What is Green Building?
Green Initiative
What is Green Building?
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, green building design and construction practices aim to significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and on the building occupants. Green building principles include:
- Integrated Design Process : Sustainable building practices should be taken into consideration at the earliest stages of project planning and design.
- Location : Housing should contribute to the livability of communities by being located on sites that take advantage of existing infrastructure, transportation options, workplaces and amenities.
- Site Sustainability : Site design and development should minimize harm to the environment and improve operational efficiencies.
- Water Efficiency : Homes should be designed to conserve water both indoors and out, reducing waste of this scarce and valuable resource and making use of rainwater and greywater where appropriate.
- Energy Efficiency : Efficient use of energy should be considered throughout every stage of home's lifespan, from construction to daily operations and maintenance. Energy efficiency has far-reaching environmental impacts and immediate operating cost benefits and should be a top priority in all green homes.
- Resource Conservation : Green buildings make use of resource-efficient products and building techniques, including the re-use and recycling of construction and demolition waste.
- Indoor Environmental Quality : Green homes are healthy homes for those who occupy them. The use of safe, non-toxic materials create a healthy dwelling, especially for sensitive groups such as children, seniors, and residents with respiratory problems or immune deficiencies.
- Operations, Maintenance, and Occupant Awareness : Being green does not end with home design and construction but relies on the durability of materials and continued maintenance to maximize efficiencies. Training for occupants ensures proper preservation of a home's quality over time.
