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GREEN BUILDING

In it’s most simple definition, a green building is a structure that allows us to preserve the environment we live in while successfully serving the purpose of a regular building.

Given the pace at which we’re headed, we will very soon be losing a lot of important natural resources. In an effort to conserve these resources and to think about a sustainable future, it is crucial that we understand the significance of a green building.

The goal of a building that is environmentally sustainable is that it minimizes or rather eliminates the unfavorable impact that an existing building has on the environment and surrounding community with the use of green technology approaches.

WHAT PRACTICES DOES A GREEN BUILDING FOLLOW?

A green building makes use of sustainable building materials like recycled glass and steel, as well as renewable materials like bamboo and rubber. These materials are good for the environment because no energy is needed to create them; they already exist.

It generates minimal to no waste at all.

It includes the installation of energy efficient windows & doors and the construction of green roof systems (meaning growing plants on your roof) which has many benefits of its own.

Such buildings make use of natural light which helps cut back on the energy costs.

It makes use of renewable energy(also known as green energy) to power the building which includes geothermal, solar and wind technologies.

BENEFITS OF A GREEN BUILDING

Reduction of trash, pollution, and degradation of the environment. It reduces the negative environmental impact of these factors.

One of the most important benefits of such a building is that it protects the physical and mental health of the workers which in turn increases their productivity. A green building leads to healthy and happy workers.

It ensures the better indoor quality of structures.

Also reduces the cost of energy since they use renewable energy sources.

It minimizes the use of resources which indicates towards a better and more resourceful future.

DOES A GREEN BUILDING IMPLY MORE SPENDING OR MORE SAVING?

A majority of people have the perception that a green building costs much more than a regular building and it is not financially feasible to build one. Yes, the initial cost of constructing such a building is high because green materials are expensive. However, the mistake we make is that instead of looking at the long term benefit. We look at the cost we must bear at the moment.

A building which cares for the sustainability of the environment is a long term investment.

1) They are cheaper to maintain and operate.

2) They conserve energy thus indicating reduced energy costs.

3) In the long run, you enjoy reduced operating costs.

So, instead of looking at the cost of building elements we need to change our way of thinking. We need to focus on how a green building isn’t an expense, but an investment. We also need to consider the fact that its construction isn’t just beneficial for us but also for the environment.

GREEN BUILDING AND ITS IMPORTANCE

CONCLUSION

Hence, if we really want to preserve the world we live in. We must start by making a few green changes in our life. We must also try our best to spread awareness about the advantages of green buildings. It isn’t as hard and complicated as people think it is and it can be extremely beneficial not only for us but for our surrounding environment.

I recently bought a cervical pillow for my neck and touted to be the only genuine cervical pillow recommended by the Indian medical Association. The online description guaranteed the cloud like feel from the soft molded foam will cradle my head and would have me sleeping like baby. I was sold. Faithfully I entered a credit number and waited patiently for my new cloud like pillow. It finally arrived and the anticipation of putting my weary neck to rest was high. Once the much-awaited box was opened, a stench that is comparable to the odd smell of a city dump when the wind is blowing hit my nose faster then the speed of light.  My dreamlike fantasy came to a complete and pathetic halt. This wasn't going to deter me from my heavenly slumber. A little airing out was all that was needed. Seven days later, after airing the pillow and washing the pillowcase (twice) it went back to its maker. As it turned out, the pillow had serious off gassing. Off gassing usually refers to the tendency plastics and other solid synthetic compounds that release toxic gasses long after they're manufactured. The ironic thing was, the pillow was ordered from a website called Wisdom and Health.

The reason for this little tale is to share a movement in interior design industry that is gaining popularity among the general population and many multi million-dollar business. It's called Green Design, Sustainable Design or Environmentally-Sensitive Design. What ever you call it, it's a term for a growing industry trend within the fields of architecture, construction, and interior design. The broad philosophy of green design are fairly simple: choose energy efficiency wherever possible, work in harmony with the natural resources surrounding the project, and use materials that are sustainably grown or recycled rather than new or manufactured materials from non-renewable resources. LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design has set an industry standard for green building design. Through extensive seminars, education and a growing number of sustainable resources, interior designers have the opportunity to design and furnish homes with environmentally friendly products and materials that can actually have a healthy impact on clients and the planet.

Below are some guidelines to go by when considering your next home improvement project.

1 Make a more ecologically sound choice of wood from a supplier who can verify through a chain of custody that the original trees came from an ecologically sustainable forest managed under guidelines of the Forest Stewardship Council.

2 Specify "green" paint and other finishing materials that have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Specify paints and finishes that do not contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

3 Use rapidly renewable flooring products such as bamboo or linoleum to help reduce the amount of land and resources dedicated to producing construction materials.

4 Specify energy-efficient appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators with the EnergyStar(TM) rating.

5 Consider the recyclability of all materials used to redirect their "next life" away from landfills.

When people want to find solutions for the different living spaces in their homes, they often think of hiring a professional. Too many think the term interior decoration is synonymous with interior design. That is simply not the case. Interior design slowly evolved from interior decorations, but is a lot more complex. Interior decorators do not necessarily need to have a degree, but simply a certificate. Interior designers typically require a four year degree in interior design. Decorators deal with quick and easy renovations while designers often get into the building's structure and may need a good deal of understanding about architecture. Some are also registered architects.

There have been numerous shows on television that highlight this profession. Trading Spaces is a pretty popular show that showcases the essence of interior design. They not only change the paint or furniture, but they completely redo the entire room. Most get lighting fixtures changed and some even get some permanent changes built into the room itself. However, the home is not the only place for interior design. Some designers may specialize in the commercial realm with specialties in things like furniture design, healthcare design, or retail design. Even in the residential realm one can specialize in something particular such as kitchen design or bathroom design.

As mentioned before, professional designers typically require a five-year degree, but they must also meet qualifications and show competency in the profession. Some in the interior design field may wish to obtain special accreditation offered by private organizations. Certain organizations might even require special certification in other aspects of the profession. The earnings one can receive in this field can vary based on several things such as experience, reputation, and size of the employer. You might find a corporation which hires interior designers as full-time employees, or you might simply find work on a per-job basis.