The way we live is changing. By 2030 it is estimated that 60% of the global population will live in cities that will be liable for around 70% of global energy consumption and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. The cities occupy 3% of the total land surface, producing 50% of global waste and consuming 75% of the world’s natural resources.
Why should we worry about our household emissions? Globally, one-third of the CO2 produced is generated by the buildings around us. Depending on the location and building type, the energy consumption varies. For example, the power consumption averages yearly, mainly for heating:
- USA: 11.700kWh
- France: 6.400kWh
- UK: 4.600kWh
- China: 1.300kWh.
Every building element and aspect of a city should be harmoniously connected, and the challenge is how to do more with less. Technology has been a constant throughout civilization, in many ways.
It’s always been about maximizing the use of materials to transform the climate and create a more comfortable environment. We have to adapt traditional lessons in construction and apply that to the technology of our time.
Buildings must adapt to the environment from the design stage and settling period to lessen the impact on nature.
The architects and the builders must consider all the elements within the building (the materials used, and how they respond to the climate) to reduce the amount of wasted energy, and, ideally, move to constructions that harvest energy.
The challenge now is to reduce the social, economic, and environmental impact of buildings and improve the quality of life for people at the same time. In the creation of sustainable homes, the environmental design must target the following:
- reducing the waste of spaces
- decreasing the construction expenses
- reducing the maintenance expenses
- improving human comfort
- efficient planning
- adjusting for change
- preserving nature.
The initial cost of a sustainable building might seem higher than one for a traditional construction However, over the long term, reduced maintenance costs and a lower carbon footprint will counterbalance this.
Buildings, according to Philip Doleman, should inspire and innovate. Eco-friendly buildings can be better designed and smarter than conventional ones. For example, pods developed by Pod Developments LTD could have the following:
- rainwater harvesting
- grass roofs
- solar panels (which cover the consumption and, even more, generate income)
- ground-source heat pumps (use the temperature of the earth to heat or cool a building)
- Minus Zero Carbon rating,
- no foundations are needed, keeping groundwork to a minimum.
With the clever use of materials and first-class architectural design, the pods can blend into any natural environment offering a modern and contemporary look.
These pods are usually assembled on-site, from pre-assembled parts. The materials used in the construction are recycled or sustainably sourced. Depending on the size and complexity of the pod, the building time could take as little as 20 days.
The way they are designed, the nature of the buildings, and the construction techniques offer flexibility regarding sizing, layout, pricing, and finishing options.
A great example of sustainability in construction, the pods can cover any type of building, from summer houses to residential, commercial, leisure, and educational areas. A perfect mix between past and future, this is the type of building chosen by people who want to participate in reducing the negative impact on the environment.
