Buildings are one of the major sources of pollution. Materials used in the construction of buildings produce environmental impacts like carbon footprint, pollution through slurry and waste, and consumption of water and power. Construction account for approximately 39% of energy-related CO2 emissions.
But there is a way we can reduce the negative impacts of buildings on the environment.
Yes, by going green! that is the construction of Green Buildings. Do you know living in green building can help save the world?
What is a Green Building?
The word green building is not a building that is green nor is it just a building surrounded by plants. Green building is more than planting trees/plants. It is a building that preserves its natural environment, protects man, and at the same time serves its purpose.
“Green 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.” – U.S EPA
Green buildings are buildings designed and constructed with the use of efficient construction materials and practices to reduce or eliminate negative impacts and create positive impacts on the climate and the natural environment. According to leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), green buildings use 25% less energy and 11% less water compared with commercial buildings. In approaching and resolving global issues, one needs to move in the direction of green building. i.e, drawing energy from non-conventional sources.
Benefits of Green Buildings
Any building can be a green building, whether it’s a home, a school, an office, a hospital, or any type of structure. There are several reasons to build green homes and the benefits have been categorized into three, which are:
- Social Benefits
- Environmental Benefits
- Economic Benefits
Social Benefits
Green buildings are healthy buildings. The buildings improve the health and well-being of their occupants. A healthier living environment cuts back medical expenses. Below are some of the social benefits of green buildings:
- It enhances occupant comfort, health, and well-being.
- Green buildings heighten aesthetic and ambiance qualities
- It satisfies man’s needs
- These buildings also improve the overall quality of life of individuals and society at large
Environmental Benefits
Green buildings are also known as sustainable buildings or eco-friendly buildings. They are more eco-friendly than conventional buildings. Apart from green building reducing the cost of living, it also addresses energy issues and helps overcome environmental problems. Below are some of the environmental benefits of green buildings:
- It enhances and protects biodiversity and ecosystems
- Green buildings conserve and restore natural resources
- These buildings improve air and water quality
- Green buildings minimize waste
- It prevents global warming
Economic Benefits
Conventional buildings are more expensive compared to green buildings. Green building uses fewer resources such as energy etc. In the construction of green buildings, cost-effective strategies are been employed. Green building can be as simple as using recycled materials in construction. Adaptive reuse is the most financially viable option. Green building does require frequent building maintenance compared to conventional buildings. Below are some of the economic benefits of green buildings:
- It reduces operating costs such as energy costs, infrastructure costs, etc.
- Green buildings create, expand, and shape markets for green products and services, thereby, providing opportunities.
- It improves occupant/workers’ productivity, thus, decreasing absenteeism in organizations
- These buildings improve ROI
It’s never too late to go green. Even if you have a structure already, a few changes matter. You can still make green changes. And if you are planning a construction project, it is better you choose green buildings. Litedares Consult Limited provides green architectural services, construction of green buildings, and green building consultancy to clients across all sectors. We are the leading company in the green building space, creating zero carbon, healthy, equitable, and resilient built environments, that enhance productivity, and healthy living for the communities, planet, and economy; contact us.
