 emissions. However, critics accused the company of greenwashing because it cut down palm and mangrove trees to build its resort in the Maldives. Tearing down palm trees significantly affects carbon levels in the atmosphere. 

One way to research a company like Hilton for greenwashing is to examine its environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores. These metrics track companies’ operations and give an objective measurement to gauge practices. Organisations like Bloomberg developed databases that show exhaustive lists of ESG scores. They monitor thousands of businesses worldwide, so it is easier to see which are telling the truth beyond their ‘green’ campaigns.  

3. Visit a Wildlife Refuge

Part of ecotourism is finding ways to limit your environmental impact, but you can make positive contributions while still having fun. Visit a wildlife refuge when on vacation. These sanctuaries are some of the best places to support wildlife conservation and educate yourself. 

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

Wildlife refuges provide large, safe, and green spaces for animals to thrive. Many of them risk extinction and can thrive in a sanctuary. The money you spend at the refuges goes toward keeping the facilities standing and funding research to examine these animals. There are wildlife sanctuaries in all 50 states and five territories in the U.S. Internationally, there are numerous opportunities on every continent to support conservation. 

Seeing wildlife is a terrific experience, but remember to be mindful when visiting. For example, do not disturb animals by calling or touching them, and refrain from feeding them, even if they approach you. These creatures have special diets and oftentimes, human food is not suitable for them. If you bring food, clean up your waste afterward. Curious wildlife may get their heads stuck in plastic containers or eat things they are not supposed to.

4. Use Green Transportation Methods

Another way to practice ecotourism is to use green transportation methods. This strategy is something you can do abroad and practice at home. Eco-friendly transit reduces your carbon footprint significantly because it reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and negative environmental impacts.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Depending on your destination, you should search for ways to take public transportation. These options may include buses, trains and metro lines. Public transit is more efficient than passenger vehicles because it emits 45% fewer CO2 emissions than cars on the road. Use bicycles and other low-emissions options if it’s not available. 

5. Learn Local Customs

Ecotourism goes hand-in-hand with mindful traveling. When you vacation, try to be one with the culture and immerse yourself. That’s how you get the most out of your travels. Learn local customs and find out what the residents do. They say when in Rome, do as the Romans do — and that’s a solid start for being an ecotourist.

Eating local food is an excellent way to immerse yourself and be an ecotourist. Ask a guide or resident where the best places to eat are. Small businesses and restaurants are likelier to have a lower carbon footprint than tourist traps. Find establishments that source their food locally. The shortened supply chain delivers delicious items at a lower price than you may see in chains.

Being an Ecotourist Worldwide

Calls for sustainability are growing as humans begin recognising their negative environmental impact. You can find ways to lower your carbon footprint at home, and you should keep the same mindful attitude when traveling abroad. Focus on being an ecotourist and helping the environment wherever you go.

You might also like: Can EcoTourism Save Coral Reefs?

The post Explainer: What Is Ecotourism? appeared first on Earth.Org.

The new year is a great time to set new goals and intentions for yourself. If you wish to change something this year, consider making some eco-friendly swaps in your day-to-day life. Here are a few ideas to get you started on living a more sustainable life.

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The new year is a great time to set new goals and intentions for yourself. If you need help figuring out what to change in the new year, here are some sustainable new year’s resolutions to get you started.

1. Go Plant-Based

Going plant-based is better for your wallet, the environment, and your health. These diets can help treat chronic conditions and may eliminate some symptoms by offering lower cholesterol and better digestion. Indeed, studies show that plant-based diets can lower cholesterol more easily than a low-fat ones, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to improve their health. You may also notice clearer skin after switching to a plant-based diet.

Red meat might be one of the worst foods for sustainable living, as animals like cows take up so many resources while releasing methane gas into the atmosphere. Around 26% of emissions in the atmosphere come from food production and livestock farming makes up over 50% of that amount. Despite this amount contributing to an estimated 2% of climate change, methane stays in the atmosphere for 12 years, much longer than CO2. Plants produce a tiny fraction of that gas, making plant-based protein sources the better option for any household that wants to put the Earth first. Even if you don’t cut out meat entirely, you can start by eating less meat overall and introducing some plant-only meal days into your week. 

