ABSTRACT
In defining attributes of green building in the Least Developed Regions (LDRs), it is important to build on what is already present in traditional and colonial building. Traditional buildings were always, and still are, sustainable. The traditional building forms are adapted to the climate and have reflected the culture of their users for millennia. Colonial building also was adapted to climate by necessity, and the production of building materials for colonial building, while not indigenous, was instituted by the colonial authorities to supply the local colonial building market. Green building rating criteria for the developing country context must include and build on these traditions of sustainability. Examples of issues that are critically important to green building in the more developed countries but are not so crucial in the LDRs are indoor air quality and lowered energy use. Chronic unemployment and underemployment and the shortage of skilled labour are critical issues.
