Green building trends are developing across the country to meet the demand for eco-friendly construction. More universities and corporations are integrating green design ideas into their construction projects. It’s for these reasons that the industry will continue to explore how to make buildings more sustainable. Ausonio has completed over a dozen successful LEED-certified projects, many of which were also Design & Build. Here are a few of the many categories that we have experience in, and are hot topics when it comes to green building:
- More Green Materials
- Renewable Energy Generation
- Smart Glass Windows
- Self-Healing Concrete
- New Methods Of Managing Storm Water
- “Living” Construction Materials
More Green Materials
Builders have been using green materials for decades. Some are traditional, like wood. Others, like fiberglass insulation, have become modern staples. When contractors talk about green materials, they’re usually referring to specialty products. Composite roofing shingles and VOC-free paint have been around for years, but they’ve experienced a burst in popularity. Others are recent additions to the market, such as bamboo floors and hemp insulation.
Our knowledgeable staff will provide recommendations on the best green products to use based on past successful LEED-certified projects. This experience, in addition to our tried-and-true construction best practices, is indispensable to your next green build.
Renewable Energy Generation
Tightening up a building’s energy efficiency has been, and will continue to be, an important green construction goal. But more projects are incorporating ways to generate renewable energy from the start. Though solar panels still require a hefty up-front investment, a year of electricity savings can immediately make up for it.
Ausonio is truly a one-stop-shop, as we regularly partner with local solar-certified roofing contractors and solar companies directly to provide our clients with the perfectly tailored package that suits the project’s needs. We will handle the details so that your energy efficiency is hassle-free.
Smart Glass Windows
Most industrial and commercial buildings nowadays utilize large windows to let in more natural light. The problem is that large windows let in more heat as well. Smart glass windows were invented to solve this problem. The switchable glass panes independently control the amount of light and heat that passes through them. They can even adjust the levels automatically according to the season.
The name of the game is partnerships. We pride ourselves on our tried-and-true specialty subcontractors and consultants who have the knowledge to provide the project exactly what is needed to meet Title 24 energy requirements. We supplement our consultant’s input with our knowledge based on previous successful projects, which ensures standards are met and client satisfaction is upheld.
Self-Healing Concrete
Self-healing concrete contains a specific strain of bacteria that binds the materials around them into a new form. The bacterial by-products fill in pores and cracks, adding to the concrete’s impermeability and longevity. This kind of concrete is already used extensively in public works projects, like bridges, tunnels, and dams. We can expect it to transition into the industrial and commercial sectors soon.
It’s our job to stay up to date on cutting-edge materials such as this, so the client doesn’t have to. We have team members on staff with 40+ years of experience in the industry, who are regularly consulted and brought into project discussions.
New Methods Of Managing Storm Water
Stormwater treatment is something more organizations are paying more attention to. Some facilities utilize porous materials, particularly pavement, to reduce property flooding. Our field superintendents and lead foremen are all trained in SWPPP management. We even have our own SWPPP inspector on staff to ensure that regulations, guidelines, and safety standards are met.
Others are expanding or adding rainwater-catching basins that feed into landscape irrigation systems, while another developing trend is planting rain gardens. These gardens leverage layers of plants, sand, and gravel as a chemical-free method of treating stormwater. We partner with the best local landscape designers and subcontractors to take the guesswork out of the best way to protect your property.
“Living” Construction Materials
Fungus mycelium is lightweight, durable, water- and fire-resistant, and completely biodegradable. These qualities make it an ideal (albeit unusual) green building material that’s likely to receive more attention. Growing fungal bricks is still in the experimental stage, but so far, the results are promising.
That’s the benefit of partnering with a contractor with experience in green building – We stay current on these topics, so you don’t have to!
Why Invest In LEED Consulting?
Green features add value to a building, making it an attractive and affordable place to do business. One way to incorporate eco-friendly elements into your construction project is to obtain LEED certification. LEED aims to create safer, more productive commercial buildings by reducing their environmental impact.
Becoming LEED-certified sounds simple enough, but obtaining it can be surprisingly challenging. Partnering with an experienced contractor, like Ausonio, early in the planning phase is your safest bet. Working with LEED consultants from day one means addressing environmental concerns before breaking ground and spending excess money to fix them later.
Talk With A California Commercial Contractor Today
Sustainability is quickly climbing the list of priorities for businesses and organizations. More green buildings will continue to pop up every year. If you’re looking for a green building contractor in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties, who can help your company take advantage of these trends, call Ausonio today!
