What is green building?
Green building, or sustainable design, is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water, and materials, and of reducing impacts on human health and the environment for the entire lifecycle of a building. Green-building concepts extend beyond the walls of buildings and include site planning, community and land-use planning issues as well.
Environmental benefits of green building:
- Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems
- Improve air and water quality
- Reduce waste streams
- Conserve and restore natural resources
Economic benefits of green building:
- Reduce operating costs
- Improve occupant productivity
- Enhance asset value and profits
- Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Social benefits of green building:
- Enhance occupant health and comfort
- Improve indoor air quality
- Minimize strain on local utility infrastructure
- Improve overall quality of life
Why is green building important?
The growth and development of our communities has a large impact on our natural environment. The manufacturing, design, construction and operation of the buildings in which we live and work are responsible for the consumption of many of our natural resources.
Why are green buildings becoming increasingly popular? Here are the six reasons I could think of:
- Many corporations that lease office spaces are willing to pay a higher premium to design an eco-friendly office. Operating costs are low in green buildings because of greater energy efficiency. Green buildings also consume less water.
- People who live or work in green buildings receive abundant sunlight and cross ventilation. They live healthier lives. In green buildings, worker productivity is higher too.
- When societies become more prosperous, people are far more willing to spend more money on green buildings. This is true of home buyers in India too. Even today, green buildings are more of a luxury.
- Modern construction methods tend to be more energy efficient. Buildings have become greener over years because builders have been adopting better methods of construction. Buildings have become greener, but not always by intention. One reason, of course, is that buildings, which are more carefully designed with modern technology, are more energy efficient and bear better air quality.
- There is greater awareness today. As carbon emissions are rising, buildings tend to be designed to protect the environment. Working in green buildings also help private firms to strengthen their brand value and signal social commitment.
- Governments and local authorities give greater incentives to developers and home buyers for building green buildings. For instance, green buildings in Mumbai might soon get 20% discount on property tax.
