CERTIFICATION AND RATING SYSTEMS OF GREEN BUILDINGS

Abstract

Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency of buildings and their use of energy, water, and materials, and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment, through better sitting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal — taking into account every aspect of the complete building life cycle. Green Building also refers to Design and construction practices that significantly reduce, or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and its occupants with regard to site planning; safeguarding water use and water use efficiency; promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy; conserving materials and resources; and promoting indoor environmental quality (US Green Building Council).Green building is “a holistic approach to design, construction, and demolition that minimizes the building’s impact on the environment, the occupants, and the community” (California Building Standards Commission). Now, more than ever, the need for industry’s best practices remains critical to the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) related issues of the Green Market. To date, more than 300 investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, and cooperatives have either implemented or announced plans to offer a green pricing option for a wide-ranging eco-friendly Green products, including Green Building.“Green” or “Sustainable” buildings are characterized by: efficient management of energy and water resources; management of material resources and waste; restoration and protection of environmental quality; enhancement and protection of health and indoor environmental quality; reinforcement of natural systems; analysis of the life cycle costs and benefits of materials and methods; integration of the design decision-making process.