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“A sustainable building, or green building is an outcome of a design philosophy which focuses on increasing the efficiency of resource use – energy, water, and materials – while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building’s lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal.” [1] .
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The ‘built environment’ accounts for a large percentage of land use, energy and water consumption as well as atmospheric alterations. In the US alone, buildings account for
- 72% of electricity consumption [2]
- 39% of energy use [2]
- 38% of all carbon dioxide emissions [3]
- 40% of raw materials use [4]
- 14% of potable water consumption [5]
Based on the data quoted above, there is an obvious and pressing need for ‘energy-smart’ buildings. Many countries have developed national standards for energy efficient buildings as well as building environmental assessment tools (as seen on the left). Such assessment tools cover areas such as energy efficiency and atmosphere, water efficiency, efficient use of materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovations in green design, etc. Conformance to such standards and assessment tools has resulted in several benefits, which include
- Reduction in water and energy bills
- Improved air and water quality
- Conservation of natural resources
- Reduced operating costs
- Enhanced asset value and profits
- Enhanced occupant’s comfort and health
Although the advantages are aplenty, there has been a lot of resistance towards a sustainable built environment. This is due to misconceptions associated with the costs involved in designing, constructing, operating and maintaining an environmentally sustainable building. A survey conducted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development concluded that green costs are estimated by over 300 percent of the actual cost. [6] Another study conducted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has reported the average savings in green buildings to be – 30% (energy), 35% (carbon), 30-50% (water) and 50-90% (waste cost). Thus, it can be concluded that although the initial capital pumped into a ‘green’ project is higher, the return of investment (ROI) is guaranteed.
In keeping with the ‘sustainable-buildings’ trend, Singapore has introduced several schemes and intiatives. The Building Construction Authority (BCA) launched the BCA Green Mark Scheme in January 2005, which is intended to improve sustainability of the built environment and generate awareness among property developers, building designers and builders. The BCA had also introduced the Green Mark Champion Award in 2008 which is categorised into Green Mark Certified, Green Mark Gold, Green Mark Gold Plus and Green Mark Platinum based on commitment demonstrated by developers towards corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Buildings that have already achieved the Green Mark Platinum award in Singapore include City Square Mall, Ocean Financial Center and 313@ Somerset.
For more information on green buildings and BCA Green Mark criteria, please refer to: http://www.bca.gov.sg/GreenMark/green_mark_buildings.html.
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By Sruti Balakrishnalal
Senior Consultant (PSB Academy)
References
[1] Frej, Anne B., Green Office Buildings: A Practical Guide to Development. Washington, D.C.: ULI—The Urban Land Institute, 2005. Pp 4-8
[2] Environmental Information Administration . EIA Annual Energy Outlook, 2008
[3] Energy Information Administration. Assumptions to the Annual Energy Outlook, 2008
[4] Lenssen and Roodman, Worldwatch Paper 124: A Building Revolution: How Ecology and Health Concerns are Transforming Construction. Worldwatch Institute, 1995.
[5] U.S. Geological Survey, 2000
[6] World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Business Realities and Opportunities, 2007 |
