Renewable energy
Executive summary
Renewable energy is the most appropriate method of lighting the home and undertaking any other home activities that require energy. The construction industry is the most expensive undertaking; It involves the use of economical and readily available materials to meet all the owner’s needs. Using renewable resources in construction ensures that the materials used can last for a long time without repairing and maintaining hence saving on the maintenance cost for the homeowner. Renewable resources like energy trapped using solar panels can be used to run activities that are undertaken at home, and these cuts on the electricity bill. Houses that use solar panels need a proper design to ensure that there is a full supply of energy in the house. Also, the trapped energy is not lost easily to the atmosphere. Using renewable construction materials is beneficial because there is no waste of materials, and the environment is protected from pollution. Recycled materials used in construction, in most cases, are a combination of materials that give them a long life span making them durable.
With all the benefits that recycled materials have, some limitations are posed by these materials. An appropriate location may not be available for the house to be constructed in a way that can harness enough solar energy. The availability of the materials is another challenge that this type of construction is facing. Resources may not be available in the country, making their importation very expensive. Another limitation is the problem of experts who can handle such constructions.
Greywater is the water that is disposed of from bath tabs and laundry machines. The use of this water in the new building has benefits and limitations that have been highlighted. The water can be used to irrigate the flowers and trees around the compound to create a conducive environment that can be habitable for humans. This water also reduces the cost of energy used in delivering water since it saves a lot on the amount of water that is disposed of. This water can be used in toilets after it has been recycled. The limitations of greywater include possible human beings coming into contact with that water, which may be unhealthy. Some local authorities do not allow the use of greywater at home, which might put the owner at risk of facing legal punishments. It is also expensive to establish a greywater recycling plant and also its maintenance.
Introduction
The sustainable building aims to ensure that the resources used in construction meet the green world’s requirements. The resources used during construction are recycled to reduce wastage and minimize the pollution of waste materials. New Zealand is among the nations in the world which are adapting new methods of construction, which minimize environmental pollution and ensure economical use of the available materials. Many homeowners are adapting to the green energy in their construction, which helps meet their budget constraints. In recent years in New Zealand, the construction authority has been researching the best materials that can be used in construction, materials that are economical and can last for a long time. This report will discuss the various benefits and limitations of using renewable and recycled materials in the construction of homes. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using recycled greywater.