Green Building

   by Dr. Jennifer Languell

            The phrase green building is used as both a noun and a verb.
As a noun, green building represents a physical structure that exists
as a result of an environmentally friendly design and construction process. As a verb, green building represents the process, the actions taken through design, horizontal development, and vertical construction that ultimately result in a more sustainably built environment.

            The phrases “green building,” “sustainable development,” “sustainability,” and “high performance green buildings” all are catch phrases that describe the practice of developing and building with a responsibility to the environment and the community. Green buildings do not have to look different and cost more; in fact, they often cost less to construct than conventional buildings because resource-efficient strategies allow the downsizing of costly mechanical, electrical, and structural systems. The key with successful green buildings is an integrated design process: a systems approach to the design, construction, and future build operations.

            Green building is not just of interest to home developers; it is of great interest to home buyers as well because a green home is cost effective to maintain. Now, more than ever, buyers are researching homes and communities on the Internet before they visit them to find out if they offer green features. The idea of living in an environmentally friendly home is appealing on many levels, and buyers know that ultimately, a green house will save them money.

            There are six key concepts of building green that builders, developers, and other interested parties should keep in mind.

Energy Efficiency
   Building envelope
   Mechanical equipment
   Appliances & lighting

Passive Design
   Cross ventilation
   Overhangs & porches
   Solar lighting
   Orientation

Construction Process
   Recycle construction waste
   Minimize runoff

Indoor Environmental Quality
   Air
   Lighting
   Thermal comfort
   Moisture control

Site & Landscape
   Native landscape
   Protect vegetation & create habitat
   Provide erosion & sedimentation control
   Reduce pesticides use & water consumption

Materials
   Durable – with low-maintenance requirements
   Environmentally friendly – recycles, renewable, sustainable
   Contains no or low-VOC (volatile organic compounds)


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Reprinted with permission from 
Florida Green Building Magazine
Published by  The Florida Green
Green Building Coalition. For 
More information visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org