Green buildings have a significant positive impact on sustainability by minimizing environmental harm, optimizing resource efficiency, and creating a resilient environment.
Entegra, a sustainable office building designed by the architectural studio Batlleiroig and developed by Urban Input. The different sustainability features included in the Entegra design contribute to the LEED Gold Certification. PHOTO: ArchDaily
Green building, also known as sustainable or eco-friendly building, is the practice of designing, constructing, and operating structures that have minimal negative impacts on the environment and promote resource efficiency. It encompasses various strategies and techniques aimed at reducing energy consumption, conserving water, improving indoor air quality, and using environmentally friendly materials.
Green building plays a crucial role in advancing sustainability efforts by mitigating climate change and creating healthier and more comfortable spaces for occupants. By integrating sustainable practices into the built environment, green buildings contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.
Energy Efficiency of Green Building
With their focus on minimizing environmental impact and optimizing resource use, green buildings have become synonymous with energy efficiency. The design and orientation of a structure play a pivotal role in harnessing natural resources effectively. By considering factors such as solar orientation, daylighting, and natural ventilation, green buildings can reduce their reliance on artificial lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are major energy consumers in buildings, according to a study from Research Gate. Green building practices emphasize the use of energy-efficient HVAC systems. Additionally, green buildings employ strategies such as heat recovery ventilation to optimize energy usage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Green buildings incorporate energy-efficient lighting solutions such as LED bulbs. Moreover, advanced lighting controls, including occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting, ensure that lighting is used only when needed, further minimizing energy wastage.
Energy efficiency lies at the core of green building, enabling structures to minimize their impact on the environment while optimizing resource use, according to Biofilico. From strategic design and efficient building envelopes to advanced HVAC systems, green buildings offer numerous benefits, ranging from reduced energy consumption and cost savings to improved occupant well-being and environmental preservation.
Integration of Renewable Energy Resources in Green Building
Green buildings, made with the aim of reducing their environmental impact, are at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions for energy generation. It utilizes solar energy as a renewable energy source. Green buildings harness solar power through the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops or facades, according to a study from Intech Open. PVs are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. Solar energy integration in green building not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also lowers energy costs and carbon emissions, making it a key component of sustainable building design.
Wind energy is another promising renewable resource that can be effectively utilized in green buildings. One way to utilize wind energy is by using small-scale wind turbines installed on rooftops or within the building’s vicinity to harness the power of wind and convert it into electricity. Green buildings can also be modeled to tap into the Earth’s geothermal energy to heat and cool their interiors. Geothermal heat pumps can be added to utilize the relatively stable temperature of the ground to provide efficient heating and cooling.
Biomass, derived from organic waste materials, can be converted into energy through various processes such as combustion, gasification, or anaerobic digestion, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Green buildings incorporate biomass energy systems to generate heat or electricity, utilizing organic waste from agricultural, forestry, or food processing activities.
Water Conservation Measures in Green Building
Green buildings, with their emphasis on sustainability and responsible resource management, play a crucial role in implementing water conservation measures. Green buildings often employ innovative systems for capturing and utilizing greywater and rainwater. Greywater can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing and landscape maintenance, as per Green Building Council. Similarly, rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater for on-site usage. By implementing these systems, green buildings reduce the demand for freshwater.
Water-efficient landscaping also plays a vital role in water conservation efforts. Green buildings incorporate native and drought-tolerant plants, which require less water for maintenance. Additionally, smart irrigation systems ensure that water is used efficiently. In addition, green buildings often implement advanced water recycling and treatment systems to reduce water consumption.
Why We Should Support the Advocacy for Sustainability
Supporting the advocacy for sustainability is crucial for the well-being of our planet. By protecting the environment, conserving resources, and mitigating climate change, sustainability provides a path toward a resilient world. Embracing sustainable practices is not only an ethical imperative but a necessary step toward securing a sustainable future.
BillionBricks supports the efforts of different nations to attain a sustainable future. Through our net zero homes and communities, we aim to lessen our impact on the environment. To know more about our BillionBricks and our net-zero homes and communities, please email us at hello@billionbricks.org
Sources
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Wattnow. (n.d.). The Importance of Energy Efficiency in Green Building. Retrieved from https://www.wattnow.io/the-importance-of-energy-efficiency-in-green-building/#:~:text=A%20green%20building%20uses%20less,from%20our%20home%27s%20energy%20systems.
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Biofilico. (2022). Energy efficiency in green buildings. Retrieved from https://biofilico.com/news/green-building-energy-efficiency
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Research Gate. (2018). Energy Consumption and Efficiency in Green Buildings. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322273339_Energy_Consumption_and_Efficiency_in_Green_Buildings
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Intech Open. (2019). Use of Renewable Energy in Buildings. Retrieved from https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/73187
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National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2011). Integrating Renewable Energy Systems in Buildings. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy11osti/52507.pdf
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US Green Building Council. (2014). Green Building 101: How does water efficiency impact a building? Retrieved from https://www.usgbc.org/articles/green-building-101-how-does-water-efficiency-impact-building
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Builder Space. (n.d.). How do green buildings save water? Retrieved from https://www.builderspace.com/how-do-green-buildings-save-water
