Green buildings
First off, what is a green building?
The WEF suggests that as choices such as design and construction materials will set the baseline of a completed building’s impact on nature for decades, a comprehensive approach to the green transition must consider the entire life cycle of buildings, from planning through construction to use and end of life.
Thus there are four key characteristics:
- Net zero life cycle, including circularity in material use, transition to renewable energy sources and enhanced energy efficiency;
- Nature positive, with the integration of nature-based elements and solutions such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting and stormwater management;
- Resilience, with adaptability to and mitigation of physical climate risks, and
- Physical and mental well-being oriented with leisure and other activities and access to shared facilities and public transport.
The report continues that various solutions to green buildings already exist, but they often address singular areas such as pollution reduction, net zero goals or human-centric sustainability in isolation.
To achieve a comprehensive green transition in the building value chain, a holistic understanding that encompasses climate, environmental and people’s needs must be developed.