Ever since the industrial revolution, we’ve bared witness as millions of people moved to cities, in a process commonly referred to as urbanization. And why wouldn't’ everyone? There’s a booming industry to take part in, people can make more money, and they can be a part of a city that is on the global market. However, what many failed to consider was the effects to the environment that occurred as a result of this movement of cities. Green building seeks to combat these issues trough minimizing environmental impacts, enhancing energy efficience, while simultaneously contributing to the economic and social world.

These buildings, on average, can conserve more than 40% of energy when compared to traditional buildings. They also reduce carbon emissions significantly and improve the overall atmosphere of an area, both literally and figuratively. 

Business owners also gain a lot through green building According to the World Green Building Council, “building owners are starting to do reviews of their portfolios to see how green their buildings are and what they need to do to meet growing market demand.” At one point, banks will have to reevaluate the value of certain properties to consider the amount of “green” on it which can attract more customers and improve worker efficiency. 

 There are 10 rules that are considered to be key in green building: focus on the big picture, choose a sustainable site, do the math (benefit analysis), site planning, landscape for savings (correlates with “do the math”), a design for the greater green, use technology efficiently, save and manage water, use alternative materials, and finally construct green  It’s key that all these rules are taken into consideration as a well-constructed green building is not an easy structure to create.

Constructing green is a huge step in the world of environment advocacy. However, to get there, we have to take small steps: start at your own work place with maybe a plant near your desk. It’s a collective effort we all have to take part - its a chance to make the world more green.

Sources:

https://hbr.org/2006/06/building-the-green-way#:~:text=Green%20is%20not%20simply%20getting,next%20five%20to%20ten%20years.

https://www.usgbc.org/press/benefits-of-green-building

https://www.pnnl.gov/explainer-articles/green-buildings