The Concept of Green Architecture, also known as “sustainable architecture” or “green building,” is the theory, science, and style of buildings that are designed and constructed in accordance with environmentally friendly principles. Green architecture strives to minimize the number of resources used in the construction of a building. Its aim is to curtail the harm done to the environment through control of emissions, pollution, and waste consumed during the building process.
In order to design, construct, operate, and maintain buildings, energy, water, and new materials are used and this produces large amounts of waste. This waste can cause negative effects on health as well as the environment. In order to minimize these effects “green building systems” are used. The “green” architect or designer attempts to safeguard the air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices. Using this approach minimizes harmful effects on human health and the environment.
The green building design process begins with an intimate understanding of the site in all its complexities. Using an ecological approach to design aims to integrate the systems being introduced with the existing ecological functions performed by Mother Nature. Designers create features in their buildings that mimic the functions of a particular ecosystem.
The five major elements of the green building design are:
- Sustainable Site Design
- Water Conservation and Quality
- Energy and Environment
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Conservation of Materials and Resources.
Green building is not a simple development trend; it is an approach to building suited to the demands of its time, whose relevance and importance will only continue to increase. A well-designed passive solar home is highly energy efficient. Increased sunlight from south-facing windows will make the home more pleasant in the winter and more cheerful in the summer. If addressed early in the design stage, passive solar construction doesn’t have to cost more than conventional construction, and it can save money on fuel bills. Passive solar homes can significantly cut the use of heating fuel and electricity used for lighting. These homes can have a conventional appearance on the outside while the passive solar features add to their comfort on the inside.
To encapsulate, “green building systems” must be introduced, clarified, understood, and practiced. The “green” architect is attempting to safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices. Just because a building looks beautiful and is constructed from expensive materials, it is not necessarily “green.” Likewise, a building can be very “green” but visually unappealing. Moving forward, we must strike a balance when designing in order to minimize the damage to the environment. Every structure we create has an effect on our ecosystem. Hopefully, we will make wise decisions when designing. The earth will thank us!