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When most people think of construction materials, one of the first things that come to mind is concrete. This is not surprising when you realize that concrete is the most commonly consumed product on Earth after water. Despite its popularity, however, concrete has adverse effects on the planet and its health. It releases a dangerous …
Continue reading “Alternatives to Concrete for Sustainable Building”
In a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the effects of climate change, one sector of the community holds most of the cards – businesses. The top fifteen U.S. food and beverage companies alone generate more greenhouse gases every year than the entire continent of Australia. Change at this level can make waves, yet …
Continue reading “How Businesses Can Do Their Part Against Climate Change”
Snow is a magical phenomenon for children. Building snowmen, drinking hot chocolate, and receiving the day off from school create memorable experiences for little ones. But as an adult, these weather patterns may lose their whimsy due to restrictions on driving.
With summer around the corner, city dwellers are planning their shoreline retreats to escape unbearable heat. Urban regions typically stay warmer during this season due to their structure. What if there were ways to reduce this effect by making minimal changes to metropolitan lifestyles? Cities can effectively preserve natural land by permitting one region to …
Continue reading “What is the impact of the Urban Heat Island Effect?”
Rain is a euphoric natural occurrence. Homeowners often install tin roofs, sheltered sunrooms, and skylights to maximize the calming effects of rainfall. Unfortunately, this tranquil weather pattern can negatively impact the global ecosystem if the built environment isn’t prepared for it. As precipitation increases in the atmosphere, Earth’s surface experiences a rise in stormwater runoff. …
Continue reading “Environmental Dangers of Stormwater Runoff”
Soil covers all of the earth, and it’s more than just rocks and plant matter. These layers of soil are teeming with biodiversity and living organisms. Your food largely depends on the soil where it is grown. If there isn’t enough of one nutrient or the soil’s structure is failing, then the amount of food …
Continue reading “The Effects of Soil Erosion on Our Environment”
The construction industry is transitioning to using sustainable building strategies and practices in exciting ways. Companies understand that newer generations care about their surroundings and want to live, work, and shop in buildings made with sustainable materials and eco-friendly equipment. Furthermore, governments are beginning to set higher standards for green buildings across the world.
Trees may seem like just another plant to some, but they are also critical to sustaining life. Without trees, you wouldn’t be able to breathe. They give you oxygen and store the carbon dioxide you breathe out. Besides this basic fact of life, however, trees have many other ways that make this world liveable. Sustainable …
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Housing costs are a crucial part of your household budget. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] describes housing affordability as anything 30% or less of your gross salary. Still, when calculating expenses, you must include insurance, taxes, and utilities into the final equation. As a result, anyone spending over 30% on their …
Continue reading “How Sustainable Building Creates Affordable Housing”
