|
|
The descriptions ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’ in relation to buildings, building systems and building products are often used interchangeably. However, at LEEDership we are very clear as to the subtle distinctions between the two, and the extent to which they relate to the different aspects of building performance.
Green Buildings
Buildings, individually or collectively, have environmental, economic,
and social impacts that occur at all life-cycle stages in multiple ways
and on local, regional, and global scales. According to ISO [1]
sustainable construction brings about the required building
performance, i.e. the ability of a building to fulfil required
functions under intended use conditions or behaviour when in use, with
the least unfavourable environmental impact, while encouraging
economic, social and cultural improvement at a local, regional and
global level
ASTM[2] characterises a green building as, “a building that provides the specified building performance requirements while minimizing disturbance to and improving the functioning of local, regional, and global ecosystems both during and after its construction and specified service life”. This focuses on the environmental dimension of sustainability, but ASTM also clarifies that, “a green building optimises efficiencies in resource management and operational performance; and, minimizes risks to human health and the environment”. Conceptually, the definition can be presented as a life cycle ‘eco-efficiency’ ratio[3]:
The notion emphasises that a building shall satisfy its specified performance in order to be ‘green’, provides a focus for improving the eco-efficiency of buildings, and by emphasising performance requirements and impact on human health, also embraces economic and social dimensions of sustainability. Healthy and comfortable buildings with good amenities contribute to the quality of life, reducing morbidity and mortality, particularly for city dwellers that spend an average of 80-90% of their time indoors.
[1] ISO/TS 21929-1. Sustainability in building construction — Sustainability indicators — Part 1: Framework for the development of indicators for buildings. 2006
[2] ASTM International. E 2432-05. Standard Guide for General Principles of Sustainability Relative to Buildings. 2005
[3] Burnett J. Sustainability and Sustainable Buildings. Trans. Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers Transactions, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp1-9, 2007
|
|