While planning out your groceries for your plant-based meals, consider also searching for ways to cut down on food waste. Food waste in landfills can contribute to greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the food that gets wasted takes up nearly 25% of the world’s water supply, leading to billions of dollars in wasted water. Once you understand how much of something you need to make a serving, you’ll be able to estimate how much food you need, so none of it goes to waste.

2. Ditch Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is all too easy to take part in. Because of the cheap price and generally low quality of fast fashion items, a study has found that, while clothing sales doubled from 100 to 200 billion units a year between 2000 and 2015, the average number of times an item was worn decreased by 36%. If you partake in fast fashion, you can kick the difficult habit by tackling a no-spend month. A no-spend month eliminates all your spending other than the essentials. By abstaining from non-essential purchases, you should be able to save more money and contribute it toward a financial goal you care about.

You will start to wear your clothes more and you can learn more about which pieces you are in love with and which you just bought because they were trendy, which can guide your future purchases. You will also better understand where your money goes – and you can research the brands you typically buy from to ensure they put the environment first.

About 74% of people surveyed in a 2021 study said they do not consider environmental factors when buying new clothing. If people stopped to think about how garments could serve them in the long term, they might spend less on several low-quality pieces and more on clothing items that will last a while. When you save money for larger or more expensive purchases, you can turn your back on brands that don’t meet your sustainability requirements.

You might also like: 17 Sustainable Fashion Brands to Support in 2023

3. Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

One of the best ways to work toward a brighter future is to make adjustments to your home to make it more environmentally friendly. For example, check your insulation if your energy bills increase over time. Proper insulation can save you money on your heating and cooling bills. To ensure your home is adequately insulated, replace your weatherstripping, which will help prevent heat from escaping all areas of your home, even your garage.

If you want to upgrade your home even more, consider adding something more permanent, like solar panels. Solar panels have low maintenance costs, so once you get past the installation price, they should pay for themselves in no time. Make it a financial goal and you’ll see it pay off for you in the future.

If you want to learn more about how to make your home more sustainable: How to Lower Your Carbon Footprint Through An Eco-Friendly Home Audit

4. Value Experiences Over Items

The gift-giving industry has a significant hold on many individuals, especially those who think they must give friends and family members a gift to show how much they love them. Around 30 million trees are cut down to become wrapping paper during the year’s busiest season. The average person gives over 15 gifts yearly, which can add to the waste after the holiday season.

Many people value experiences over possessions, making an experience gift perfect for your wish-list or for giving to someone else. You can give your loved ones a trip to the zoo with their kids or spring for a romantic dinner for two for your parents to have a date night. An experience will surely matter more to a gift recipient than possessions they may grow tired of. After all, memories are forever.

5. Support Your Natural Beauty

The beauty industry is worth over $570 billion, which makes it a major sector with a lot of influence. Since it’s such a big industry, people might buy items they don’t need because they don’t look the way a filter or airbrushing makes them look.

Filters becoming the norm in social media have had a detrimental effect, as people may not be able to tell reality from filters and want to alter themselves to look like the latest trend. They may rely on makeup to achieve an unachievable look. Beauty products might say they’re not harmful, but many have been linked to reproductive issues in women who use them.

You may have animal-based ingredients in your cosmetics that you don’t know about. Shark liver oil is featured in many anti-aging products in the form of squalene. Many brands also test on animals, so going cruelty-free or not using beauty products at all might be the only way to get away from harmful practices. Learning to love yourself more in your natural state could be better for you and the environment.

Working with makeup does not have to be detrimental to you or the environment. You could shift to brands that have made proven strides toward sustainability, from their packaging to their ingredients. Swapping to sustainable brands is a great way to try out new self-care or beauty products while putting your money in the right direction.

You might also like: 14 of the Best Sustainable Beauty Brands in 2023

Try These Sustainable Practices This Year

The start of a new year is a perfect time to make adjustments and the more you learn about yourself, the easier it’ll be to change things for the better. Taking even one step toward sustainability is commendable. Take care of the world and you’ll take care of yourself.

