According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort. Green building is also known as a sustainable or high performance building."
The concept of green building concentrates mainly on two points:
- Increasing the efficiency with which buildings use energy, water and materials
- Reducing building impacts of human health and the environment, through better site selection, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal throughout the complete life cycle.
Green building construction avails us many environmental, economic and social benefits.
Green buildings are designed in such a way that reduces overall impact on environment and human health by:
1. Reducing trash, pollution and degradation of environment.
2. Efficiently using energy, water and other resources.
3. Protecting occupant health and improving productivity.
Some people feel that they just can't go green because it will cost them more money, but that is a misconception. While it may cost you a bit more to get started when you are going green, because green materials and products can be more costly, you really have to consider the type of savings that you will be able to reap. You will be able to save on energy costs, because going green also means conserving energy. You should really look at the green building as more of an investment than anything else. An investment that will save your money, as well as an investment that will be able to help the environment. It is a win-win situation for everyone.
With new technologies constantly being developed to complement current practices in creating greener structures