For centuries, construction has relied on the same materials: soil bricks, concrete, and wood. But as modern times bring increasing demand for new structures, we’ve been tearing down trees and plundering natural resources at an unsustainable rate. It’s a problem that’s spiraling out of control, and the solution lies in the concept of Green Building.
But what exactly does Green Building mean, and how does it work? Let’s dive in and explore this revolutionary approach to construction.
Meaning of Green Buildings
Green Building, also referred to as green construction or sustainable building, is a revolutionary approach to construction that prioritizes the environment and sustainability throughout the entire life-cycle of a project.
From planning and design, to construction and performance, maintenance, restoration, and even demolition, every step is taken with the goal of minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
Components of green building designing
In order to achieve this, numerous factors must be considered, such as energy use, water usage, indoor environment, and occupants’ quality of life.
Material selection is also a crucial component, as every aspect of the building must be carefully chosen to promote a healthy and non-spoiled environment in and around the structure.
With Green Building, we can create high-performance structures that not only meet our needs, but also preserve our planet for future generations.
Importance of Green Buildings
As our communities continue to grow and develop, we often do so at the expense of the natural world around us. The demand for resources to fuel our growth has led to a vast negative impact on the environment. But there is hope in the form of Green Building – a concept that prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility throughout every stage of a building’s life-cycle.
So, why is Green Building so important? Let’s break it down:
Environmental Benefits
- Protects and enhances biodiversity and ecological systems by minimizing the negative impact of construction and building processes on the environment.
- Reduces water and energy wastage, preserving our precious natural resources.
- Improves air and water quality, creating a healthier living environment for building occupants.
- Promotes a psychologically-optimized environment by preserving and maintaining the natural world around the building.
Economic Benefits
- Lowers construction costs while increasing the property value of green buildings.
- Improves the health and productivity of building occupants, leading to a happier and more efficient workforce.
- Saves on utility and household bills by promoting efficient use of water and energy.
- Provides a growing market for sustainable and environmentally-friendly products.
Social Benefits
- Offers easy and affordable ways for existing homes to go green, empowering individuals to positively impact the environment.
- Enhances indoor air quality, leading to a healthier and more comfortable living space for building occupants.
- Minimizes strain on local infrastructure, reducing the environmental impact of the community as a whole.
Top 8 Green Buildings in India
- Suzlon One Earth, Pune – A 10-acre office complex powered by renewable sources and awarded a LEED Platinum rating in 2010. It conserves natural resources and consumes less water and electricity.
- CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Hyderabad: A LEED Platinum-rated building. It recycles all its waste and is made up of only recycled materials.
- Infosys Limited, Mysore: A Platinum-rated green building with a holistic approach to sustainability in key areas such as water savings and energy efficiency.
- Infinity Benchmark, Kolkata: A 20-story tower. It is outfitted with Co2 monitor sensors, rainwater harvesting, a waste water recycling arrangement, and humidity controls.
- Patni Knowledge Centre, Noida: A Platinum-rated building. It captures 73% of daylight and has nearly 50% of the land covered with grass.
- Bank of India, Goa: An eco-friendly bank. It uses Nano Misty Blue glass for producing a cooling effect and saving energy.
- Ansal Esencia, Gurgaon: A masterpiece with features such as viable sources of energy, maximum energy conservation electronics, and a drought-resistant campus.
Conclusion
As the world continues to grow and develop, we are facing a daunting problem: the impact of construction on our planet. We have been tearing down trees and using natural resources at an unsustainable rate. But there is hope.
Enter Green Building – a revolutionary approach to construction that prioritizes the environment and sustainability throughout the entire life-cycle of a project. From design and construction, to performance and even demolition, every step is taken to minimize negative impacts on the environment.