Green Building for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Green buildings are becoming increasingly essential in the context of environmental sustainability and climate change. This paper examines the concept of green buildings and their contribution to sustainable development. It covers the principles of green building design, the materials used, and the energy efficiency practices that reduce the environmental impact. The paper also highlights the economic and social benefits of adopting green building strategies.

Introduction

1. Definition and Concept

Green buildings are structures designed, constructed, and operated to be resource-efficient, environmentally responsible, and economically viable. They align with sustainable development by minimizing environmental impact and enhancing occupant well-being.

2. Objectives of Study

• Understand green building concepts

• Evaluate their role in sustainable development

• Analyze their environmental, economic, and social benefits

3. Historical Background

• Pre-20th Century: Traditional practices using local materials and passive design (e.g., in Egypt, Greece, China)

• 1900s–1960s: Industrialization increased environmental damage; awareness began to rise

• 1970s: Environmental movements and energy crises sparked interest in energy-efficient design

• 1980s–1990s: Formalization of the green building movement (e.g., USGBC and LEED)

• 2000s–Present: Widespread global adoption, with innovations in solar, HVAC, and sustainable materials

4. Key Benefits of Green Buildings

A. Cost Savings

• Up to 30–50% energy and water bill reductions through:

  • Efficient HVAC, LED lighting, insulation, and smart systems

  • Low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling

B. Property Value

• Attracts premium tenants and buyers

• Corporate clients prefer sustainable buildings for ESG goals

• Higher resale and rental values

C. Health & Indoor Environment

• Better indoor air quality using low-VOC materials and air filtration

• Access to natural light boosts health, productivity, and mood

• Biophilic design (plants, nature views) enhances mental well-being

D. Environmental & Social Resilience

• Renewable energy and water conservation reduce external reliance

• Encourages affordable green housing and community engagement

• Supports urban climate resilience (heat, flooding, pollution)

E. Comfort & Aesthetic

• Thermal comfort, reduced noise, and aesthetically pleasing environments

• Connection to nature and cultural integration improve resident satisfaction

F. Community Engagement

• Promotes sustainability awareness and stronger community bonds

5. Environmental Impact of Buildings

A. Overview

Buildings account for:

• 40% global energy use

• 33% greenhouse gas emissions

• 40% raw material use

• 25% water use

• 40% solid waste

B. Environmental Concerns

• Operational Energy: HVAC (40–60%), lighting (15–20%)

• Embodied Carbon: Cement, steel, transport emissions

• Raw Material Depletion: Stone, wood, sand

• Water Overuse: Concrete and operations

• Waste Generation: 30–40% of global solid waste; low recycling rates

• Pollution: Airborne particulates, VOCs, runoff, noise

6. Solutions & Best Practices

A. Design Solutions

• Passive solar and daylighting for 30–40% energy savings

• Natural ventilation and high-performance building envelopes

B. Water Efficiency

• Low-flow systems, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling

• Native landscaping cuts irrigation needs by 60%

C. Material Innovations

• Recycled steel, mass timber, low-carbon concrete, bio-based materials

• Reduce embodied carbon and resource extraction

D. Waste Management

• Prefabrication, deconstruction, and optimized recycling

• Up to 90% waste reduction and 70% material recovery

E. Sustainable Construction

• Site erosion control, dust suppression, proper storage

• Efficient sorting and recycling during construction

Conclusion

Green buildings are essential for a sustainable future. They reduce environmental impact, improve human health, save costs, and foster community resilience. As technology advances and climate challenges intensify, green building practices are becoming a global imperative in construction and urban development.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Azad Joshi, Rajkiran Singh, Vishnu Kumar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.