The post 5 Ways to Live a More Sustainable Life in 2024 appeared first on Earth.Org.

It is easy to attach an “eco-friendly” or “green” label to a product, even if the only thing recyclable in it is the packaging. This act is called greenwashing and it occurs when companies or organisations falsely present themselves as environmentally friendly or sustainable, often through misleading or deceptive marketing tactics, while their actual practices and impact on the environment remain harmful or unchanged. With many making bold claims about eco-friendly goods, consumers or business owners who want to be part of a sustainable supply chain must research the sustainable customs of entities they want to do business with. How do they do that? Here are five ways to spot environmentally conscious companies from those that aren’t. 

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1. Outline Your Sustainability Standards

Sustainability is no new concept, but the adoption of it is for most businesses. As a result, many companies have yet to fully make their operations sustainable. One reason for this is that in most countries, adopting sustainable practices is not mandatory.

Ideally, you would find a partner that matches your commitment to a sustainable environment, but this is not always feasible. Carefully map out a checklist, asking yourself these questions as a reference in crafting your sustainability barometers: 

• Does the company source sustainable raw materials? 
• Does it create waste during manufacturing?
• Does it have waste management or recycling programmes? 
• Does it use clean energy? 
• Does it track its greenhouse emissions and have strategies to curb them? 

When setting a standard for sustainability, tone down your expectations and provide wiggle room for considerations. One supplier could be sourcing materials locally but use fossil fuels to process them and simply buy renewable energy certificates (RECs) to offset it. It is like having a grocery list but buying alternatives when ingredients are missing. A checklist can save time and quickly eliminate suppliers or manufacturers that do not meet certain sustainability standards. 

2. Ask Your Burning Questions

Your list of questions offers potential partners an opportunity to expound on their commitments to protect the environment. Hearing more helps you determine which answers are deal-breakers, allowing you to whittle down the companies you want to associate yourself or your organisation with. Here are some example questions to guide you in this part: 

• Does your company have specific sustainability metrics and objectives? 
• How does it measure or track the environmental impact of the entire process? 
• Does it set reduction goals? 
• How does it show transparency in its sustainability policies? 

It is best to organise your queries into a prequalification questionnaire for documentation. Asking these questions through email, virtual interviews or other channels can feel uncomfortable. However, doing so will connect you with the most sustainable partners and help you achieve your environmental aims.

3. Look for Sustainability Credentials

Organisations with environmental consciousness at their forefront actively participate in sustainable programmes, allowing them to secure certifications they can attach to their brands. 

One example is Energy Star, which honours organisations with outstanding contributions to the planet. Companies like Andersen Corp., Burton Energy Group, and Consumers Energy are recipients of Partner of the Year environmental labels for their exceptional efforts in protecting the Earth and creating products and services that provide real solutions to climate change. 

Using this as a baseline, look for sustainability certification in your supplier or manufacturer. Such labels from reputable organisations or agencies are proof that the company you are looking at has solid and genuine sustainable practices in place.

4. Check for a Certified Environmental Management System

An environmental management system (EMS) encompasses the rules, plans and practices summarising how an organisation interacts with the environment. Companies must have EMS frameworks to use as guidelines in implementing and tracking environmental performances. 

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international body that creates these worldwide standards. The latest revision to the EMS is ISO 14001:2015. A company that passes the evaluation for EMS has an eco-friendly track record and is diligent in managing its impact. It also means it is less likely to be found liable for any environmental negligence. 

Not all organisations have an EMS, but you can do business confidently in companies that have one. It is good to have a vote of confidence from the ISO. 

You might also like: EO Guides: How To Introduce Recycling Into Your Business

5. Research for Compliance With Environmental Legislation

Although organisations self-impose sustainability, governments often have environmental laws that, if broken, will lead to legal consequences. The US, for example, has several laws in place, including the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in charge of handling any violations,such as heavy smoke emissions, materials dumped into a maintenance hole, or coloured discharges on the ground. 

