Green Building

What Is Green Building?

Green building, also known as sustainable building or eco-building, is an approach to designing, constructing, and operating buildings to reduce or eliminate negative impacts on the environment and improve the health and well-being of occupants. This involves using sustainable and resource-efficient processes throughout the building lifecycle to diminish environmental harm, enhance efficiency, and improve living conditions. Major aspects of green building include energy and water efficiency, the use of renewable energy, sustainable materials, waste reduction, and improved indoor environmental quality.

Examples

1. The Bullitt Center in Seattle, WA is often touted as the greenest commercial building in the world. It features solar panels, rainwater collection, a composting toilet system, and non-toxic materials.
2. The Edge in Amsterdam is considered one of the most energy-efficient office buildings globally. Its design includes an extensive array of solar panels, efficient HVAC systems, and intelligent technology that optimizes space use and energy consumption.
3. One Bryant Park in New York City includes a comprehensive approach to sustainability, using recycled materials, incorporating water-efficient systems, and achieving LEED Platinum certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is LEED Certification?

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building certification that assesses a building’s environmental performance and encourages market transformation towards sustainable design. It is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

What are the key benefits of green buildings?

Green buildings offer reduced energy and water consumption, lower operational costs, improved health and well-being for occupants, enhanced building lifespan, and positive environmental impacts such as reduced emissions and waste.

Are green buildings more expensive to construct?

While initial construction costs can be higher, green buildings often result in long-term savings through reduced energy and water utility costs, lower maintenance expenses, and potential tax incentives and savings from certification programs like LEED.

What is the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)?

The USGBC is a non-profit organization committed to sustainable building practices. It develops and administers the LEED certification program, which aims to promote impactful green building strategies.

How do green buildings affect property values?

Studies show that green buildings often have higher property values due to lower operational costs, increased demand for sustainable living and working environments, and the potential for financial incentives associated with green building certifications.

Related Terms

• Energy Efficiency: Refers to the method of reducing energy consumption by using less energy to achieve the same level of output.
• Sustainable Materials: Materials that are sourced from renewable resources, have a minimal environmental footprint, or can be recycled or disposed of without environmental harm.
• Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): Refers to the conditions within a building, related to air quality, lighting, thermal conditions, and ergonomics that affect the health and well-being of occupants.
• Net-Zero Energy Building: A building that generates as much energy as it consumes through renewable energy sources over the course of a year.
• Passive Solar Design: A design approach that uses the sun’s energy for heating and cooling purposes without the use of mechanical systems.

Online Resources

1. U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Website: www.usgbc.org
2. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): leed.usgbc.org/leed.html
3. Energy Star for Buildings: www.energystar.gov/buildings
4. International Green Construction Code (IgCC): www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/2018-i-codes/igcc
5. World Green Building Council: www.worldgbc.org

References

1. Kats, Gregory H. (2003). “The Costs and Financial Benefits of Green Buildings.”
2. World Green Building Council. “The Business Case for Green Building: A Review of the Costs and Benefits for Developers, Investors and Occupants.”
3. U.S. Green Building Council. “LEED v4 Building Design and Construction Guide.”
4. Energy Star. “Guidelines for Energy Management.”

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “Designing Sustainable Residential and Commercial Interiors: Applying Concepts and Practices” by Lisa M. Tucker.
2. “The Green Building Revolution” by Jerry Yudelson.
3. “Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things” by William McDonough & Michael Braungart.
4. “The Integrative Design Guide to Green Building: Redefining the Practice of Sustainability” by Seven Group and Bill Reed.
5. “Sustainable Building with Earth: Benefits and Challenges of an Earth-Based Alternative to Concrete” by Joseph F. McLaughlin.

Real Estate Basics: Green Building Fundamentals Quiz