Clients often ask us "what's the difference between green and sustainable buildings? Aren't they the same thing?" The short answer is yes... and no. In practice, green buildings aim to minimize their carbon footprint. Green buildings are energy efficient; use renewable energy such as photovoltaic systems; strive to maintain a healthy indoor environment by using natural ventilation systems and construction materials that minimize the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Water is a scarce resource and the efficient use of water by appliances, faucets, and shower heads; the recycling of greywater; and the reuse of rainwater for landscaping and other non-potable purposes are all important characteristics of green buildings. The selection and use of building materials that have minimal impact on the environment is another important characteristic of green buildings. To many people, this may translate into selecting natural materials. However, when selecting such materials, it's important to understand that not all "natural" materials are sustainable.
Sustainability may be defined as meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. So in practical terms, for a material to be sustainable it has to be produced using farming or harvesting techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare without compromising the future generation's ability to do the same.
For example, wood is considered a natural material since trees are renewable resources. But, if that wood is obtained by clear-cutting a forest without replanting; then trucked and shipped hundreds of miles before it is further treated and placed in a building; then that specific piece of wood is no longer a sustainable material. In the design of green buildings, the selection of local and renewable (sustainable) materials is one of the most challenging aspects.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a rating system for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings which was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is the most widely used green building rating system in the world available for virtually all building, community, and home project types. LEED provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Studies have shown that over a 20-year life period, green buildings can return 25% to 50% per square foot back on their investment. In the commercial real estate market, green buildings achieve significantly higher rents, sale prices, and occupancy rates as well as lower capitalization rates because they are considered to be better designed and therefore less risky investments.
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