Ensure that a business you are interested in partnering with has not been prosecuted for breaking environmental laws. A brief online search with the company’s name may bring up past results for sanctioned offences. Alternatively, you can contact your local environmental agency to inquire about the company.

6. Assess Their Social Responsibility Policy

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to an entity’s commitment to conduct business ethically, considering the social, economic and cultural impact alongside environmental consequences. It is closely related to sustainability in that improving workplace diversity can lead to inclusive leaders with higher cultural intelligence able to manage and implement better green policies and strategies. 

CSR’s bottom line is “people, planet and profit,” meaning entrepreneurs can and should grow their businesses without harming the Earth or exploiting their employees. You can directly ask the entity what programmes it has to make a difference in its community and the world. A socially responsible entity takes actionable steps to help society and the environment. 

Grow Your Business With Sustainable Partners

Many organisations are choosing sustainability over profits. Such a move has influenced consumer decisions, with many wanting to buy products from sustainable suppliers or manufacturers. 

Many who do not understand sustainability in action readily claim they sell ethical products. That’s why you must double-check which brands are truly eco-friendly. Take steps to find companies that share the goal of protecting the environment.

Featured image: Markus Spiske/Unsplash

You might also like: Why Grassroots Organisations Are Essential for Sustainability

The post 5 Ways to Spot Sustainable Suppliers and Manufacturers appeared first on Earth.Org.

Sustainable buildings are well-designed structures that consider the needs of the environment. The rapidly changing climate is resulting in substantial pollution, increased natural disasters, and an ever-growing endangered species list. It is necessary to consider research on how certain buildings impact the environment and what can be done to mitigate their environmental footprint. Here are six economic and social benefits of sustainable buildings to know about.

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4 Elements of a Sustainable Building

Many things make a building sustainable and each plays a vital role in environmental preservation.

1. Stormwater Management

Stormwater runs down drains and into sewer systems, harming the natural water table. The right strategies can mitigate this issue. Stormwater management methods can capture runoff and slowly integrate it into the ground to replenish the water table, reducing the risk of flooding.

2. Native Landscaping 

Surrounding a building with local plants is a low-maintenance and sustainable way to landscape. Trees and plants from the surrounding area can already handle the climate, eliminating any extra care and maintenance. Native landscaping reduces fertilisation and irrigation needs, cutting water use and eliminating harmful chemicals from entering the atmosphere and water supply.

3. Renewable Energy

Using renewable energy whenever possible can reduce emissions and excess energy use.

• Solar 

There are two types of solar energy — active and passive. Active solar uses panels to create a closed-loop renewable power source, while passive orients buildings to get the most sunlight possible. They can absorb, reflect and transmit thermal energy, insulating a building.

• Wind 

Wind energy uses moving air to create electricity. Large turbines can benefit businesses and factories, and personal property owners can use individual turbines. It is best to design buildings where the wind will reach them the most for maximum benefits, like unsheltered flatlands or high elevations.

• Hydropower

Hydroelectric energy comes from moving water. While significant sources such as the Hoover Dam can supply plenty of power through its facility, others can be small or even damless.

Check out our comprehensive guides on solar, wind, and hydropower energy

4. Green Materials

Sustainable materials are another integral part of creating environmentally-friendly buildings. They can significantly reduce the carbon output of standing structures. The following are some of the most popular:

• Bamboo: Bamboo is fast-growing and requires little processing, making it an excellent eco-friendly material. It is a strong and attractive material for interiors and exteriors.
• Cement: Made from a mixture of leftover ingredients, different cement forms can be strong and sustainable. 
• Reclaimed wood: Reclaimed wood recycles old projects to create a solid structure instead of harming the environment by cutting down trees.
• Recycled steel: Similar to reclaimed wood, recycled steel reuses already-available resources and prevents them from sitting in landfills to release more emissions.

These materials can prevent the environmental impacts of materials production, reducing emissions, deforestation, and more harmful practices.

More on the topic: 5 Ways the Construction Industry Is Getting Greener

Photo: Alexander Schimmeck/Unsplash.

