Discover the environmental stamps of civil construction

The civil construction sector has been enthusiastically investing in obtaining environmental seals. They add value to the enterprise and elevate the company's concept, by demonstrating compliance with environmental legislation and respect for the planet.

There are several environmental certificates, national and international, each with its own concession criteria. Energy efficiency, recycling, rational use of natural resources and innovative sustainable solutions are examples of requirements for a building to be certified as “green”.

Do you want to know some of the most coveted environmental stamps in civil construction? That's why we wrote this article. Keep reading!

Buildings have a considerable impact on the environment, as they demand raw material, waste water and energy, produce toxic waste and emit gases into the atmosphere. In order to minimize such impacts, construction standards and seals have been established to certify projects that excel in respecting nature.

Below, check out some of the main environmental certifications:

AQUA-HQE SEAL

The Vanzolini Foundationgrants this seal of international recognition, based on the French certificate Démarche Haute Qualité Environnementale . To live up to it, the construction needs to undergo face-to-face audits that evaluate, for example:

•             construction / environment relationship

•             low environmental impact on the construction site;

•             water, energy and waste management;

•             thermal, acoustic, visual and olfactory comfort;

•             sanitary quality of air, water and environments.

LEED BADGE

This seal was the pioneer among the certifications, which makes it one of the best known in the civil construction sector.

In the assessment for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, points are awarded in aspects such as:

•             use of water and other natural resources;

•             quality of the materials used;

•             project location;

•             indoor and outdoor environments;

•             Innovative solutions.

Depending on the score obtained, the building will be classified as Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum. The seal is granted by GBC Brasil.

PROCEL BUILDINGS

Awarded by Eletrobras, through institutions accredited by the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), this seal certifies buildings for their energy efficiency.

It can be obtained both in the construction phase and after the completion of the work. See the website for detailed information.

BLUE HOUSE STAMP

Caixa Econômica Federal assesses the socio-environmental impacts of construction projects that want to obtain this seal. The certification considers aspects such as the conscious use of natural resources, the social development of the surroundings, integration with the area, urban solutions and others.

Both the builder and the buyers of the units receive discounts on the interest rates of the financing. See information on the Caixa website.

BREEAM SEAL

Do you want a very high level international certification for your construction? Then, apply for the evaluation of the English institution Building Research Establishment (BRE), which created the label in 1992. It is well known and respected in Europe, but still little known in Brazil.

The certification covers different types of buildings, such as industrial, commercial and residential. Among the aspects evaluated for the award of the seal are health and well-being, management, ecology, pollution, waste treatment, water and energy use and others.

Certified buildings with environmental seals are well regarded by society and, therefore, more valued by the market. However, the most important profit from a sustainable building is not financial, but social and environmental. If everyone takes care of the planet, everyone profits.

Are you curious to know which buildings have environmental seals for civil construction? Then read our article and meet five of them. Number three on the list is surprising. Check it out!

Source: https://etechnologytrends.com/

 

Hanging the picture over the sofa - It is not just a question of the right height!

If you want to breathe new life into the living room furnishings, modern murals are always a good idea. The wall behind the sofa is particularly suitable for special design. A unique work of art or a picture gallery above the couch can become the focus of the room and wonderfully complement the existing furnishings. In order for everything to look harmonious, there are a few things you should consider. How high a picture should hang over the sofa and what distance between the pictures is recommended when hanging in groups can be found in today's article.

Visit: New Construction Technology Trends 2020

 

How high should a picture hang over the sofa?

Hang the picture on the sofa at the correct height and distance from the couch

As a rule, the lower side of the frame should hang 15 to 20 cm above the back of the sofa. Of course, you can also deviate a little from this rule to find out what height is perfect in your home. However, avoid positioning the image more than a few centimeters above the recommended height. If you hang your artwork too high, it looks like it is floating off the couch instead of being optically connected to it.

How big should the picture be?

Note the image above the sofa at a distance and height

The sofa and the murals hanging above it should complement each other in order to achieve a uniform look. To create a visual balance, the mural (or group) should be at least 2/3 the length of the sofa. The pictures should also not be wider than the couch, otherwise the sofa will be optically crushed and not staged.

Do you have an XXL sofa? The best way to achieve the required size is to put together a gallery wall . The distance between the individual frames should be 5 to 10 cm. Use painter's tape to keep the distance between the frames even. Frames that are too far apart appear disjointed and chaotically placed.

Print picture in individual format

How high should a picture hang over the sofa?

A gallery print offers plenty of scope for individual room design. The art print is created in the format of your choice and in the size you specify. If you want to hang a single picture over the sofa, a width from 100 cm is ideal. The picture format 120 x 80 cm would be optimal over a 3-seat sofa. Alternatively, you can create a collage from several pictures of different sizes and position the most expressive picture in the middle of the group. Make stencils out of cardboard and lay them out in advance on the floor in the desired arrangement. How to find out which image sizes you need for your collage.

