What is Green in ‘Green Buildings’?

‘Going Green’ as the name suggests means being one with nature and a part of the natural habitat and surroundings. The ideal green building is a project that allows one to preserve most of the natural environment around the project site, while still being able to produce a built space that can serve its purpose. The construction and operation of the building should promote a healthy environment and not disrupt the land, water, resources and energy in and around the building.

Green buildings are designed in such a way to reduce overall impact on environment and human health by:

1. Reducing trash, pollution and degradation of environment by using environmental friendly building materials.
2. Efficiently using energy, water and other resources.
3. Protecting occupant health and improving productivity.

The economic benefits include reduction of operating costs while the social benefits include improving the quality of life and minimising strain on the local infrastructure. The ultimate goal of a ‘Green Building’is to help to sustain the environment without disturbing the natural habitat around it. Even the smallest change that one can make will help to make a better planet and help to maintain the overall ecological balance of the Earth in a small way.