Green building design has exploded in popularity lately as we all work to reduce the impact our buildings have on the environment. Architects and builders everywhere are finding creative ways to make structures more sustainable. There are some super exciting trends happening that are shaping the future of eco-friendly construction. Let’s take a look!

Sustainable Building Materials

Using eco-friendly materials is one of the core principles of green building. Thankfully, there are tons of options to choose from these days!

Recycled Content

One easy way is to use materials with recycled content built right in. For example, steel with 25-100% recycled content has a way smaller carbon footprint than virgin steel. Many solid surface acrylics also have recycled content mixed in.

Rapidly Renewable Materials

Or you could look at stuff like bamboo that grows back fast when harvested responsibly. Bamboo is great for flooring, cabinets, and more! Other materials that renew quickly include cotton insulation, cork, straw, and wool. 

Salvaged and Reclaimed Materials 

And don’t forget about reclaimed materials! Reusing old brick, wood beams, flooring, and other materials from existing buildings gives them new life and keeps them out of the landfill. I’m personally obsessed with reclaimed wood – it has the coolest worn-in patina. 

Local and Natural Materials

Using local and natural materials like stone, clay, and wood reduces environmental impact too. And they add beautiful authentic touches.

Efficient Manufacturing

It’s also good to look for stuff made in energy-efficient factories running on renewable energy with eco-friendly processes. Lots of companies now have zero-waste initiatives which is awesome!

Passive Solar Design

One of the most impactful green strategies is passive solar design. It takes free heat and light from the sun to warm and brighten buildings:

Orientation and Windows  

Pointing the building toward the south and putting more windows on that side lets sunlight come in to heat up the space naturally. Gotta add shades on those sunny windows in summer though! Fewer windows on the east/west sides prevents overheating.

Thermal Mass

Mixing in some thermal mass like concrete floors or brick walls is smart too. The mass soaks up heat during the day and releases it slowly at night to even out indoor temps.

Insulation and Sealing 

Sealing gaps and adding insulation keeps the free heat from leaking out. This lets that sweet passive solar gain do its work!

Passive Shading

When you need a little extra shade, things like roof overhangs, covered porches, awnings, and trees naturally block the harsh summer sunlight.

Solar Heating Systems 

With the right windows, insulation, mass, and shading, solar energy can passively heat a well-designed building in winter. Trombe walls, sunspaces, and other systems take this to the next level.

Active Solar Systems

Passive solar uses the sun alone, while active systems use panels, mechanics, and electronics to collect and convert solar energy:

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels

PV panels convert the sun’s rays directly into electricity to power a building during the day. Maybe with enough panels, you could sell excess energy back to the grid!

Solar Water Heating Systems

Solar water heating setups can provide 50-80% of a building’s hot water needs with collectors and storage tanks. This cuts way down on electric or gas water heating costs.

Geothermal Systems

Geothermal uses the ground’s natural warmth as a heat source in winter and heat sink in summer for heating and cooling. While it requires digging, geothermal systems use way less energy long-term!

Transpired Solar Collectors  

These nifty collectors preheat incoming air by passing it through panels warmed by the sun. This preheated air can then cut down on HVAC energy use.

Energy Efficiency

There are a ton of ways to max out a building’s energy efficiency:

Insulation and Sealing

Let’s hear it for insulation and air sealing! Proper insulation in walls, attics, basements etc. paired with sealing up cracks prevents wasted energy and money.

Efficient Windows and Doors 

Seek out Energy Star certified windows and doors with low U-factors and solar heat gain coefficients to minimize heat transfer. Triple paned windows offer even more efficiency.

Heat Recovery Ventilation

Energy recovery and heat recovery ventilators capture heat that would normally be lost through ventilation. This also brings in fresh, filtered air. It’s a win-win!

Efficient HVAC

Look for HVAC systems with Energy Star certification. And don’t forget proper duct sealing and insulation! Radiant heating systems use less energy than forced air.

Electric Heat Pumps and Mini-Splits

Heat pump technology delivers heating and cooling way more efficiently than electric resistance and traditional AC. Ductless mini-splits are absolute energy-saving superstars! 

Smart Thermostats

Programmable and smart thermostats with occupancy sensors make sure energy isn’t wasted heating and cooling empty spaces. 

Efficient Lighting 

LED and CFL lighting paired with sensors, timers, and daylighting strategies cut lighting energy use big time.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Appliances with Energy Star ratings are key. And keep an eye out for extra efficiency features like insulation and sealing.

Water Conservation  

Let’s switch gears to talk about saving water:

Water Efficient Fixtures

Low-flow faucets, toilets, and shower heads are awesome. Seek out WaterSense labeled fixtures that conserve water without sacrificing performance.

Greywater Reuse 

Reusing greywater from bathroom sinks, showers, etc to flush toilets or water gardens lightens the load on drinking water supplies.

Rainwater Harvesting

Collecting rainwater for landscape irrigation, laundry, and other uses also reduces demand for precious drinking water.  

