Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and natural environment by:
- Efficiently using energy, water and other resources.
- Protecting occupant’s health and improving employee productivity.
- Reducing waste, pollution and environment degradation.
The green building concept is gaining importance in various countries. These are buildings that ensure that waste is minimized at every stage during the construction and operation of the building, resulting in low costs according to the experts in the technology.
What Makes a Building Green?
Following examples can be considered for green buildings:
- 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 feature landscaping that reduce water usage (e.g., by using native plants that survive without extra watering).
- A green building is a structure that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout its life-cycle. These objectives expand and complement the classical building design concerns of economy, utility. Durability and comfort.
Fig: Components of a green building
What are Green Features of a Green Building?
- Minimal disturbance to landscapes and site condition
- Use of non-toxic and recycled / recyclable material
- Efficient use of water and water recycling
- Use of energy efficient and eco-friendly equipments
- Use of renewable energy
- Quality of indoor air quality for human safety and comfort
- Effective controls and building management systems