What exactly deems a property a green building?
The word 'green' or 'sustainable' has no clear definition in most contexts let alone in the construction industry. Outside of complex certification criteria set by bodies such as LEED internationally or the Green Building Council in India, there is no shared understanding of what makes a building green.
I wanted to try and come up with an answer to this question based on the environmental problems a construction project causes. A green building would work towards minimising or reducing its impact in each of these aspects:
Natural Resource depletion: a green building would use locally sourced and recycled materials, reducing the depletion of natural resources. It would also be more efficient in its use of water and energy.
Energy consumption: incorporate renewable energy sources, install monitoring systems to optimise energy usage and meet stringent efficiency standards.
Air pollution: control construction pollution through measures like erosion control, dust suppression, and proper waste management. Use of low-emitting materials to improve indoor air quality.
Water pollution:implement rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment systems to reduce freshwater demand and prevent pollution. Encourage sustainable landscaping practices and efficient irrigation systems to minimize water runoff and soil erosion.
Solid waste generation: minimize waste generation and promote recycling and reuse.
Land disturbance: select sites that that minimise disturbance to natural habitats and topography. It would also promote preservation of existing vegetation and restoration of disturbed areas.
Resource inefficiency: at the initial design stage a green building would conduct an assessment and design the plan along with the architects, engineers that focuses on maximising efficiency. This would include cooling, heating, water use, waste management so that the building and those dwelling in it have as small an effect on their environment as possible.