Green building is the practice of using strategies to design and construct a structure with an emphasis on environmental and social responsibility. These structures are often endorsed by certification programs like LEED and are considered to be healthy environments for its occupants.
Green buildings are designed with premium materials that last longer and construction practices that surpass minimum building codes, which translates to lower maintenance costs and less waste.
Energy Efficiency
Using energy efficiently is a key element of green building. This is done by reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. It also involves utilizing solar energy for heating, cooling, and electricity and implementing water efficiency techniques like low flow toilets, rainwater harvesting, and incorporating sustainable landscaping with native plants to reduce stormwater runoff.
While much of the public debate about climate change and carbon emissions focuses on cars, buildings account for 40 percent of those emissions and are the fastest growing source of energy consumption. This makes green construction a critical step in moving away from fossil fuel dependency, not to mention providing cost savings for building occupants through lower utility bills and higher appraisal values for easier resale.
Green construction uses a wide range of strategies to reduce environmental impact, including using renewable energy, building with natural materials that are locally available, and integrating green design into every stage of the process. It aims to meet the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to do so. This often includes a life cycle assessment (LCA) to identify and evaluate impacts at all stages, from extraction of raw materials to disposal or recycling.
Water Efficiency
Water conservation and efficiency is a key component of green building. It reduces the amount of potable water used in buildings and helps to prevent the environmental impacts associated with waste discharge.
In the United States, buildings use 14% of all potable water and contribute to 22% of all wastewater discharges. Green buildings can improve water efficiency by using low-flow fixtures, smart meters and rainwater harvesting systems. They may also utilize xeriscaping, which is the combination of soil improvements, native plants and efficient irrigation to reduce outdoor water usage.
EPA has several programs that address green building, including ENERGY STAR ratings, smart meters and home energy assessments. The ENERGY STAR program provides incentives for installing and using more energy-efficient equipment and appliances, which help save money on utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Green buildings are more than just energy efficient; they’re addressing waste, siting, indoor air quality, materials and more. Studies show that people who work in green buildings are healthier, happier and more productive. They also help lower construction costs and increase property values.
Materials
There is an emphasis on utilizing recycled, biodegradable and sustainable materials in green building. This is based on the principle that every aspect of the building process should be environmentally responsible, from design through construction and maintenance.
Green buildings use premium construction materials that outperform traditional construction standards. Examples include long-lasting decking made from recycled plastic and wood fibers; durable tile and linoleum flooring; natural cement-based wall panels; 50-year roofing materials; and energy-efficient insulation materials like bamboo or cellulose that outperform traditional fiberglass.
These premium materials are often sourced locally to reduce the environmental impact of transportation and to help stimulate local economy. They are also compared using green specifications that consider life cycle analysis (LCA), which weighs factors like embodied energy, durability and health benefits.
Another important component of green building is to limit the destruction of ecosystems during the construction process. This means minimizing the amount of dirt, wood and other materials that need to be removed from the site. It also includes limiting the amount of disruption of wildlife and plant habitats. Many green building sites are able to reuse and rebuild existing structures on their lot. This approach saves a tremendous amount of time, money and energy. It also reduces the risk of contamination and pollution from demolition debris. In addition, many contractors are now using recycled materials to make new components that can be used in green building projects.
Indoor Air Quality
Among the most important factors to consider when evaluating green buildings is their indoor air quality. Green buildings are designed with ventilation that filters and cleans air, ensuring that it is free of pollutants that can be hazardous to human health. This includes limiting ETS (secondhand smoke) which contains cancer-causing chemicals and is harmful to children’s lungs.
It also includes ensuring that building materials don’t offgas chemicals such as formaldehyde. Many cabinets, furniture, and other household items made from pressed wood (such as particleboard or medium-density fiberboard) have formaldehyde adhesives that offgas into the home over time. These can cause a variety of health problems, including watery eyes, headaches, fatigue, and nausea. Paints and floor finishes can also contain chemicals that are not healthy to breathe.
Research shows that green buildings tend to have better indoor air quality than conventional buildings. In a study that compared commercial green and conventional buildings, the green group outperformed the conventional groups in three parameters: temperature, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde.
As a result of the environmental benefits, many people are pursuing green living in existing homes and constructing new green structures. However, it is important to remember that a green building must be maintained in order to keep its value and benefits. For example, poor ventilation can lead to the growth of toxic molds and other harmful microbes, and moisture damage can ruin insulation and drywall.