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Define "GREEN" Building
A basic way to define Green Building also known as Sustainable or High Performance Building is:The practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. - This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.
- Green building is also known as a sustainable or high performance building.
- Green building is a broad term that refers to building design and construction practices that encourage people to be more responsible with energy, natural resources and the environment.
According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program green buildings reduce the negative impacts of buildings on occupants and the environment in five general categories: - Sustainable site planning
- Safeguarding water and water efficiency
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy
- Conservation of materials and resources, and
- Indoor environmental quality.
Green buildings have existed in many world cultures for centuries. - 1970's - Architects responding to the energy crisis began to define "'Green" building by designing buildings that enhanced occupancy comfort while also actively conserving natural resources, .
- 1980's - You can define "GREEN" buildings as those made from materials like adobe clay or green roofs in European towns are models for the modern green building movement.
- 1993 - The USGBC was created and is the leading authority in green building initiatives with its LEED accreditation and certification program.
Impacts of the Built Environment:
Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by:
- Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
- Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
- Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation
For example: - Green buildings may incorporate sustainable materials in their construction (e.g., reused, recycled-content, or made from renewable resources)
- Create healthy indoor environments with minimal pollutants (e.g., reduced product emissions)
- And/or feature landscaping that reduces water usage (e.g.,by using native plants that survive without extra watering)
Why Define "Green" Building? In the United States, buildings account for:
- 39 percent of total energy use
- 12 percent of the total water consumption
- 68 percent of total electricity consumption
- 38 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions
The built environment has a vast impact on the natural environment, human health, and the economy.
By adopting green building strategies:
- We can maximize both economic and environmental performance.
- Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction, to renovation and deconstruction.
- However, the most significant benefits can be obtained if the design and construction team takes an integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project.
Potential benefits of green building can include:
- Environmental benefits
- Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems
- Improve air and water quality
- Reduce waste streams
- Conserve and restore natural resources
Economic benefits:
- Reduce operating costs
- Create, expand, and shape markets for green product and services
- Improve occupant productivity
- Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Social benefits
- Enhance occupant comfort and health
- Heighten aesthetic qualities
- Minimize strain on local infrastructure
- Improve overall quality of life
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