The Definition of Green Building

The definition of green building is that ‘Green building (also known as green construction or sustainable building) refers to a structure and using process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition’ (United States Environmental Protection Agency 2016).

In fact, residence would consume a large amounts of energy in every year. There are several standards which could be defined as green building: energy efficiency (e.g. thermal insulation, day lighting, renewable energy sources and so on), water saving percentage (e.g. water saving facilities), environmental conservation (e.g. sustainable building and green transport), interior architecture environment (e.g. noise and indoor pollution) and so on. 

There are several green building cases to show the features of this building. Firstly, some buildings have green roofs and plant walls which could reduce energy consumption and increase green area ratio. The figure shows the structure of green roofs. Secondly, zero energy building (ZEB) would produce energy by solar panel which could satisfy energy consumption of building themselves.  The ZEB also means zero energy emissions and zero cost. In addition, some green buildings have whole water cycling system that could reduce water consumption.

This article has presented definition, knowledge and case study of green building.

Reference:

United States Environmental Protection Agency 2016, ‘Green Building’, <https://archive.epa.gov/greenbuilding/web/html/>