
The Rise of Eco-Friendly Practices in Industrial Property Development
- October 31, 2024
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With the current population boom, we’ve seen an astronomical boost in the industrial development property sector. What’s even more impressive is that they managed to match it with eco-friendly practices that are starting to become the norm. It’s much appreciated, even more so now as it also benefits the planet, not just for us. Here are a few sustainable, eco-friendly practices that are gaining traction lately.
Developers have been practicing sustainable site selection.
It’s no secret that the land mass-to-population ratio is unequal. Hence, many developers have turned to vertical planning and design. Lately, however, they have been choosing brownfield sites as a better alternative. For those unfamiliar with the term, brownfield sites are usually land areas that have been previously used or built on, typically found in urban areas. Choosing this alternative has been one of the better moves of the industrial property development sector, showcasing their commitment to achieving more projects through sustainability.
Design and construction stages are already implementing energy-efficient operations.
Aside from eco-friendly site selection, developers are also leaning into energy-efficient design principles such as optimizing building orientation and maximizing natural light. Thanks to modern technology and innovation, many sustainable building materials have been introduced, which are now being used by developers.
In addition to that, many property developers are incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels to lower operation costs and decrease their reliance on fossil fuels. Building system-wise, they’re opting for efficient lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and quality insulation to reduce carbon emissions.
Water conservation and management are a must.
If there’s one sustainable act we’ve been doing for years that is still in effect today, it’s water conservation. Designers have been making the switch to drought-resistant plants as part of their landscape to minimize water use, paired with irrigation systems. This practice is even adopted by many households as part of their DIY projects at home to do their share in saving the planet.
Water recycling is also practiced, integrating water recycling systems that allow their tenants to reuse water for non-potable purposes like water for plants and for cleaning.
Sustainable sourcing is gaining traction.
Concrete is still one of the most sustainable building materials in use today, but thankfully, developers have also broadened their options with the inclusion of reclaimed wood and recycled steel to lower environmental impact. Materials and labor are also locally sourced to support the locals and reduce carbon emissions from transportation.
Waste reduction practices continue to be implemented.
Waste reduction is still one of the primary practices by using recycling programs to divert it from landfills instead of adding to the demand for virgin materials.
Improving indoor environment quality by choosing sustainable alternatives. Low-VOC paints produce less gas than traditional paints and improve indoor air quality. It’s even improved further with the help of proper ventilation systems to create appealing and more productive work environments.
By applying these eco-friendly practices, industrial property developers are inspiring other fields and sectors to do the same, creating a domino effect that will benefit both the people and the planet.