Concerns about green building standards
A green building is considered to be one that is resource-efficient, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible and which reduces its direct and indirect impact on the environment throughout its life-cycle; meaning from the construction commencement, occupancy period and when it is demolished.
It is in public knowledge that buildings have extensive direct and indirect impacts on the environment at various stages of their life cycle. They use energy, water, raw materials, generate waste and release potentially harmful atmospheric green house gases that contribute to climate change during their construction, through occupancy, renovation and demolition. To mitigate these impacts of buildings on the natural environment; there has been creation of green building standards, certifications and rating systems globally and improvement of construction practices through sustainable or green designs. They are anchored on the environmental, social, economic and governance elements of sustainable development. More importantly, the increasing framing of environmental issues within the wider context of sustainability raises the question about whether existing standards are capable of being easily reconfigured to fulfill this desire.
Furthermore, demand for sustainable and green buildings is increasing as corporate are mainstreaming sustainability objectives in their corporate goals and strategies and as part of CSR. As such, Green” construction is transforming the way everyone designs, constructs and operates buildings; both the residential and commercial spheres. Equally; greening of the existing buildings and spaces is also an upcoming opportunity that has for a long time been neglected. As this gains momentum, standards will continue to play a leading role in achieving the goals of the industry, government, consumers and other stakeholders. Already, it is widely acknowledged that standards make a valuable contribution to the sustainable built environment as standards along with other efforts are part of the foundation for the future of this growing industry. In tandem with the global demand, more and more standards, environmental assessment tools, green building rating, and certification programs have continued to be developed in order to guide and deliver on sustainable and high-performance buildings that satisfy the objectives of all stakeholders.
Factors to consider in choosing green building certification programs/tools
The standards vary in approach where some outline the prerequisites and optional credits, others take a prescriptive approach, and still others suggest performance-based requirements that can be met in different ways for different products and project types. As such, it can be challenging and time consuming to determine which standards, certifications, and rating programs are most credible and applicable to a particular project. To guide the stakeholders, the choice depends on several factors such as i) uniqueness of each project and the project needs, size, budget, and overall project goals; ii) The building, whether new or existing; low, mid or high-rise; iii) project location/area; whether there are local programs that have strong market recognition and also local requirements and available incentives; iv) certification costs connected to field inspections and fees to certifying organizations, v) team’s experience and ease of use; whether the licensed certifiers have certified several projects through one particular program, it may make sense to stick with what they already know well and vi) building performance will help determine which building rating system is applicable and which certification level is possible. It is important to consult with the sustainability consultant or green rater or verifier to determine the best program to fit the project, then working with the entire team to design and specify the project for the highest performance.
Why are green buildings important to sustainable development?
Participation is crucial if the long term benefits of green building standards are to be achieved. It is also evident that green buildings are critical and very relevant to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Environmentally, green buildings contributes to conservation of the natural resources by enhancing the value of ecosystem goods and services and protection of biodiversity while improving air and water quality overall. Also, green buildings reduce the operating costs of the built up spaces through the resources use efficiency and this contributes the asset value enhancement asset value and thus profits. The serenity created improves employee productivity and satisfaction, which consequently results to a good business case and hence, optimizing life-cycle economic performance. From a social perspective; green building standards promotes enhanced occupancy comfort, health and community benefits through the improved air, thermal, and acoustic elements of the buildings/spaces, minimizing strain on local infrastructure and contributing to overall quality of life.
Thus, no one should be left behind in this drive for positive change in promoting sustainable development through green building standards.
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