Green infrastructure is a resource-effective construction technique that results in better buildings with fewer negative environmental effects and lower maintenance costs. Systematic grading systems that certify green buildings, such as the Living Building Challenge and Build Green, measure a building's sustainability in accordance with a variety of criteria that outline what green building is all about.
A green building is one that includes:
- Less water
- optimizes energy efficiency
- conserves natural resources
- generates less waste
- Provide a healthier space for occupants.
Building Site: Instead of creating new land, green builders build on the already-developed ground. Building up their current infrastructure, such bus routes and libraries, is crucial for lowering the reliance of local residents on transportation. The smaller the construction site, the better because the environmental impact is reduced.
Water conservation- It is built into the design of low-flow toilets. Gray water systems and irrigation-free gardening emphasize lowering the need for water first, followed by dealing with water after it has been consumed. A key component of sustainable construction is the use of water collection techniques like rainwater harvesting.
Energy and atmosphere: Energy-efficient building designs are used to construct green buildings. Geothermal and solar PV systems, two methods that utilize clean energy, are frequently employed in sustainable construction.
Material and Resources: Green buildings use fewer materials whenever possible to lessen the impact of construction waste. In addition to reusing and reselecting resources, they employ durable materials to minimize replacement.
Size of Building: Building size is another element connected to resources and materials. While there are recommendations, there is no set size for a sustainable house or construction. The lead home size threshold establishes a natural home construction threshold ranging from 900 to 2850 square feet depending on the number of bedrooms.
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): Indoor Environment Quality green builders try to develop buildings that are not only healthy for the environment but also for health. It is recommended to use low-emitting products such as formaldehyde-free furniture and zero-VOC paints. Additional important IEQ characteristics include enhanced ventilation and moisture-resistant items. While there are many improvements happening all over the world in the direction of sustainability, green buildings are undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
Cities are leading a chain, thus changing facts. Dubai is one of the global cities with the highest number of green buildings, with over 550 projects under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This is all part of the larger push towards a sustainable future that Dubai is undertaking.