Importance of Green Buildings

Abstract

Energy, built environment and thermal comforts are closely inter-related. The
unprecedented growth in building sector due to growth in population and enhanced
thermal comfort standards leads to more primary energy consumption and
consequently increases the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the environment.
The construction industry in India is one of the largest economic activities and is
growing at an average rate of 9.5% as compared to the global average of 5%.
Buildings are the major consumer of energy in their construction, operation and
maintenance. In India building sector accounts 30-40% of total primary energy
consumption and more than 30% of electricity. While the growth is imminent, it is
imperative that the developments need to happen in an environmentally sustainable
manner. In this context, energy efficient building, climate-responsive building or
green buildings designs have great impacts on conservation of natural resources,
energy efficiency, better waste management, water use efficiency and reductions in
GHG emissions. In this article, the various measures taken worldwide to reduce the
energy consumption and carbon footprint of the buildings through green building
approach are discussed. The present state of the green building initiatives, green
building rating and certification procedures in India are also discussed.

With the increase in environmental legislation, during the last three decades,
awareness concerning Green Buildings and Sustainable Construction is growing
around the globe. Green or sustainable building is the practice of creating healthier
and more resource efficient models of construction, renovation, operation,
maintenance, and demolition. The objective of the study is to emphasize green
buildings and sustainable construction.  Findings from the study indicate that the
practice of green building can lead to benefits such as reduced operating costs by
increasing productivity and using less energy and water; improved public and
occupant health due to improved indoor air quality; and reduced environmental
impacts. It has also been observed that green buildings avoid using toxic PVC
plastics and products that produce greenhouse gasses thereby helping to stabilize
the earth’s climate.  

Keywords: Thermal Comfort, Energy efficiency, Sustainable habitat, green

building