Economic Benefits of Sustainable Buildings

Building sustainably can positively affect local, national, and global economies.

1. Reduced Emissions

As it enters the atmosphere, carbon dioxide supercharges the natural greenhouse effect, causing global temperature to rise. By implementing cleaner energy sources – such as renewables – and by incorporating more efficient systems through building design, builders can significantly cut carbon emissions.

Reducing the amount of emissions entering the atmosphere – and thus tackling the problem at its source – requires less money and resources to develop climate change mitigation strategies. When large facilities become sustainable, community members will not face as many health impacts caused by emissions, saving on care costs.

2. Increased Productivity

Employees surrounded by natural light and elements of nature are often less stressed and more productive. This plays a vital role in business competition and supply and demand. Businesses rely on their workers. Sustainably designed buildings can increase morale and energise them.

3. Reduced Building Costs

Though some costs may be higher, the overall costs of constructing and maintaining a sustainable building are lower than conventional construction methods. Many sustainable buildings can be partially or fully completed elsewhere, limiting the resources used on a job site. Sustainable buildings also have a greater value in the long term compared to traditional alternatives.

Social Benefits of Sustainable Buildings

Along with assisting the economy, sustainable buildings can do a lot for the social health of residents.

1. Physical Health

Nature can help people destress and sustainable building designs cater to that need. By incorporating natural landscaping, sunlight, and greenery inside, architects and designers can create environments that lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety-related rapid heart rate.

These environments can also increase pain tolerance and release muscle tension. Using sustainable materials keeps used options from ending up in landfills, which can contribute to public hazards.

2. Mental Health

Sustainable, natural materials like wood and stone can reduce the impact of many mental conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. With so many people understanding the effects of climate change, knowing where they live and work support the environment can help put their minds at ease.

Less pollution in the air can help the population breathe easier and spend more time in sunlight. Doing so can boost their mood, energise them and help release stress.

3. Education

Sustainable buildings provide excellent opportunities for educating the public about caring for the environment. Having facilities with renewable energy resources, natural materials, and sustainable practices can inspire others to make their homes and businesses more environmentally friendly. It can create a ripple effect, helping to create a better world. Something as simple as an educational poster can go a long way.

Improving the Built Industry 

Construction causes around one-third of the world’s waste, making the design process a critical component of climate change reduction. Buildings contribute to 40% of worldwide carbon emissions. Humans need them, but they can work to make them better for the planet.

In a recent survey, 47% of global respondents said sustainability is at the top of their priority list. Governments are working to meet sustainability goals and everyone can play a part.

Sustainable buildings are a necessity to slow the devastating effects of climate change. By understanding the benefits of these structures, builders, designers, and owners can work to create a better future.

Featured image: Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash 

You might also like: Built Areas and Infrastructure: Stretching the Boundaries of Sustainability

The post Exploring the Economic and Social Benefits of Sustainable Buildings appeared first on Earth.Org.

Numerous challenges keep people from buying houses but climate change is one of the most significant barriers. It affects current and future homeowners in multiple ways. Explore how climate change and the housing crisis are related so you can better understand your future if you are planning on buying a house.

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Climate Change Is Destroying Housing

People might shrug at the idea of their summers becoming warmer, but that is not the only way climate change affects their lives. It is also destroying homes in these ways, which makes the housing crisis a widespread problem.

Here are 7 ways in which climate change and the housing crisis are related.

1. Hurricanes Are Intensifying

Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere. The heat warms the air, which gathers more moisture and sends it to rain systems. Hurricanes become more intense from the increased atmospheric water content, warm oceans, and hot air. It is one reason why scientists predict there will be more Category 4 and 5 storms in the 21st century as a direct consequence of global warming.

Hurricanes have intense winds and can cause catastrophic flooding. Either or both factors can wipe away residential communities, creating local housing crises throughout hurricane season.

2. Wildfires Last Longer

Desert biomes become drier when climate change makes the atmosphere warmer. It makes those areas more susceptible to supercharged wildfires. They burn through the extra dry environment and become more challenging for wildfire-response teams to control.

