Green Building and Sustainable Development: An Introduction
Summary:
This document from the US EPA outlines the principles and practices of green building, emphasizing its environmental, economic, and public health benefits throughout a building's entire life cycle. It highlights the increasing adoption of green building standards and certification systems and underscores the importance of location, renovation ("adaptive reuse"), and resilience to natural disasters in sustainable building practices. The document also provides links to various EPA and partner resources to assist communities and individuals in pursuing green building goals.
Key Themes and Ideas:
Definition of Green Building: Green building is defined as "the practice of creating structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life cycle." This life cycle encompasses siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction.
Benefits of Green Building: The document emphasizes the multi-faceted benefits of green building, including:
Environmental: More efficient use of energy, water, and resources; reduced waste; minimized pollution and environmental degradation.
Economic: Cost savings on utility bills (through energy efficiency)
Public Health: Improved indoor air quality, increased natural lighting, and protection of occupant health.
Mainstreaming of Green Building: The EPA highlights the increasing adoption of green building practices and standards: "More recently, green building has become mainstream in the building sector as an approach to conserve resources with energy efficient and environmentally friendly building practices."
Importance of Standards and Certification: The document notes that architects and the construction industry often rely on standards and certification systems like ENERGY STAR, LEED, and Passive House to guide green building development. These systems provide criteria and guidance on various aspects, such as:
Siting buildings in well-connected locations
Using low-carbon and efficient construction materials
Improving indoor air quality
Using renewable energy
Role of Location: Location is identified as a "crucial component of green building practice." Smart growth strategies, such as compact building and mixed-use development, are promoted to reduce development impacts and enhance community health and economy through efficient resource use.
Renovation and Adaptive Reuse: The document recognizes renovation of existing buildings as a sustainable alternative to new construction, stating that "Renovating existing buildings can also provide a sustainable alternative to site redevelopment, and is an important approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste in the building sector." "Adaptive reuse" is highlighted as a way to preserve historical and social fabric while creating new opportunities for building use.
Resilience to Natural Disasters: Consideration of risk from natural disasters is identified as an important component of green building. Siting buildings in areas with low risk of flood or wildfire is emphasized. Passive survivability techniques, such as enhanced insulation and operable windows, are also mentioned for maintaining safe temperatures during power outages.
Tools and Resources: The EPA provides a list of tools and resources to support communities with green building goals, including:
Smart Growth and Preservation of Existing and Historic Buildings
Smart Location Mapping
ENERGYSTAR and WaterSense
Smart Growth Guidelines for Sustainable Design and Development
Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit for Local Governments
Green Building Tools for Tribes
Adaptive Reuse Case Studies
Key Quotes:
"Green building is the practice of creating structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life cycle."
"More recently, green building has become mainstream in the building sector as an approach to conserve resources with energy efficient and environmentally friendly building practices."
"Location is a crucial component of green building practice."
"Renovating existing buildings can also provide a sustainable alternative to site redevelopment, and is an important approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste in the building sector."
Implications:
This document underscores the EPA's commitment to promoting green building practices as a means to achieve environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and improved public health. It suggests a holistic approach to building design and construction, considering the entire life cycle of a building and its impact on the surrounding environment and community. The resources provided by the EPA offer valuable support for individuals, communities, and governments seeking to adopt green building practices.
