The world is moving towards sustainability, and the prospects for eco-aware construction are promising. In fact, according to the 2021 World Green Building Trends report, 34% of the surveyed companies in the US were focused on green buildings, and as per stats, 46% reported that they would consider green buildings in the next three years. The figures for sustainable construction aren’t just limited to the commercial spectrum because as per Business Wire, 84% of homeowners prefer living in a green home, and 64% say they would pay more to live in a green community.

Sources: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/energy-and-resources/articles/delivering-sustainable-construction.html

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170918006339/en/New-Survey-84-Percent-of-Residents-Say-Living-in-a-Green-Home-is-Important-to-Them-85-Percent-Believe-Living-in-a-Green-Home-Benefits-Their-Health

So, what is Sustainable Construction?

The sole aim of sustainable construction is to minimize the environmental impact, reduce resource consumption, and enhance the well-being of occupants. Although there are numerous ways to integrate sustainability principles in a home, working with design-build contractors is one of the most effective ways to streamline processes, foster collaboration, and integrate green-home practices throughout the project lifecycle.

In the design-build construction method, there is a single contract between the owner and the contractor responsible for the design and construction phases of a project. Unlike the conventional construction phase where the design and construction and design phases are separate, with the contractors bidding on building the projects and designers and architects designing the plans, design-build streamlines the entire construction process by keeping all the design and construction tasks under one roof.

Wondering what is the role of design-build contracting in sustainable construction? Here are some pointers on how design-build contractors can help to create environmentally responsible buildings.

·         Orchestrating the Construction Process

Design-build contractors shine in sustainable construction because they merge design and construction under one roof. This unified approach means everyone is on the same page, avoiding the typical fragmentation in traditional models. Architects, engineers, and builders collaborate seamlessly, integrating sustainable features like energy-efficient systems and renewable materials from the get-go, saving costs down the line.

·         Efficient Resource Usage

Design-build contractors have years of experience in sustainable construction under their hood. Leveraging their profound expertise, they can make smart decisions about materials waste and energy use, often using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, which allows them to visualize energy flows and material needs, so they can promote recycling and sustainability.

·         Configuring Sustainability into the House Core

From the start, design-build contractors integrate sustainable solutions. They meet green building standards like LEED and BREEAM and effectively implement renewable energy systems. While sustainable construction can seem costly, design-build contractors manage expenses through smart project management and value engineering. They find cost-effective, sustainable solutions to balance upfront costs with long-term savings.

It’s a Wrap!

The contractor you hire for building or remodeling your home is responsible for creating the project design, value engineering, risk management, quality control, and more. If you have decided to go for design-build contracting, selecting the right contractor can be a milestone step in meeting your budget, ensuring the design complies with all building codes, and ensuring project-related safety for workers as well as soon-to-be residents. Looking for professional design build contractors who can help you design your home in a more eco-aware way? Reach out to the seasoned team at Marwood Construction today!