The world is moving towards a more sustainable future, and many countries are acting. Green building and renewable energy are two important aspects of sustainability, and both are seeing impressive growth worldwide.
Here, we will define “green building” and list the design principles associated with it, as well as outline its benefits. We will also provide information about renewable energy sources, explore how they can be used to counteract climate change, and learn which countries are leading the way. Here’s what you need to know:
Defining Green Building
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), green building is “the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction.”
While historically, building practices focused more on things like utility and comfort, green building includes environmental factors on the list of considerations. This includes factors such as water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality improvement, and waste reduction.
Guiding Principles of Green Building
There are several guiding principles associated with green building. One is that buildings should be designed to reduce the overall amount of energy used. This can be accomplished through a variety of strategies. For example, passive solar design takes advantage of natural sunlight to heat a space. Using daylighting techniques maximizes the use of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Another principle is that buildings should be designed to minimize water use. This means using water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads. It may also involve rainwater harvesting, which is another way of saying collecting rainwater to use for irrigation or other purposes.
Green building also considers the impact of the materials used during the construction process. Using recycled materials or sustainably grown wood helps to reduce the overall environmental footprint of a building project. Using energy efficient windows and insulation will decrease energy costs and waste in the long run.
Finally, green buildings are designed with occupant health and comfort in mind. This means prioritizing features such as good indoor air quality, acoustical comfort, and thermal comfort.
Green Building around the World
China is home to the world’s largest number of LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects outside the US, with over 1,077 certified projects in 2021. This includes both commercial and residential buildings. And the nation isn’t stopping there—it plans to achieve independence from fossil fuels by 2060.
India has been working hard to promote green building practices, as well. In fact, as of 2021 the country has the third-largest number of LEED-certified projects. That’s a 10 percent increase over the previous year, marking a big leap forward for Indian architecture and construction.
The United Arab Emirates also has an impressive number of LEED-certified projects, with 73 developments in 2021. The country’s government has made a commitment to develop a structured plan to achieve net-zero carbon buildings for all new construction by 2050.
The US is also working towards increasing its number of green buildings. Overall, the majority of LEED-certified buildings worldwide are in this country. In fact, as of 2021, the US boasted over 280 million square feet of LEED-certified construction.
All about Using Renewable Energy
In addition to green building practices, another important way to reduce our impact on the environment is to use renewable energy sources. But what exactly is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural sources that are constantly replenished, such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. Using renewable energy helps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
There are many reasons using renewable energy is beneficial. For one, it helps to protect the environment by reducing pollution. It also creates jobs in the renewable energy sector. Renewable energy can also help improve public health by reducing the harmful emissions that come from burning fossil fuels.
Countries at the Forefront of Renewable Energy
Many countries are working towards increasing their use of renewable energy. China is the world’s leading producer of renewable energy, with over 1,000 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity as of 2021. Other countries leading the transition to renewable energy include Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, and Germany.
Why Is the US Behind?
Despite being a leader in many areas, the United States is not at the forefront of the implementation of renewable energy. The US has historically been reliant on fossil fuels, which are inexpensive and easy to obtain. Another reason is that there has been little government support for renewable energy projects in the past. However, this is beginning to change as more people recognize the importance of using renewable energy.
Bill Starkey 