Lovelyn Reloba

Green Building

A green building, also known as a sustainable or eco-friendly building, is one that is made
with a strong dedication to reducing its harmful effects on the environment while enhancing
the health and well-being of its residents. These structures are designed holistically, taking a
number of aspects into account to reduce resource use, waste, and environmental harm
throughout the course of its lifespan.

First of all, a key component of green building design is energy efficiency. This involves
using techniques to lower energy usage by adding elements like better insulation, energy-
efficient lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as the
incorporation of renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines.

Another critical factor is water efficiency. Effective water resource management and
conservation are goals of green buildings. To reduce water use and pollution, this calls for
the use of low-flow fixtures, rainwater collection systems, and cutting-edge wastewater
treatment techniques.

In green building projects, materials and resources are carefully chosen and maintained.
Waste minimization is promoted by adopting responsible construction techniques, recycling,
and reusing materials whenever possible. Sustainable materials with low environmental
implications are favored.

A big priority is the quality of the indoor atmosphere. For tenants, creating a safe and
comfortable indoor environment is a top priority in green buildings. To improve air quality and
general wellbeing, this includes using non-toxic building materials, enough ventilation, and
natural lighting.

Another important factor is the building site's location and development. Sustainable site
design aims to lessen adverse effects on the environment, promote the use of public transit,
decrease urban heat islands, and save natural habitats. The development and choice of the
site are extremely important to the building's overall sustainability.

In conclusion, a green building is a sustainable and ecologically conscious structure created

to cut down on energy and water use, limit waste, give priority to occupant well-being, and
utilize resources effectively. These structures frequently follow accepted green building
certifications and standards, such LEED, BREEAM, or Green Star, to give themselves a
framework for accomplishing and assessing their sustainability objectives. In the end, green
buildings seek to produce a constructed environment that is healthier and more ecologically
friendly, enhancing the standard of living for both the present and future generations.

The different factors that are being considered in evaluating a green building

Energy Efficiency: This metric considers how well the structure uses energy. Insulation,
efficient lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems, as well as the utilization of renewable
energy sources such as solar panels, are all part of it.
Water Efficiency: The evaluation assesses the structure's water efficiency, focusing on its
use of wastewater treatment systems, rainfall harvesting, and low-flow plumbing fittings.
Materials and Resources: Building requires careful selection, sourcing, and management of
materials, with recycled materials, sustainable resources, and waste reduction being crucial
considerations.
Indoor Environmental Quality: The study assesses factors like air quality, ventilation, natural
lighting, and the use of non-toxic construction materials that influence the health and comfort
of inhabitants.
Site Selection and Development: The design of a sustainable site considers factors like
public transit accessibility, urban heat island reduction, and the preservation of natural
habitats in the building's location and construction.
Innovation and Design Process: This acknowledges advanced green building strategies and
sustainable practices in the design and construction phases.
Operational and Maintenance Practices: This component evaluates the building's operation
and maintenance over time, emphasizing system efficiency and routine maintenance for
sustainability.
Waste Management: The focus is on reducing construction and operational waste through
recycling, material reuse, and reducing waste output.
Transportation: The assessment evaluates the structure's support for sustainable
transportation methods like bike racks, carpool spots, and public transportation accessibility.
Resilience: Climate change and weather resilience is increasingly crucial, incorporating
flood-resistant construction and backup power measures among other factors.
Certification and Rating Systems: Organizations like LEED, BREEAM, and Green Star offer
certifications and rating systems for evaluating and comparing the sustainability of buildings
based on specific standards.
Cost and Life Cycle Analysis: The long-term cost-effectiveness and return on investment of
green building features are crucial factors to consider.

The evaluation of a green building involves considering various elements collectively to

determine its sustainability and environmental performance, which may be given varying
importance by rating systems and organizations, thereby promoting more resource- and
environmentally conscious buildings.

Differentiate the different certification label of a green building.

Several organizations and programs offer certification labels for green buildings, each with
its own set of criteria and standards.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design):

• LEED, developed in America, is a renowned green building certification program
recognized by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
• The organization prioritizes environmental and sustainability standards such as
innovation, water conservation, resource efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and
energy efficiency.
• LEED certification levels, based on points earned in different categories, include
Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method):
• BREEAM is a renowned certification program widely used in the UK and Europe.
• The system assesses a building's environmental performance in energy, water,
materials, and management, ranging from Pass to Good to Excellent to Outstanding.
Green Star:
• The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) established the Green Star green
building rating system in Australia.
• The rating system assesses the sustainability of buildings on various scales,
including 4 Star, 5 Star, and 6 Star, in areas like energy, water, materials, internal
environment, and innovation.
Living Building Challenge:
• The International Living Future Institute has set a rigorous standard for green building
through this accreditation.
• Buildings are certified as "Living" after meeting rigorous standards, including net-zero
energy and water use, the absence of harmful chemicals, and social responsibility.
WELL Building Standard:
• The International WELL Building Institute has developed the WELL Standard, which
prioritizes occupant health and wellbeing.
• The WELL Certification evaluates factors like air quality, lighting, exercise, diet, and
mental health to design settings promoting wellbeing, with three levels: Silver, Gold,
and Platinum.
Passive House:
• The Passive House Standard is a design approach focusing on insulation and
airtightness, aiming to create ultra-low energy buildings.
• Passive House is a design that focuses on achieving high energy performance
standards above the labeled levels.
ENERGY STAR:
• The ENERGY STAR certification program, led by the U.S. government and the EPA,
focuses on enhancing building energy efficiency.
• The ENERGY STAR designation is awarded to structures that outperform over 25%
of comparable structures nationally.

The selection of certification programs depends on factors like building type, location, and
project objectives. Many projects opt for multiple certifications to address sustainability
issues and meet local or international criteria, ensuring a diverse range of certifications.