New Generation Building Technologies – Better Buildings & Reduced Costs

In existing buildings and in new construction it is becoming increasingly important for building materials to reduce occupant and building impacts while also saving money.  Advanced and highly functional materials are more and more sought after by architects, developers, and building owners.

Whether it involves the usage of advanced types of polymers and membranes, smart thermal mass systems or water harvesting technology it is clear that new generation building technologies are essential for improving our built environment.

Durable and Aesthetically Driven

Top technologies are identified using better data. Tested solutions are used to narrow down the list of top technologies. This eventually leads to the production of smarter products that are durable, aesthetically driven, cost effective and they improve the experience of building occupants. The best in class resources are used to streamline purchases to eventually achieve optimal exposure to the best building technologies.

Wide Range of Stakeholders

Buildings are built and maintained by a wide range of stakeholders which includes building owners, developers, architects, engineers, property managers, and contractors. New generation building technologies are implemented by taking into account the short and long-term goals of the clients for whom the building technology is being applied. These systems must be uniquely customized to each building based on type and location.

Next Generation Strategies

1. Using surfacing materials that eliminate demolition, enhance the beauty and reduce maintenance.
2. Making heating more precise by creating occupant comfort rather than providing “blind” BTUs.
3. Using both insulation and thermal mass to maximize envelope energy savings.
4. Using modified wood products that last longer and promote responsible forestry practices.
5. Reusing water on site to save money and preserve our most precious natural resource, and many more.

Climate and Economics

Making use of new generation building technologies must be a cost-saving alternative to traditional solutions. In short, green technologies can’t just be green – they have to also save money! Whether you are reducing VOCs, saving energy or reducing embodied energy in materials, savvy clients will not “buy in” without either an upfront or long-term gain from a financial perspective.

You can reduce the embodied energy of concrete by using fly ash instead of the carbon-intensive Portland cement but if the price is even the same customers will not be converted due to potential risk and uncertainty of new products.

Related: Top 5 Ways to Evaluate a New Building Product

New alternatives can’t be the same as their conventional alternatives, they have to be less. New green manufacturers go out of business all the time because they underestimate buyers’ willingness to “go green” rather than their fiscal requirement to save money.

Making use of next-generation building technologies is key to creating a future where our energy usage and enhanced material goals can be met. This is only possible by using new and existing technologies that are easily implemented and thoroughly tested.

You want to work with companies who are able to make improved building performance visible and understandable. These solution providers must visualize, plan and then act to capture with a clear focus how buildings actually operate and how they will change over time. It all starts with identifying challenges and stating desired goals.