How will green architecture impact construction

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by: Elise.Fendmeyer
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What is Green Architecture? It is the concept of designing buildings with a view of reducing negative impact of construction on environment and the people. Green architecture includes conservation and efficient use of natural resources as also the use of indigenous and recycled material to optimizing the finances. It is literally an approach to get Much More with Much Less. Did you ever wonder why those mud-caked, thatched roofed old houses remained so cool during summers? The answer lies in the advantageous use of local produce and the environment by the indigenous people in building those houses. Modern Green Architecture aims at identifying such indigenous practices and incorporating them into contemporary architectural designs. Optimal use of sunlight and natural wind flow pattern are an integral part of Green Architecture. The structural designs aim to incorporate appliances and electrical devices, which are energy efficient such as fluorescent lights and solar heaters. Structural designs incorporate concepts such as on site energy generation of wind, biomass and water.
A holistic Green designed building looks at all aspects of living like a self-sustaining ecosystem. For example, wastewater can be recycled to water the garden and organic waste generated by the occupants can be converted into manure in compost pits, which can be used for the garden. Green Architecture aims to reduce the use of synthetic materials. Toxic fumes generated by aging synthetic paints are a health hazard. Some synthetic building insulation material contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which has affected the health of countless citizens. Green Architecture aims at reducing the use of all such material so that people can live in healthier environment. Green initiatives require concerted national and international effort.
A US effort in setting standards for design and construction practices which have least negative impact on environment and people is exemplified by the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED). As per the LEED standard factors such as sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources and indoor environmental quality are given different weighted points. The weighted points are then graded as Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The highest certification level offered by LEED is Platinum. Canada, India and Israel have adapted the US LEED model for some of their Green Architecture projects. Other countries too have adopted their own versions of Green Architecural practices. These include Australia, France, Germany, Japan , Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand and UK to name a few.
Intensive effort is required by the building industry to address the serious environmental conditions facing the world. That difference can be made by adopting Green Architecture as the standard for the future of construction.

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More related to green design, visit AIA.org.

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