The definition of green building

Green building is a holistic concept that starts with the understanding that the built environment can
have profound effects, both positive and negative, on the natural environment, as well as the people
who inhabit buildings every day. Green building is an effort to amplify the positive and mitigate the
negative of these effects throughout the entire life cycle of a building.
While there are many different definitions of green building out there, it is generally accepted as the
planning, design, construction, operations, maintenance, and renovation of buildings with several
central, foremost considerations: energy use, water use, indoor environmental quality, material
section and the building's effects on its site.
http://www.usgbc.org/articles/what-green-building

Green Building Concept and Its Sri Lankan Context

On April 2, 2015 in 2012 batch, Energy
While heading for the sustainable development, the concept of green building has become a prime
concern in construction industry. Green buildings increase the efficiency of resources while
sustaining natural resources for the future generation and reduce impact on human and
environment. With the global interest nowadays, construction of green buildings has become a new
trend in Sri Lanka as well. Many studies identified that there is a significant initial investment
perceived in the green construction than conventional buildings. However, it is important for a
developing country like Sri Lanka to identify the benefits and drawbacks when adopting green
concept in construction of buildings. Green building literally does not mean that they are totally
environmental friendly. But they are more energy efficient, produce less waste and healthier to be
inside. When it comes to green building; awareness on typical features of a green building,
definition of green building and green building concept is noteworthy.
There should be prescribed standards when it comes to declare a building as a green building. So in
order to achieve this purpose World Green Building Council was established in 1999.
Considerations for a green building will change as the environmental stresses vary from place to
place. So the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL) was launched in 2009. In Sri Lanka,
LEED certification system and GREEN SL rating system are used as green building certification
systems. LEED certified and GREEN SL rating system certified green buildings are established
within Sri Lanka. Examining green building features of certified green buildings would be useful in
gaining comprehensive knowledge on application of green building concept.
As a coin has two sides; green building concept too has its benefits and drawbacks. Enduring
specific recommendations for corporate sector, general public and households will encourage
benefits and minimize drawbacks. At last green building concept merely doesnt mean going after a
certification but it is important to understand the essence of green building concept and use it at

every place where it is possible. Therefore, green buildings will be a profitable investment for a
sustainable future.
Keywords: Green buildings, Sustainable development, Energy efficient
S.T.Mallikage
http://www.sjp.ac.lk/sites/forestry/2015/04/02/green-building-concept-and-its-srilankan-context/

Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL)

Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL) is a consensus-based not for profit organization,
committed to developing a sustainable property industry for Sri Lanaka by encouraging the
adoption of green building practices. It is diverse and integrated representation from all sectors of
the property industry and academia.
GBCSL functions through its main sectors of GREENSL Rating of Buildings, GREENSL Labeling
of Sustainable Building Materials and Products, GREENSL Service certification for Green Service
suppliers and Education & Training of Green Professionals aiming to transform the Sri Lankan
construction industry with green building practices and to fully adopt sustainability as the means by
which our environment thrives, economy prospers and society grows to ensure the future wellbeing
of
our
motherland.
The GBCSL is the only representative member in Sri Lanka, of the World Green Building Council,
which represents a large number of countries ranging from developed to developing nations.
http://srilankagbc.org/

Objectives in Green Building

Saving water
Reducing Waste
Improving Health and Productivity

Saving water
Green Buildings use various methods to reduce water usage, treat and reuse waste water and filter
water from sourced from precipitation. The target is to be able to achieve zero water table negative
impact from the green building.
Reducing Waste
Waste reduction is one of the most important issues that are to be dealt with. the waste from
construction and demolition of buildings accounts for sixty percent of the total non-industrial waste.
Green Building concept emphasizes on improving the design of the product, re-using and recycling
materials. It results in tremendous waste reduction and also helps to reduce the environmental
impact of the building.
Improving Health and Productivity
Hygiene and proper conditions inside the building also help in boosting human productivity. Hence
various businesses concentrate on this aspect. Green Building concept provides for cleanliness and
sound working conditions for employees and other inhabitants.

