What is a Green Building?

A Green building does not mean a building that’s green in colour or has many plantations in it. A Green building or Sustainable Building simply refers to a structure that is environmentally friendly. Also, all the processes involved in the construction of an Environmental building are economic, resource-efficient and less hazardous for nature.

An Efficient Green Building:

The standards which are used as a scale to measure efficiency can vary for different green buildings. Generally, the green buildings are designed to use less energy and water and to improve the quality of air in the house. If a building makes optimum use of materials that are eco friendly and energy efficient then it can be considered a perfect example of a Green Building.

To make a green building efficient the following aspects need to be achieved:

• Rooftops can have plantations to absorb harmful UV rays, reduce heat and release more Oxygen,
• Rooftops can have solar panels to absorb solar energy and this energy can be utilized in the building,
• Energy efficiency is boosted by improving insulation that reduces the amount of air that escapes,
• Ventilations can be used to improve air circulation,
• Reusing wastewater released from the house,
• Building orientation should not be in the direction of the sun as it plays a vital role in heating and cooling,
• Building materials that reduce organic compounds emission should be used,
• Motion sensing control lights should be installed,
• Rainwater harvesting should be used.

How do we check the efficiency of a Green Building?

A green building is expected to be economic, durable and efficient throughout its life span starting from planning and designing to operation and maintenance. U.S. G.B. Council has standardized a set of rating systems known as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This system is used to rate green buildings on how efficient they are and how are they impacting the environment.

Benefits:

Some important elements that make a green building:

• Efficiently utilizing energy, water and other resources
• Making more use of renewable energy, such as solar energy
• Reusing and recycling materials to reduce pollution
• Improving air quality in the building
• Usage of resources that are non-toxic, ethical and sustainable
• Keeping the environment as a priority concern in design, construction and operation
• Consideration of occupants living around the location in design, construction and operation
• Reducing water usage

Does a Green Building cost more?

Some people have a misconception that they cannot adopt Green Building Concept because it is going to cost more but actually researchers have studied and compared green buildings with conventional buildings and have found Green buildings to be cheaper. So, along with improving the environment and lives, green buildings can save you a lot more. If everyone chooses to adopt this method, our planet will be a much better place to live in.

Green Buildings around the Globe:

• Indian G.B. Council (IGBC) have so far registered 6055 green projects in India and around the world covering up to 7.61 billion Sqft area
• More than 1827 organizations have been registered with IGBC including contractors, architects, consultants, etc.
• More than 4487 G.B. professionals and around 30,000 have been trained.
• 15,000 MWh of Energy is being used per million Sqft per annum.
• 45,000 KL of Water is being used per million Sqft per annum.
• The government of India is planning to build solar-powered greenhouses for poor people in Tamilnadu.
• There are some traditional structures as well like Hawa Mahal, and Golkonda. 

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Amit Sah