Choose digital printing on acrylic glass matt or gloss

If the desired motif is printed on acrylic glass, the question also arises: matt or glossy? Matt acrylic glass is subtle and reserved - shiny acrylic glass shines in a crystal clear finish.

Digital printing with glossy acrylic glass is perfect for colorful pictures like Carnival in Rio or summer in Santorini. The vivid colors are emphasized and the impression of depth is enhanced. Landscapes, skylines or macro shots of flowers, insects and Co. - everything can and should benefit from the glossy surface. The improved color brilliance and depth of field make the viewer feel part of the art, as if the object were close enough to touch it.

However, some images need to be displayed with restrained clarity. Matt acrylic glass is particularly suitable for low-contrast colors, pastel pictures or for black and white pictures with a high proportion of black. Depth of field, brilliant colors and contrasts remain equally strong under matt acrylic glass. Glossy surfaces can also catch reflections from a window or skylight, which can affect the image itself. Matt acrylic glass absorbs the light and prevents disturbing reflections , regardless of the viewing angle.

Discover Now 8 Decoration Trends For 2021

With 2020 coming to an end, we have already started planning New Year's resolutions. After all, this is a time that provokes a desire for renewal, in order to carry out new (or old) life projects. In the area of architecture and design, decor trends for 2021 abound to inspire you to change yourself and your surroundings.

There are all kinds of solutions, costly or economical, that, when used well, give a special touch to any space. To help you in this transformative mission, we have listed here our 8 bets for 2021. Check it out!

8 Decoration Trends for 2021

1. Look for neutral and minimalist decorations

After a time in which the decoration with high contrasts predominated, it returns to the minimalist style, where there is a predominance of whites, sobriety and lightness. This neutral backdrop allows contrast in details with different colors and textures, always in careful dosage.

2. Use and abuse organic forms

It is notable the great use of furniture in formats that value curves. Oval tables, ottomans, rugs, pillows, woodwork with smooth finishes, crown moldings and plaster moldings, all in smooth and continuous curves.

When this type of furniture dominates, the environment becomes visually more fluid, making it possible to perceive the circulation better and reinforcing the air of lightness.

3. Leave the wood exposed

Found in abundance in most Brazilian regions, it is applied to pieces of furniture, such as cabinets, tables, chairs or in the structure of buildings. In recent years, the coating companies have invested in prints and textures that  simulate wood , combining this trend with the high durability of porcelain tiles.

The presence of wood in the minimalist environment, especially when combined with warm white lighting, breaks the coolness of white and neutral tones and provides a cozy atmosphere.

4. Invest in the old rose

Presented as the color of the year in 2016, as Rose Quartz, it remained high in 2020, being also called Milennial Pink. For 2021, it remains an excellent bet for painting, fabrics and decoration, translating creativity and freshness to the environments. Composes especially well with the trend color palette for next year - earth tones - or when used on metal objects.

5. Bring the vegetation inside the house

It is possible to use plants in several layers: mini vegetable gardens, small  gardens  and tall pots. For mini gardens, reserve small places that receive natural light. In extremely small spaces, it is possible to support pots on windows or on supports fixed to the wall.

For table or terrarium arrangements, succulents are preferred, as they require little maintenance. In larger rooms and balconies, we can use tall plants and more abundant foliage, such as bamboo and climbing plants.

6. Always keep in mind that lighting is everything

Have you noticed how the lighting, both natural and artificial, finishes the decor and the atmosphere of the environment? The abundant use of natural light has been increasingly common, as the presence of sunlight causes both psychological and physiologically positive effects on the human body.

With regard to  artificial lighting , the trend is in points of interest: neon lamps, mini trees or strands of light of the most varied types - flowers, small balls, and small lamps. However, be careful: always try to opt for LED lamp systems - they are more durable and economical in energy consumption.

7. Compose with handwriting

This is one of the easiest tips to use. It is possible to print ready-made art or, if you like manual activities, you can paint writings on various types of surfaces - papers, canvas, fabrics - transforming them into exclusive prints. There are also pre-made options, but nothing conveys your personality as well as do-it-yourself objects.

8. Unleash your imagination

Last but not least: there is no more room for rigidity in the decoration. Follow your style, include objects or furniture that are meaningful to you and apply whatever pleases you the most, after all, your space, your rules!

Now that you know everything about the main decorating trends for 2021, you can choose which ones are the best for you and include them in your New Year's resolutions. Now, spread the spirit of renewal with your friends by sharing this post on your social networks!

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