Due to the increased demand for a sustainable way of building, New advances in materials technology, and practices enable the use of environmentally friendly methods that lead to sustainable construction. Sustainable construction takes into account the use of natural resources and their impact on the environment. it involves the use of sustainable building materials in Kenya. Sustainable building materials are those in which production, placing, and maintenance have a low environmental impact and they have to be durable, reusable, and include recyclable materials.
Sustainable building methods in Kenya
Below are some of the sustainable building methods in Kenya that are currently being used or under development:
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IoT-integrated automated building systems
These small connected sensors can integrate with automated building systems to improve the sustainability of operations in the house. for example, IoT sensors can automatically adjust the ventilation and lighting levels in the house based on temperature and CO2 readings.
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Use of green roofs
Another sustainable building method is the use of green roofs whereby instead of a bare roof, grass, plants, and flowers grow on the roofing material and the rainwater is absorbed in the soil. The quality of air is improved and the heating and cooling costs are reduced.
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Greywater plumbing system
Greywater systems reduce the building’s need for freshwater because used water apart from the one coming from toilet streams can be recycled and used for other purposes like irrigation or supplying toilets with water. This system could lower water and sewage bills and reduce overall water consumption.
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Solar thermal cladding
Solar thermal cladding is a passive solar building method designed to hold and retain heat for use in cold seasons. The sun’s energy is stored within this material and passed through the bill for heat retention purposes.
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Electric smart glass
Based on external stimuli like an electric current and UV rays this glass can shift from opaque to clear. This is another method of sustainable building as it eliminates the need for shades and other window treatments while adapting to current conditions passively. It also blocks the vast majority of UV rays from penetrating into the house.
6. Using synthetic roof underlayment
Using synthetic roof underlayment is another sustainable building method which offers an alternative to the typical asphalt-based underlayment that breaks down quickly. Synthetic roof underlayment uses polymer recycled from scrap materials as a material and weighs less while holding up to the wear and tear of the exterior environment. It also eliminates volatile organic compounds from the underlayment.
Sustainable building materials in Kenya
One of the best ways to practice sustainability in construction is through the materials being used
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Reclaimed wood
Using reclaimed wood is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of saving trees. It is good for structural framing, cabinetry, and flooring, it is lightweight but has less strength.
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Precast concrete
Concrete is one of the widely used construction materials but also one of the most environmentally unfriendly. However precast concrete is more sustainable because it takes less energy and materials to produce unlike site-cast concrete, molds and forms can also be reused therefore reducing waste.
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Straw bales
Bales can be used as an alternative to concrete or plaster for insulation. not only is straw sustainable but it is also cheap and affordable which keeps the cost of building materials low.
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Reclaimed or recycled steel
Steel can be used for framing instead of wood, therefore, increasing the strength and durability of a structure. Steel is recyclable and reduces the ecological impact of new construction by reducing the energy used.
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Bamboo
Bamboo is another sustainable alternative material since it is easily available and produces very little waste, it is also flexible and can be used for both structural and decorative purposes.
Bottomline
Sustainable building is quickly becoming a buzzword in the construction industry as builders seek to use eco-friendly construction materials to conserve the environment. In order to achieve sustainable construction in kenya we have to put an end to the bad habits of squandering natural resources.
