Green buildings reduce the impact on the environment, with innovative design techniques that improve the quality and performance of the buildings. More and more people are increasingly inclined to adopt green values to their old and new homes and are also insisting on the governments incorporating them in public places. One of the primary reasons for this growing awareness is energy saving and thereby reduced energy bills. It also makes safer homes for children and more productive places for employees. For environmentalists, it is reducing global warming or the greenhouse effect on a war footing. Global warming is already making its presence felt by unseasonable rains, the increase in summer temperatures and a decrease in winter temperatures.

In the U.S.A, more than half of the energy is consumed by buildings and constructions. Buildings emit more than one-third of Carbon dioxide, consume one-fourth of the world’s wood harvest and 17% of the world’s freshwater resources. In North America more than one-third of the landfills are occupied by building debris. This type of environment crushing pollution can be mitigated by a large extent with building techniques that provide better bargains and costs.

Home energy costs rank next to mortgage bills. Energy savings are assured throughout the life of a green building. Power companies give energy credits for green buildings and tax benefits are also available. In a recent survey in the U.S, it has been found out that home market value increases by 20 dollars for every dollar decrease in a power utility bill.

The following are some of the ways to increase efficiency, reduce pollution and help in building a green environment.

(1) All the appliances should be purchased based on their energy efficiency. Older appliances should be replaced with energy efficient ones, as after some time older ones deliver less and consume more energy than they normally do, thereby reducing their efficiency to a large extent.

(2) Power utility companies should manage the peak hour demand well enough to stave off demands for new plants.

(3) Heating and cooling systems must work efficiently to the maximum extent possible as they are the largest consumers of energy in a building. Air ducts in the system should be thoroughly checked for leaks. They leak out more than a third to the attic, affecting air quality and sucking dust into the system. Airflow should be properly circulated and cooled. If not carbon monoxide will be introduced into the system. Attics should be properly ventilated and insulated. Air conditioner evaporators and condensers should be cleaned for better performance and efficiency. Outside units of air conditioners should be placed under a shade. Condensers should not be obstructed by debris and grass for better air flow. Programmable thermostats help in the optimal use of energy. Generally, the thermostat should be set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 68 degrees in winter for best performance. Unused vents in central air conditioning systems should not be closed if not in use, as they tend to increase pressure and cause leaks in the ducts.

(4) Harness solar energy to the maximum for natural ventilation, light and airflow. The building should be suitably positioned to receive natural sunlight as far as possible to reduce lighting load, thereby assuring reduction in energy bills. Buildings should be ideally designed for natural air flow to reduce heat. Light colored roof materials absorb less heat and hence less power bills for cooling.

(5) Wastage of water increases strain on the rivers and lakes. This should be cut down by using low flow toilets and shower heads. Rain water should be tapped from roof tops and put to good use. Waste water should be recycled as far as possible and rain water run off should be properly guided to pits to recharge underground resources.

(6) Individual transportation may be skipped if possible and mass transportation systems are to be used as far as possible, as automobile pollution is creating havoc. Liquid fuels pose a far more threat than the solid fuels and pollute the atmosphere more.

(7) Buildings should use waste wood decks, medium density fiberboard, straw bale and insulated concrete panels as alternate materials. Wood floors can be recycled and put to use and so are bamboo floors, a renewable source. Hard surface floors do not hold dust, molds and allergens. Cellulose insulation, thermo ply and lumber composites present an alternative source of building material. Dyes, known carcigens, ozone depleting chemicals should be avoided at any cost and so are solvent finishes which release toxic chemicals.

(8) Bird habitat and trees should be protected. Native landscaping should be adopted keeping in mind the available rainfall in the region. Water pervious material should be used to help rain water percolate into the ground.

(9) Natural resources should be preserved for future generations to thrive.

Green building is thus an innovative way to use the available resources, in harmony with the nature and preserves the resources as well. They help to create a way of life that can be sustained to live happily without encroaching on the environment.