Low Impact Landscaping 

Choosing native drought tolerant plants and efficient drip irrigation cuts down outdoor water use. Mulch and amendments help retain soil moisture too.

Permeable Pavements 

Permeable pavements and pavers allow rainwater to soak into the ground instead of running off. Bonus – this also naturally filters the water!

Green Roofs

Roofs with vegetation absorb and evaporate rainfall through evapotranspiration. Green roofs reduce runoff while improving insulation and providing garden space!

Smart Irrigation Controllers 

These controllers adjust watering schedules automatically based on weather. Paired with rain sensors, smart controllers prevent over-watering.

Healthy Indoor Environments

In addition to saving energy and resources, green buildings also aim to provide healthy interiors: 

Ventilation and Filtration

Proper ventilation and top-notch filtration removes indoor air pollutants for improved health and comfort.

Low VOC Materials

Using low or zero VOC paints, finishes, adhesives etc. prevents off-gassing of harmful compounds. Natural materials are best when possible.  

Air Quality Monitoring

Active monitoring systems continually assess air quality and trigger increased ventilation when needed.

Daylighting  

Strategic window placement and light shelves maximize use of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy and vacancy sensors automatically turn lights on and off based on room occupancy. Simple but effective!

CO2 Sensors 

CO2 sensors detect when a space needs more fresh air and prompt increased ventilation. High indoor CO2 causes tiredness and lack of focus.  

Thermal Comfort Systems

The right HVAC systems, insulation, zoning, and passive solar design maintain comfortable humidity and temperature levels.

Individual Temperature Controls

Let people adjust temps for different areas – increased comfort improves productivity!  

Acoustic Treatment

Applying acoustic panels reduces noise pollution for better concentration and wellbeing.

On-Site Renewable Energy

To reach net zero energy use, buildings need on-site renewable power generation:

Solar PV and Thermal Panels

Solar PV converts sunlight into electricity. Solar thermal heats water. Carefully assess the solar potential of the site when planning systems!

Small Wind Turbines

In windy areas, small on-site wind turbines can chip away at energy consumption. Vertical axis models work well in turbulent urban environments. 

Geothermal Power

While mainly used for heating and cooling, geothermal systems can also generate a tiny bit of electricity.

Biomass Heating  

Biomass boilers and furnaces can provide on-site heating using sustainably sourced wood pellets or wood chips.

Waste-to-Energy 

Generators can create energy by burning methane gas released as waste decomposes. Toxic byproducts must be handled properly. 

District Energy

If available nearby, connect to a district heating or cooling system powered by centralized renewable energy.

Smart Grid Integration

Buildings can also optimize energy use by integrating with the smart grid:

Demand Response 

With demand response capabilities, buildings can reduce strain on the grid during peak demand or shift energy use to times with excess renewable generation.

Energy Storage

Batteries, thermal mass, and geothermal storage bank excess on-site renewable energy or off-peak grid power for later use.

Net Metering 

With net metering, buildings can sell surplus renewable energy back to the grid for credit. Win-win!

Smart Appliances

Appliances that time high energy tasks for off-peak renewable production or lower cost grid power can save money.

EV Charging 

Smart EV chargers power EVs when renewable energy is most plentiful. EVs could even feed energy back to the grid! 

Waste Reduction

It’s equally important to reduce waste:

Construction Waste Management

Salvaging and reusing materials prevents construction waste. Designated recycling bins on-site help too.

Recycling Space Planning 

Make sure to include ample, convenient space for recycling separation and collection.

Recycled and Recyclable Materials

When it comes to materials, maximize recycled content and recyclability. Avoid foam insulation and other materials that end up in landfills.

Composting Systems 

Provide infrastructure for on-site composting of food waste and paper to reduce volumes of waste hauled away. Use the nourishing compost in gardens!

Material Conservation 

Use timeless, durable materials designed for adaptability and modification. This prevents tear downs and waste.

Waste-to-Energy

As mentioned before, waste-to-energy tech converts decomposing waste to electricity. Safely handle any toxic byproducts.

Green Building Certification

Lastly, green building certification verifies your project’s level of sustainability:  

LEED Rating System

LEED offers different certification tiers with points for implementing various green strategies and technologies. 

Living Building Challenge

The Living Building Challenge is the most rigorous standard, requiring net zero energy and water plus healthy materials.

WELL Building Standard 

WELL focuses on human health via metrics like air quality, lighting, and mental wellbeing.

Passive House Standard

To achieve Passive House, a building must meet strict energy efficiency requirements and limits on energy demand.

Net Zero Energy

The ultimate goal – generating 100% of the energy used onsite with renewables. Net zero waste and water are also possible!

The Future is Green

Just incorporating a few of these trends can make new and renovated buildings way more eco-friendly. Green design is critical for creating a sustainable built environment, and it’s achievable at little to no added cost! The strategies outlined here offer a blueprint for net zero energy buildings that conserve resources for generations. The future is green – let’s build it!