When constructing a new building, every nook and cranny does not have to be 100 percent green in order to still create a hefty environmental impact. Making a small change in the realms of windows or water usage systems can greatly increase energy efficiency.
Smart windows, otherwise known as electrochromic glass, include voltage added to the windows in order to moderate the temperatures. This can cut down nearly a quarter of a heating bill that otherwise would result from inefficient windows. Nanocrystals are embedded in the glass material, which has the ability to block out near-infrared light. Air conditioning use can be drastically cut as an upwards of 98 percent of light can be reflected by the electrochromic windows.
Incorporating a water reuse system is another way to create a substantial impact. After all, 13.6 percent of potable water worldwide is used by buildings. If a mere one percent of the homes in the U.S. had water conservation fixtures installed, 80,000 tons of emissions caused by greenhouse gases could be eliminated. This is the amount that it would be reduced if 15,000 cars were taken off the roadways. Learn more about how to incorporate eco-friendly options into your building construction by checking out the following infographic on green building trends in 2016.
