Wednesday, October 4, 2023, By Jessica Hernández, Real Estate Advisor in SILMÉXICO
Did you know that the construction industry contributes 23% of atmospheric pollution? This number is alarming. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations emitted a message in June urging the leaders of the world’s nations to implement drastic strategies, as the era of global warming has ended and global boiling has begun, which is even more worrying. Now more than ever the world needs actions to help reduce the impact that all industries have caused on the environment, and with the fast pace at which emerging sites are developing, it is imperative to apply construction strategies that are respectful of both the social and natural environment in which it is planned to build. Such is the case of bioclimatic architecture, which we will discuss in this section.
What is bioclimatic architecture?
Bioclimatic architecture refers to the design of buildings based on the local climate, with the idea of providing thermal comfort by taking advantage of environmental sources, as well as an aesthetic integration with the environment. Its objective is to create comfortable and healthy environments for its occupants, without the building affecting the environment, or with the lowest possible impact. To achieve this, strategies such as those listed below must be implemented:
- Use of sustainable materials from the region: wood, stone, natural fibers, or recycled materials, which are renewable and local, contribute significantly to reducing the impact of construction.
- Use of renewable energies: wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, etc., should be integrated into bioclimatic constructions to help reduce energy consumption.
- Control and intelligent use of space: When constructing a building, it is necessary to give the right dimensions to the house and its rooms to optimize the use of energy.
- Use of intelligent materials: sensory material, hydroceramic, bio-concrete, heat-storing tiles, etc., are examples of materials that are not only durable but also designed to improve the performance and life cycle of a building while contributing to the reduction of environmental impact.
Likewise, in bioclimatic buildings, design strategies are applied, such as the study of orientation, size, geometry, and height of the building, envelope materials of the exterior of the house, and the use of passive ventilation systems that allow adequate airflow is considered.
In conclusion, bioclimatic architecture is the perfect synergy between the use of technology and environmental care in buildings, while providing a space that provides all the comforts and safety to its users, aspects that are considered in the planning and design of the facilities.
In SILMÉXICO we are always concerned about the welfare of users and the flora and fauna of the locations where we develop our projects. Our philosophy is focused on sustainable development, with a team of professionals in architecture and construction in constant learning of new trends and strategies that best suit the needs of our customers and that positively impact the communities and the environment. Contact us to learn more about our construction services.
