What is a "green" building??

It is fashionable to go “green” these days. We have politicians, sport celebrities and pop stars getting excited about the “Save the Earth” movement.

In early July this year, star-studded Live Earth concerts kicked off in Sydney before moving to Tokyo, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Hamburg, London and Washington and then to New York and Rio de Janeiro where pop stars, politicians and Hollywood celebrities drummed home the dangers of global warming urge people to go green.. But why?

In the previous article, we have seen the effect of greenhouse gases that warm up the earth.

But what do you understand by a green building??
Is it this?



In its own way, buildings have a profound effect on the environment, which is why green building practices are so important to reduce and perhaps one day eliminate those impacts.

In the United States alone, buildings account for:
39% of total energy use
12% of total water consumption
68% of total electricity consumption
38% of total carbon dioxide emissions

Would green buildings be more expensive?
According to a study conducted in the United States, although the average premium for green buildings is about 2% more than conventional buildings, they are 28% more energy efficient. It is also noted that if green building features are incorporated during the earlier design stage, the cost will be much lower.

Why is Singapore into “green” building?
As Singapore is a city-state with limited natural resources, it is important for our buildings to be energy efficient. According to a report from National Climate Change Strategy, energy use in buildings made up 16% of Singapore’s energy demand in 2004. It is noted that air-conditioning forms a large part of energy consumption due to Singapore’s tropical climate.
Also, Singapore has limited water resources. It is important to encourage both domestic and non-domestic consumers to use water efficiently.
Singapore’s domestic per capita water consumption has reduced from 165 litres /day in 1999 to 160 litres /day in 2005. This is achieved partly through a series of community outreach programmes conducted by Public Utilities Board (PUB) such as:
• Water Efficient Homes Programme
• Water Efficient Buildings Programme
• Water conservation talks and exhibitions
• Installation of dual flush low capacity flushing cisterns in toilets
• Installation of thimbles/constant flow regulators at water fittings


Emphasis of “green” building
Green building often emphasizes the use of renewable resources, e.g., using sunlight through solar cells, and using plants and trees through green roofs, rain gardens, and for reduction of rainwater run-off.

Following are some articles from Straits Times that might be helpful to you.