WHAT IS GREEN BUILDING?

A green building is a building which is energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible- which incorporates design, construction and operational practices that significantly reduce or eliminate its negative impact on the environment and its occupants. Building green is an opportunity to use resources efficiently and address climate change while creating healthier and more productive environments for people to live and work in.

On a practical level, this encompasses the use of design, materials and technology to reduce energy and resource consumption and create improved human and natural environments. Specific green building measures include careful building design to reduce heat loads, maximise natural light and promote the circulation of fresh air; the use of energy-efficient air-conditioning and lighting; the use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials; the reduction of waste, and the use of recycled materials; water-efficient plumbing fittings and water harvesting; the use of renewable energy sources; and sensitivity with regard to the impact of the development on the environment.

Green buildings can reduce their consumption of energy to less than half of what a conventional building does, with similar reductions in potable water usage, runoff to sewer and solid waste.  By promoting green building, the Green Building Council of South Africa can have a really significant impact on resource consumption and on combating global warming.