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Green Architecture is a concept of designing buildings in a manner that reduces the adverse effect of construction on the people and the environment. Green architecture includes conservation and efficient use of natural resources as also the use of indigenous and recycled material to optimizing the finances. Very simply put, it is the optimum way to get a Better Bang for the Buck. The question that begs answering is: how do those old fashioned thatched roof houses remain cool in the summer? Well, the indigenous people used their environment and the local produce to their advantage. Contemporary Green Architecture aims to identify those indigenous practices and use them to build modern homes. Green Architecture makes favorable use of natural sunlight and wind flow patterns. The structural designs aim to incorporate appliances and electrical devices, which are energy efficient such as fluorescent lights and solar heaters. Structural designs incorporate concepts such as on site energy generation of wind, biomass and water.
A self-sustaining ecosystem, is the model, which a holistic Green Architectural design aims to replicate. For example, wastewater can be recycled to water the garden and organic waste generated by the occupants can be converted into manure in compost pits, which can be used for the garden. Green Architecture aims to reduce the use of synthetic materials. Toxic fumes generated by aging synthetic paints are a health hazard. Some synthetic building insulation material contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which has affected the health of countless citizens. Green Architecture aims at reducing the use of all such material so that people can live in healthier environment. All this requires concerted effort and planned initiatives at national or international levels.
The Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) is a US initiative that sets standards for design and construction practices more in tune with nature having the least negative effect on the surrounding environment and the people. As per the LEED standard factors such as sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources and indoor environmental quality are given different weighted points. Based on the weights, certification points are calculated which are graded as Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Platinum is the most environment friendly and healthy LEED certification. Canada, India and Israel have adapted the US LEED model for some of their Green Architecture projects. Other countries use their own standards for Green Architecture. Some of the countries adopting own standards for Green Architecture are Australia, France, Germany, Japan , Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand and UK.
Intensive effort is required by the building industry to address the serious environmental conditions facing the world. Such an effort can be initiated through Green Architecture as the standard approach for all construction.