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LEED Webinar

You're invited to a free sneak-preview webinar on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 12:30pm EST about green commercial building by Robert Watson, the “Father of LEED” called “Building a Sustainable Future: Progress & Trends Toward Improving the Environmental Footprint of Commercial Buildings”.

Please visit http://bit.ly/GreenBuilding_Webinar_Nov5 for more information or to sign up.

Help spread the word. If you have a Facebook or Twitter account please also mention the conference there! There are some embeddable banners, a widget that includes Robert Watson’s Twitter feed, and other assets here: www.influencexchange.com/greenbuilding
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Sustainable Materials For Renovations

Before we can fully understand the use and importance of sustainable materials in renovations, we have to learn what it is first and why is there such big fuzz about its use.

What are sustainable materials?

These are green materials. A perfect example of sustainable material is the bamboo. This means that once you use them, they will be able to replenish or generate their kind. Thus, it will not compromise the environment. However, you should not leave the replenishing to the materials alone. You have to take part in its development by ensuring that as they regenerate themselves, they have the necessary nutrients to grow strong and healthy.

Why use sustainable materials?

A lot of groups have been encouraging the use of these materials. You might ask why? So what if the materials you use are unable to replenish themselves, at least you get the chance to use them, right? Wrong! If everyone thinks this way, just think of how the world will look ten years from now? We are slowly experiencing the wrath of nature because most of us failed to take care of it. If we do not do our share today, the results in the future could be catastrophic.

You can contribute in saving our environment by using sustainable materials whenever you can. Using such materials during renovations is a big help. Just think of how many people renovate their homes. There are few aspects of sustainable you can consider to ensure that you are environmentally responsible. Some of them are identified below.

If you are to renovate your home, use locally developed sustainable materials. It has to be found in your localities to reduce the travel time, expenses and energy. Keep in mind that transporting materials will still create problems in the environment. Automobiles use gas and it emits toxic substances that harm the environment.

You also have to keep important points in mind when choosing materials for the renovation. As much as possible, it should create minimal damage to the environment. They should not only be renewable, they have to be non-toxic as well. Most importantly, they have to be recyclable. Bear in mind that the renovations you make will not last forever. Other changes will be made in the future. The materials you will use should not add more waste. Instead, other people should find different means to use it.

If you are having a difficult time figuring out what to use, consult Green Architects. You will be surprised with the number of choices they have available for you. They can even look around your property and find materials that you can use for the renovation. They can also help you find a supplier. Finding the right supplier is essential to ensure that you get the materials you want. You have to let them know what you need. Most suppliers are not used to sustainable materials. This is why homeowners should help in raising awareness.

All of us have to be environmentally responsible. Our choices will help make that happen. The use of sustainable materials will help restore our natural resources.

Check the 3-Bedroom Properties in Carefree and Green Housing in Sun Lakes to find your dream homes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roby_V._Pagong
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Sustainable Architecture Building Materials

Sustainable architecture is a growing trend in today's eco-conscious world. The use of sustainable building materials promotes a healthier home or office as well as a cleaner, better preserved environment. There are many great benefits to designing spaces that use sustainable products and it does not have to be a difficult task.

Definition

What are these? These are products that are made from renewable sources, things that can be replenished and re-grown. They are distinguished from non-renewable ones in several ways. For example, they are classified distinctly because they help conserve things like water, air quality, energy and natural resources.

Typical Ones

Sustainable architecture uses the philosophy that resources are precious and should be used efficiently. So these might include things like products containing recycled elements, or wood products like bamboo that grow back very quickly.

Water saving faucets and plumbing design are certainly part of the "green" movement as are landscaping techniques like drip systems that use as little water as possible. Green materials also include products that are grown or produced locally so that less energy and resources are used up in the transportation of the goods to the building site.

It is also popular to use materials that can be recycled or reused whenever they are no longer functional or necessary in the building anymore. And finally, those that are durable and long-lasting are considered sustainable because they will not need to be replaced often and will thus conserve resources over time.

Advantages

Using "green" ones in sustainable architecture provide advantages to both the environment and those living or working in the new space. They can help reduce the amount of energy needed to power a home or office. They are also safer for the health and productivity of the people in the building as non-green ones often contain harmful toxins. In some cases, green materials can lower the long-term costs of maintain a building and replacing certain features.

And as for the environmental benefits, using sustainable products helps to protect natural raw resources like forests, water, and clean air. According to one study, over 3 billion tons of raw materials are consumed each year for construction and remodeling and using green materials helps to reduce the toll of this consumption.

Sustainable architecture is a smart way to build for the future. It is environmentally responsible and can also be the most economical choice in the long run.

With sustainable architecture, get broad scopes of architectural services including new construction, home renovation, interior design consultation and historic preservation. To know more, visit http://www.samselarchitects.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton