Concerns about Green Building Standards
A green building is one that is resource-efficient, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible, minimizing its impact on the environment throughout its life cycle—from construction to occupancy, renovation, and demolition.
It is well known that buildings have significant direct and indirect impacts on the environment at various stages of their life cycle. They consume energy, water, and raw materials, generate waste, and release greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. To mitigate these impacts, green building standards, certifications, and rating systems have been developed globally, promoting sustainable construction practices.
Green building standards are anchored on the environmental, social, economic, and governance elements of sustainable development. As environmental issues are increasingly framed within the context of sustainability, there is a growing demand to evaluate whether existing standards can be adapted to meet these broader goals.
Demand for sustainable and green buildings is rising as corporations integrate sustainability into their objectives and strategies. Green construction is transforming the design, construction, and operation of both residential and commercial buildings. The greening of existing buildings and spaces presents a significant opportunity that has long been overlooked. As this trend gains momentum, standards will play a critical role in achieving the goals of the industry, government, consumers, and other stakeholders. Standards, along with other efforts, are foundational for the future of this growing industry, guiding the delivery of sustainable, high-performance buildings that meet stakeholder objectives.
Factors to Consider in Choosing Green Building Certification Programs/Tools
Green building standards vary in approach, with some outlining prerequisites and optional credits, others taking a prescriptive approach, and some suggesting performance-based requirements. Choosing the most credible and applicable standards, certifications, and rating programs for a particular project can be challenging. Key factors to consider include:
- Project Uniqueness: The specific needs, size, budget, and overall goals of the project.
- Building Type: Whether the building is new or existing, and its height (low, mid, or high-rise).
- Location: Availability of local programs with strong market recognition, local requirements, and available incentives.
- Certification Costs: Costs associated with field inspections and fees to certifying organizations.
- Team Experience and Ease of Use: The familiarity of the team with certain certification programs.
- Building Performance: Determining which building rating system is applicable and which certification level is achievable.
Consulting with a sustainability consultant or green rater is crucial to determine the best program for the project. The entire team should work together to design and specify the project for the highest performance.
Why Green Buildings Are Important to Sustainable Development
Participation is crucial for achieving the long-term benefits of green building standards. Green buildings are critical to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Environmental Benefits: Green buildings conserve natural resources, enhance the value of ecosystem goods and services, protect biodiversity, and improve air and water quality.
- Economic Benefits: Green buildings reduce operating costs through resource efficiency, enhance asset value, and improve employee productivity and satisfaction, optimizing life-cycle economic performance.
- Social Benefits: Green building standards enhance occupancy comfort, health, and community benefits by improving air, thermal, and acoustic quality, reducing strain on local infrastructure, and contributing to overall quality of life.
No one should be left behind in promoting sustainable development through green building standards. Join us in driving positive change for a sustainable future.