ZARCILLA, CARLEN M.

UP-FC1-BSAR4-02
ARC 029

GREEN BUILDING DESIGN

Green and sustainable are sometimes being used interchangeably but when comparing green vs.
sustainable, it is vital to know that these terms do not mean the same thing. Sustainable building takes
into consideration social, environmental, performance, and financial implications. Green, on the other
hand, is a concept that is solely focused on the environment, and refers to the individual practices and
processes that make up the incremental steps toward environmental sustainability.

The design, construction, operation , maintenance of buildings normally requires enormous amounts
of energy, water and raw materials; generating large quantities of waste causing air and water
pollution; whereas green buildings is the only answer through creating healthier and more resource
efficient models of construction, renovation , operation and maintenance.

Green buildings may include any of the following features: Solar or another form of renewable
energy, healthy indoor air quality, efficient energy and water resources, adaptable design to changing
environment, utilization of green roofs and rain gardens, use of non-toxic, sustainable, low-impact,
and ethical materials, reduction of waste and pollution, recycling and re-use abilities, design and
construction that considers the quality of life of occupants and consideration of environments needs in
design, construction, and operation.

Building a green building is not just a matter of assembling a collection of the latest green
technologies or materials. Rather, it is a process in which every element of the design is first
optimized and then the impact and interrelationship of various different elements and systems within
the building and site are re-evaluated, integrated, and optimized as part of a whole building solution.