Today, green buildings are not only becoming more and more aesthetic and pleasing, but they are also becoming more and more essential to our environment.
While a building covered in plants is an amazing design, it goes much further than that. In this article, I am going to cover what is a “green building” according to the Green Building Council.
What Is a Green Building?
A ‘green’ building is a building that, in its design, construction, or day-to-day operation, effectively reduces or eliminates its negative impacts on the environment. Not only that, but a green building creates a positive impact on our climate and the natural environment around the building.
Through their design and way of operating, green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our quality of life.
What Makes a Building Green?
As I mentioned above, a green building is more than just a building with plants. There are numerous factors that contribute to a building’s “green-ness” and help it integrate and benefit the environment. Some of these include:
- Efficient use of energy, as well as efforts to minimize energy waste
- Efficient use and re-use of its water resources in a clean and healthy manner
- Use of renewable energy, such as wind or solar power.
- Measures to reduce pollution and waste, such as trash, recycling.
- A key part of a green building includes good indoor air quality as well as environmental air quality so as not to emit bad air out of the building.
- Use of materials that are non-toxic, ethical, and sustainable
- Consideration of the environment in design, construction, and operation
- Consideration of the quality of life of occupants in design, construction, and operation
- A design that enables adaptation to a changing environment
What Kind of Buildings Can be Green Buildings?
According to the Green Building Council:
“Any building can be a green building, whether it’s a home, an office, a school, a hospital, a community center, or any other type of structure, provided it includes features listed above.”
If you are looking to build a green building or turn an existing building into a green building, Bio Developing has the experience and resources needed to help design and build your building into a building that minimizes harm to your environment, while in fact promoting environmental health and sustainability. Contact us today for more information or to get started!
Recent Comments