By: Kamy Goldfarb
(2009-06-01)...
The current market in the construction industry is pushing towards building green and building with a conscious effort towards sustainable and better buildings. But what does this all mean? A commonly used definition of Green building is, "to incorporate principles, techniques, and materials that conserve natural resources and improve environmental quality throughout a buildings life cycle."
But to truly have building and construction take on the role of being environmentally sound, it needs to address all points from a holistic level. When looking at it from this perspective you can address it by "the Three E's."
Environment
Sustainability aims to protect the environment by minimizing the use of non renewable recourses, and using renewable resources at a rate they can be sustained.
Economy
Sustainability aims at developing an enconomy that is vital and dynamic and integrated with environmental goals.
Equity/Social benefit
Sustainability aims at ensuring equity and social benefit while achieving environmental and economic goals, all aspects of society are benefited and no aspect of society are harmed.
Education
The last E that should also be considered is education. If society does not buy into it or does not embrace these practices, it is usually due to a lack of knowledge or familiarity with them. Therefore, the more education that is provided, the more resourceful and knowledgeable people are regarding green practices.
