Ecology is entering various fields of life and business. This means that the entrepreneurs are more focused on making their actions and products environmentally-friendly. To do so, they use ecological materials and provide modern solutions which limit production of substances and waste that harm the planet. Many ecologically-oriented changes can be observed also in the construction sector. Are they popular enough to change entire market?
The Scandinavian countries are pioneers in the field, and many European states, including Poland, follow they lead. Some years ago, Swedish and Norwegian architects started working on the concept of housing estates where the buildings could incorporate energy-efficient materials,
and be powered by alternative energy sources.
Environmentally-friendly materials.
Ecological materials are used first of all to ensure easier and cheaper heating. Such materials include for instance clay whose key benefit is extraordinary resistance and aesthetics. May eco-friendly designs use also wood, or even straw. They ensure excellent heat insulation, which helps save the energy needed to heat the building. Pro-ecological materials include also some types of paints, or cement and chip boards that not only look good, but are also beneficial for the residents’ health.
Ecological solutions
Ecological investments include also a number of modern solutions that help minimise consumption of energy, water, and the volume of waste. Such solutions are for instance the solar panels which are more often installed on the rooftops and tanks for rainwater which can be further used to water the gardens, etc. Waste segregation and processing play also a particularly important role. Danfoss Smart Heating system – which helps control the heating in the entire apartment – is helpful, too. To save the energy needed to heat the apartment, one can use also logotherms, i.e. residential thermal centres. Another important aspect is also care for the air quality. Anti-smog plants which help purify the air from toxic compounds are becoming increasingly popular. Another interesting solution if recuperation which – unlike the classic air ventilation system – helps maintain the temperature and reduces emission of harmful substances.Some developers instal in their housing estates Airly air quality sensors that monitor air quality condition. They introduce also movement sensors that control the lighting system and help reduce energy consumption. The developers claim that all such solutions are not only ecological, but also efficient.
BREEAM certificate – evidence to an environmentally-friendly investment
Those who want to buy an ecological apartment should see if the building or housing estate they are interested in has relevant certificates. Such documents allow an eco-conscious buyer easily verify the ecological quality of the investment. One of the most popular certificates of that kind is BREEAM – a multi-criteria environmental assessment method first introduced in Great Britain in 1990. Today, it is present in nearly 80 countries, including Poland, where it is one of the most common certificates. It is granted to both new buildings and the existing ones that have been used for at least 2 years. It covers as many as 10 categories that are most relevant for comfort and health of residents, such as water, materials, waste, land use, contamination, and innovations. Moreover, each category specifies certain number of critical points that need to be met to be able to apply for the certificate in the first place. Skanska is an example of a residential developer that operates in Poland and uses a number of pro-ecologial solutions. The company is responsible for constructing new green housing estates in the country. The methods and systems used by the company – including the ones listed above – are beneficial for the environment and the residents alike. Skanska is also a pioneer when it comes to the application of the BREEAM certificate in Poland.
The pro-ecological changes observable in our countries are surely a positive phenomenon. However, compared to other European countries such as Sweden or Germany, the Polish eco-construction is only getting started. One of the reasons is the fact that the developers consider such solutions too expensive. If we want to buy a flat in a building that meets ecological standards, it is worth to check the certificates it holds. Unfortunately, the “eco” label often does not have anything to do with ecology and is used for marketing purposes only.
Material prepared by the LBC INVEST team
