What Green Buildings Can Offer Us Today

 Should you live in a “green” apartment building?  New apartments are constructed today with some efficient ways of saying money both for the apartment renter and the developer.  Many of the newer apartment homes contain energy efficient appliances like washer and dryers and dishwashers.

There are even energy efficient light bulbs that last much longer than conventional bulbs.  Of course older apartments most likely will not have these newer bulbs installed. But newer apartments should have all these energy efficient appliances and other features that will not only save you money, but will also help save the environment.

What are some other techniques apartment developers are using today?  Water is one of our most valuable resources. And water shortages across the world have raised an eye to our need to save one of our most valuable resources. Many apartment buildings in the West Coast area have developed some cost cutting measures including grey water reuse. 

If you are not sure what grey water is, it is water used in common day practices like water used in washing your dishes, your laundry, and in your daily bathing. Estimates have it set at 50%-80% of waste water that comes from common daily water usage in a residential area. Today there is something known as grey-water recycling. This has led to a reduction in freshwater extraction from areas that are vital for our survival. Grey-water leaves more water for things like plant growth and groundwater recharge.

Maybe you have driven around your local city and noticed plants and other shrubs that are entirely covering the roof of a building. This is known as a “green” roof. Also known as a rooftop garden, these have shown to decrease the amount of urban pollution.  Concrete has been shown to radiate heat to levels that are not safe, which is directly a result of urban.

Urban heat can come into play because it increases our energy usage.  Some estimates peg urban heat to cost the city of Los Angeles over one hundred million dollars a year. Urban heat can also cause deaths in larger cities, especially among the elderly.

But would you want to live in a green apartment building? If you can find one you should strongly consider it. You will lower your utility bills thereby keeping more money in your pocket.  Many residents who live in green apartment buildings also practice other conservation techniques. This can help educate others into this “green” way of thinking. And you will be playing an active role in preserving our environment and reducing the effect of heat upon the environment.