Overview of green building

History of Green Building:-

Since the beginning of time, people have improved their dwellings with the use of sustainable building. Ancient construction techniques involved using passive systems such as wind power, water power, water reuse, renewable energy and solar design, inventions such as windmills, wind towers, aqueducts, hydraulic mines, natural power sources, solar orientation, and cliff dwellings became crucial to health and well being. These creations set the new standard for living. Professionals like LEED Green Associate help in integrating these features into buildings.

Over time, the population became so crazed over the new technologies available and soon forgot that the environment we live in is finite. The new inventions built to improve living conditions eventually endangered our health once again.  Today, we build green with the help of organizations like the USGBC and the CAGBC to stop the environment from deteriorating and give back as much as possible, New standards improve our impact on the world, lessen our ecological footprint and save us money in the long run. The USGBC also provides professional credentials like LEED Green Associate.

Modern Green Design                    

Some of the newer technology used today improves upon the wind, water, and solar power techniques and introduces coll roofs, biodegradable and recycled materials as well as smart appliances. Professionals like LEED Green Associate help in integrating these in new buildings.

Cool Roofs: Increase solar reflectance, lower the heat island effect & reduce thermal emittance

Biodegradable Materials: Create green disposal, lower materials costs, reduce emissions & increase cost savings

Recycled Materials: Recycled storm-water lowers sewage overflow & reduces stormwater pollution

Smart Appliances: Reduce emissions & increase cost savings

USGBC & CAGBC

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) have been in place since 1993 and 2002, respectively, Groups of architects and designers gathered to create a standard for new buildings to abide by in order to make a more sustainable environment. This system, LEED, is based on a point system. The more points you have, the higher your LEED status and the bigger the cost-reward. It is also helpful for professionals to take credentials like LEED Green Associate in order to implement green building strategies.

Point Status:

    40-49 certified

    50-59 Silver

    60-69 Gold

    70+ Platinum

To prove the efforts of the two councils have been effective, they have each done case studies on local LEED Certified buildings to record their progress and cost advantages.

USGBC Case studies observed

Reduce waste created by construction, prevent pollution, reduce heat island effect, improve water efficiency, recycled material use, purchasing green power, heightened energy efficiency and thermal comfort & maintain air quality. 

Conclusion:

With the incorporation of green building and the LEED program, we have seen overwhelming improvements in the way that we live. Though it is a common misconception that green building is expensive to initiate, if planned for early on it, it can be the most cost-effective way of construction. The LEED Green Associate professional can help in integrating green building strategies also reduce the operational costs.

Most cost benefits are seen over time. Reduced water consumption, more efficient use of materials, the diversion of waste and decomposition of materials during construction all lower the environmental impact the building has on the earth while simultaneously lower costs and increase the quality of life.

Since the building has lower operation costs and studies show the building design increases the productivity of workers, companies are not only lowering their costs but increasing their output, therefore, creating another incentive among the many to build green.  GE3S is a leading green building consultant and also a training provider for LEED Green Associate.