As humans are moving towards more conscious environment-friendly methods of development amidst the impact of the COVID-19, the construction industry must construct homes that make a positive contribution to the environment; or at least only have a minimal negative impact.
The COVID-19 pandemic's impact is not limited to the lockdown. Prevention and control are key elements when facing major public health emergencies. To contain the pandemic, areas for residential activities are restricted to communities and remaining indoors. Therefore, as a gathering for most people, buildings now play a significant role in preventing and controlling the COVID-19 virus. The most important methods of fighting against the virus are the prevention and control measures accepted across communities.
The situation has resulted in a major attitudinal shift in consumer behavior and buying patterns. Every purchase and buying decision will now see a changing trend. With no cure or prevention yet for COVID-19, there is increased emphasis on wellness, well-being, and health. Buyers are looking for apartments that will take care of their basic hygiene and sanity. Health is the major focus and concern of every individual, so the shift from regular apartments to green buildings and sustainable living is expected sooner as they are healthier dwellings. This will give rise to the trend of healthy homes. These are essentially green buildings which provide:
- paints with lower emissions of toxins;
- open windows for natural ventilation and sunlight,
- elevator disinfection,
- environmental cleaning
- interiors that help keep the air quality of the place in check
- a healthy, safe, convenient and comfortable indoor living space
There will be a rise in demand for a structure that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. Lesser impact on the environment will be an added benefit of choosing green buildings from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. The pandemic is a wake-up call for the world which has made individuals realize the importance of being ready for any calamities, which results in the development of various green concept implementation in new housing development.
Protection of the planet is already a pivotal reason to go green. But there is more to going green than pure, compassionate reasons. Attractive financial factors are driving the green home trend. Many green construction techniques can save construction companies money while they build and save home purchasers money when they move in. The grounds for constructors include reclaiming certain materials and minimizing construction waste. Building a home with resources that are accessible locally keeps transportation contamination to a minimum too. Green construction resolutions or home techniques can save thousands of gallons of water a year and diminish power and gas bills by about 30 percent.
Sustainability is another aspect that consumers will seek. The authorities' keen attention to sustainable development has made it possible in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Given a big enough opportunity, it would be imperative when the nations of the world look to embark on infrastructure investment programs. They should strive to provide the infrastructure that is sustainable, technologically advanced and resilient. It is the financially, environmentally, and socially responsible thing to do for the world.
These days it is imperative to accept the new normal with the shift of business goals to sustainable living for the betterment of the citizens.
