Mumbai University > First year Engineering > Sem 1 > Environmental Studies

Marks: 5 M

Year: May 2014, May 2013, Dec 2012

Green building (also known as green construction or sustainable building) refers to both a structure and the using of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from sitting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition In other words, green building design involves finding the balance between homebuilding and the sustainable environment.

Objectives of green buildings are-

1) To develop buildings which use the natural resources to the minimal at the time of construction as well as operation. Green buildings emphasize on the resource usage efficiency and also press upon the three R's - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

2) maximizes the use of efficient construction materials and practices; boosts the use of natural sources and sinks in the building's surroundings; minimizes the energy usage to run itself; uses highly proficient equipment for the indoor area; uses highly proficient methods for water and waste management. The indoor equipment includes lighting, air-conditioning and all other needed equipment.

3) To ensure minimum negative impact on the environment by the construction and operation of a building, the factors which are to be kept in mind are - to preserve the external environment to the building location; to improve the internal area for the residents of the building; and also preserve the areas which are not close to the building.

4) Saving Energy:- Energy saving through green building concept occurs in two ways. First is reduction in the amount of energy that is consumed in lighting, air conditioning and other building operations. Second is the usage of energy sources which do not produce any greenhouse gases and are renewable in nature. Green Buildings emphasize more on natural lighting and concepts of temperature control and efficient design to further reduce the carbon footprint as well as reduce cost of operation.

5) Saving water:- Green Buildings use various methods to reduce water usage, treat and reuse waste water and filter water from sourced from precipitation. The target is to be able to achieve zero water table negative impact from the green building.

6) Reducing Waste:- Waste reduction is one of the most important issues that are to be dealt with. In the US alone, the waste from construction and demolition of buildings accounts for sixty percent of the total non-industrial waste. Green Building concept emphasizes on improving the design of the product, re-using and recycling materials. It results in tremendous waste reduction and also helps to reduce the environmental impact of the building.

7) Improving Health and Productivity:- Hygiene and proper conditions inside the building also help in boosting human productivity. Hence various businesses concentrate on this aspect. Green Building concept provides for cleanliness and sound working conditions for employees and other inhabitants.