Researchers found a 246% increase in residential structure loss due to wildfires when they looked at data from 1999 through 2020. Instead of financial instability displacing people, they lose their homes to more frequent and powerful wildfires that leave them with nothing.

3. Flooding Sweeps Homes Away

Warm air melts polar ice caps and sends the melted water into the ocean. It causes rising sea levels that eventually force coastal communities inland over time. It also makes flooding more frequent because waterlines need less rainfall to climb over riverbanks into residential areas.

A hurricane and a standard summer thunderstorm pose more risk to houses in flood-prone areas. Continual water damage decreases each home’s value, which depends on factors like structural integrity and the work put in to repair it. If global warming makes a property worth less yearly through weather events like flooding, people will eventually not be able to sell their homes and move to better housing.

4. Global Warming Is Slowing Residential Builds

New homes are more challenging to build in a world affected by the climate crisis. Natural disasters disrupt the shipment of supplies, delaying builds in areas that need more homes.

The delays also make the materials more costly. First-time homebuyers and those from economically disadvantaged communities may be unable to afford housing when home costs start at higher prices due to expensive materials.

Photo: Brett Jordan/Unsplash.

You might also like: 5 Ways the Construction Industry Is Getting Greener

5. Less Housing Increases Rental Fees

Less affordable houses and more frequent fees associated with rebuilding after weather damage make people turn to rental units for their living arrangements. The higher demand incentivises landlords to increase their rental prices. It is partly why 23% of renters paid 50% or more of their income on housing costs in 2020.

Renting is becoming so costly that people are boarding with people they do not know or living longer with their families. A recent survey found one in three young adults in the US. is still living or moved back in with their parents. The situation in Europe is not much different. In 24 of the 29 European countries studied, more than one in three adults aged 18 to 34 lived in their parents’ home in 2021, according to the statistical agency Eurostat. The ability to buy and maintain homes is a significant part of that decision.

6. Extreme Weather Systems Make Insurance More Costly

Home insurance provides money to repair or replace your belongings after an emergency. Global warming events like hurricanes and wildfires happen more frequently, which makes insurance companies pay more for client home repairs.

In response, businesses increase the prices of their home insurance plans. In 2021, the average homeowner paid US$1,312 in home insurance for their $250,000 house. More costly houses require more expensive insurance plans. 

Many mortgage lenders require an active home insurance policy before buyers can obtain a loan and close on a house. If people cannot afford the higher insurance fees related to climate change, they will have more difficulty getting the housing they need. Home insurance also does not cover every potential impact caused by global warming.

The housing crisis prevents people from becoming homeowners because they may need multiple active insurance policies, depending on where they live. Indeed, flood, fire, and earthquake insurance is separate from standard home coverage policies. 

Photo: Anthony Citrano.

7. Intensified Weather Limits Working Potential

People may not think about the ability to work when they picture the housing crisis, but it is a foundational factor. Hotter temperatures mean outdoor workers cannot be on the clock for as many hours as they used to. They have to start earlier in the day and quit earlier due to scorching afternoon temperatures.

Heat also makes long-term employment less likely. Employers stand to lose $44 billion annually due to their employees slowing down in the heat and taking more breaks. They will always have the option to fire the least productive team members.

When people lose their jobs because their bodies cannot miraculously adapt to the effects of climate change, they struggle to afford their housing arrangements or save enough money to upgrade their homes.

A similar issue affects those working in supply chain positions. Delayed shipments due to climate change-induced extreme weather events result in a reduction on the number of employees needed to operate production and processing factories. Employers let people go because they do not have enough work for everyone. This only perpetuates the economic ripple effects of climate change that keep the housing crisis going.

Employers stand to lose $44 billion annually due to their employees slowing down in the heat and taking more breaks. Photo: Nicolas J Leclercq/Unsplash.

Conclusion

The climate crisis and housing crisis relate because one affects the other. Extreme weather systems make the housing market more complicated in numerous ways. By strategising ways to address both, we can guarantee access to affordable, long-term housing to more people.

The post How Are the Climate Crisis and the Housing Crisis Related? appeared first on Earth.Org.