Green Building

540The process of designing, constructing, and inhabiting the buildings has a profound influence on a community’s economy, environment, and quality of life. Building contributes almost 40% of CO₂ emissions and is a major contributor to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It is therefore necessary to harmonize the relationships between the buildings, the environment, and the inhabiting communities through sustainable or green buildings. This chapter discusses history and concepts of green buildings, impacts of buildings on the environment with embodied energy, and CO₂ emission from common construction materials. Major focus is given on green or sustainable design practices for buildings. It is proposed that both architectural and structural designers should first analyze the building scenario based on available “green” design strategies and then collate their outcomes with various design dimensions, with the help of Building Information Modeling, to finally decide on a building-specific model. The practice of green building is growing around the world. A number of examples of green buildings from both developed and developing countries, with their key features, are discussed. The rating criteria for assessing the green buildings, along with certified body to assess the energy performance, are discussed in details. It is observed that green buildings offer a wide range of benefits, including reduced use of materials and energy, as well as low carbon dioxide emission. On the other hand, main barriers seem to be the initial increased investment. It is expected that the readers will gain valuable knowledge on green building, involving architectural, structural, and passive designs for reduction of energy use and waste, leading to an affordable life in the future.