Definition
Green building, also known as sustainable building, is the practice of designing, constructing, and operating buildings to reduce or eliminate negative impacts on the environment and improve the well-being of the inhabitants. This involves efficient use of energy, water, and other resources, protecting occupant health and improving productivity, and reducing waste and pollution.
Examples
- The Edge (Amsterdam, Netherlands): Known as the greenest and smartest office building in the world. The building uses solar panels and has a highly efficient energy management system that controls lighting, climate, and office spaces to reduce energy consumption.
- One Central Park (Sydney, Australia): Features vertical gardens on the facades, reducing the building’s carbon footprint. It also incorporates a centralized plant for thermal energy.
- Bullitt Center (Seattle, USA): An office building aiming to be the greenest commercial building in the world. It features solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and composting toilets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes a building “green”?
A green building is designed and constructed in a way that reduces or eliminates negative impacts on the environment and occupants. Features may include energy efficiency, sustainable building materials, water conservation systems, waste reduction methodologies, and indoor environmental quality improvements.
Why is green building important?
Green buildings help in reducing the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment. They provide benefits such as energy and water savings, improved indoor environmental quality, reduced waste, and conservation of natural resources.
Are green buildings more expensive to build?
While the initial cost of building green can sometimes be higher, the long-term savings on energy and water bills, as well as the increased lifespan of the building, often result in lower overall costs.
How can green buildings benefit occupants?
Green buildings provide occupants with better indoor environmental quality, which can lead to improvements in health, well-being, and productivity. Features such as enhanced ventilation, better acoustics, access to natural light, and the use of non-toxic materials reduce exposure to harmful elements.
Is it possible to retrofit existing buildings to make them green?
Yes, existing buildings can be retrofitted to improve energy efficiency, reduce water usage, and employ environmentally friendly materials. Initiatives such as installing energy-efficient windows, adding insulation, or employing renewable energy sources like solar panels are common retrofit strategies.
- Energy Efficiency: The goal of reducing the amount of energy required to provide products and services.
- Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- LEED Certification: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a popular green building certification program used worldwide.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Green Building: Principles and Practices in Residential Construction” by Abe Kruger and Carl Seville
- “Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery” by Charles J. Kibert
- “Fundamentals of Integrated Design for Sustainable Building” by Marian Keeler and Bill Burke
Fundamentals of Green Building: Sustainable Construction Basics Quiz
### What is the main goal of green building?
- [x] To minimize environmental impact and improve resource efficiency.
- [ ] To increase building height.
- [ ] To make buildings purple.
- [ ] To reduce the number of floors in a building.
> **Explanation:** The main goal of green building is to minimize environmental impact and improve resource efficiency throughout the building's lifecycle.
### Which feature is commonly found in green buildings to conserve energy?
- [x] Solar panels
- [ ] Neon lighting
- [ ] Plastic windows
- [ ] Concrete walls
> **Explanation:** Solar panels are commonly installed in green buildings to harness renewable energy from the sun and reduce reliance on non-renewable sources.
### What is LEED Certification?
- [x] A certification for leadership in energy and environmental design.
- [ ] A legal requirement for building height restrictions.
- [ ] A color scheme for interior design.
- [ ] A financial loan program.
> **Explanation:** LEED Certification stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a widely used green building certification program.
### How can green buildings benefit occupants?
- [x] By improving health, well-being, and productivity.
- [ ] By reducing taxes for occupants.
- [ ] By eliminating the use of wood.
- [ ] By increasing synthetic materials use.
> **Explanation:** Green buildings promote improved indoor environmental quality, which can lead to better health, well-being, and productivity for occupants.
### Are green buildings more costly than conventional buildings in the long term?
- [ ] Yes, they are always costlier.
- [ ] No, they are always cheaper.
- [x] Not necessarily, as savings on energy and maintenance can offset higher initial costs.
- [ ] Yes, they never offer financial benefits.
> **Explanation:** While initial construction costs can be higher, savings on energy, water bills, and maintenance often result in lower overall costs over time.
### Can retrofitting make existing buildings green?
- [x] Yes, retrofitting can enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
- [ ] No, retrofitting can't change the existing structures.
- [ ] Only for buildings older than 50 years.
- [ ] Only through demolishing and rebuilding.
> **Explanation:** Retrofitting can indeed make existing buildings greener by implementing energy-efficient windows, adding insulation, and using renewable energy sources.
### Which of the following is a common retrofit measure for green buildings?
- [x] Installing energy-efficient windows
- [ ] Painting walls green
- [ ] Adding more floors
- [ ] Expanding building width
> **Explanation:** Installing energy-efficient windows is a common retrofit measure to improve building energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.
### What practice do green buildings advocate for better indoor air quality?
- [ ] Using plastic materials extensively
- [ ] Coloring all walls in green
- [x] Enhanced ventilation and the use of non-toxic materials
- [ ] Reducing windows exposure to sunlight
> **Explanation:** Enhanced ventilation and the use of non-toxic materials improve indoor air quality, promoting occupant health in green buildings.
### Which of the following is a green building material?
- [ ] Traditional concrete
- [ ] Polystyrene foam
- [x] Recycled steel
- [ ] Non-recyclable plastics
> **Explanation:** Recycled steel is a green building material contributing to sustainability by reducing waste and energy use.
### Why is water conservation important in green buildings?
- [x] To reduce the use of fresh water and promote sustainability.
- [ ] To make buildings more expensive.
- [ ] To increase the dependency on water heaters.
- [ ] To eliminate the need for plumbing systems.
> **Explanation:** Water conservation in green buildings aims to reduce the use of fresh water and promote sustainability by installing low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems.
Thank you for exploring the intricacies of green building principles and assessing your knowledge with our quiz. Keep striving to make construction more sustainable.
