The Importance of Green Construction Techniques

Green building and construction techniques emphasize a holistic approach throughout the entire construction process, from start to finish. Due to the large volume of materials consumed and materials added to landfills, the building and construction profession plays an important role in materials recycling and energy conservation. Our projects must stand the tests of weather, time and provide our clients with the value and comfort of energy efficiency. In the past, I knew colleagues in the same profession who touted bamboo floors and tankless hot water heaters as ‘building green’. Residential construction does not have the same initiative for specified green certification processes and systems that commercial construction has been familiar with. Green concepts start in the design process and must be carried through the production and punch list phases, regardless of the size of the project. From a window replacement, to the construction of a new home, your team must be constantly aware of green techniques.

Chicago Construction Works is currently in the construction phase of a multiple unit apartment teardown, converting the square footage into high-end finished condominiums. Our firm takes pride in following simple principles during the demolition phase of the project to reduce the volume of debris going to a landfill. Currently we have employed smart demolition techniques during the teardown of the interior and exterior elements of these apartments. All metal from the old electrical conduit, wires, furnaces, ductwork, cast iron, and black pipe was separated during the removal and properly recycled. All structural elements, including old floor joists and heavy timber were carefully removed, cut down and stored for future reclaimed wood projects.

Moving forward into the production of project, Chicago Construction Works plans to implement several green features to promote energy efficiency, which will produce lower heating and cooling costs for the future homeowners. Insulation planned for the project is spray foam ICYNENE insulation, providing a higher R value and a low vapor permeance. This insulation type is water based and blown-in without any ozone depleting chemicals. This type of insulation works very well with masonry construction, considering masonry buildings are susceptible to a high vapor penetration due to the porous nature of brick and block. Other energy efficient features include tankless hot water heaters, low VOC paints, energy efficient windows, double insulated new roof and new building materials made of recycled components. Our firm’s philosophy is to constantly research, implement and reinvent green construction techniques in every project, large or small.