Components of Green Building

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Water Efficiency
Material Efficiency
Waste Reduction
Indoor Air Quality
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
The key to energy efficiency in new buildings or renovations is to have a comprehensive integrated
perspective during the design phase that seeks to:
Reduce heating, cooling, and lighting loads through taking advantage of the building site and
climate attributes. Include passive solar design and integrated landscape design that use trees for
shading, windbreaks, and attractive outdoor spaces.
Research and include renewable energy sources such as day lighting, passive solar, solar thermal
(hot water) and photovoltaics, and geothermal heating and cooling. Use of renewable energy
increases energy security and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Use project specifications to lay the groundwork for energy efficiency, specifically stating project
goals, targets, and strategies for energy efficiency. Specify energy efficient HVAC equipment that
meet or exceed federal, state, and local standards. Increase building performance by including
predictive energy models and system controls, such as occupancy and daylight sensors, CO2
sensors and other air quality alarms. Employ sensors that control loads based on occupancy and
availability of natural resources such as daylight or natural ventilation. Use energy management
tools to track energy and water use such as the Energy Star Portfolio Manager.

http://www.straughanenvironmental.com/how-do-green-building-principles-support-energyefficiency/
Water Efficiency
Reducing water consumption and protecting water quality are key objectives in sustainable
building. One critical issue of water consumption is that in many areas, the demands on the
supplying aquifer exceed its ability to replenish itself. To the maximum extent feasible, facilities
should increase their dependence on water that is collected, used, purified, and reused on-site. The
protection and conservation of water throughout the life of a building may be accomplished by

designing for dual plumbing that recycles water in toilet flushing or by using water for washing of
the cars. Waste-water may be minimized by utilizing water conserving fixtures such as ultra-low
flush toilets and low-flow shower heads. Bidets help eliminate the use of toilet paper, reducing
sewer traffic and increasing possibilities of re-using water on-site. Point of use water treatment and
heating improves both water quality and energy efficiency while reducing the amount of water in
circulation. The use of non-sewage and grey water for on-site use such as site-irrigation will
minimize demands on the local aquifer.
Integrate water saving technologies that reduce the energy burden that comes along with providing
potable water such as Water Sense fixtures and rainwater harvesting practices
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_building#Water_efficiency
Material Efficiency
Building materials typically considered to be 'green' include lumber from forests that have been
certified to a third-party forest standard, rapidly renewable plant materials like bamboo and
straw, dimension stone, recycled stone, recycled metal , and other products that are non-toxic,
reusable, renewable, and/or recyclable. For concrete a high performance or Roman self-healing
concrete is available. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) also suggests using recycled
industrial goods, such as coal combustion products, foundry sand, and demolition debris in
construction projects. Energy efficient building materials and appliances are promoted in the United
States through energy rebate programs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_building#Water_efficiency
Waste Reduction
Green architecture also seeks to reduce waste of energy, water and materials used during
construction. One goal should be to reduce the amount of material going to landfills. Well-designed
buildings also help reduce the amount of waste generated by the occupants as well, by providing
on-site solutions such as compost bins to reduce matter going to landfills.
When buildings reach the end of their useful life, they are typically demolished and hauled to
landfills. Deconstruction is a method of harvesting what is commonly considered "waste" and
reclaiming it into useful building material. Extending the useful life of a structure also reduces
waste building materials such as wood that are light and easy to work with make renovations
easier.
To reduce the impact on wells or water treatment plants, several options exist. "Grey water",
wastewater from sources such as dishwashing or washing machines, can be used for subsurface
irrigation, or if treated, for non-potable purposes, e.g., to flush toilets and wash cars. Rainwater
collectors are used for similar purposes.
Centralized wastewater treatment systems can be costly and use a lot of energy. An alternative to
this process is converting waste and wastewater into fertilizer, which avoids these costs and shows

other benefits. By collecting human waste at the source and running it to a semicentralized biogas plant with other biological waste, liquid fertilizer can be produced. This concept
was demonstrated by a settlement in Lubeck Germany in the late 1990s. Practices like these provide
soil with organic nutrients and create carbon sinks that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,
offsetting greenhouse gas emission. Producing artificial fertilizer is also more costly in energy than
this process.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_building#Water_efficiency
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term which refers to the air quality within and around buildings
and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. IAQ can be
affected by gases(including carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds), particulates,
microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), or any mass or energy stressor that can induce adverse
health conditions. Source control, filtration and the use of ventilation to dilute contaminants are the
primary methods for improving indoor air quality in most buildings. Residential units can further
improve indoor air quality by routine cleaning of carpets and area rugs. EPA has guidelines for
frequency of cleaning based on traffic, number of household members, pets, children and smokers.
Carpets and rugs act like an air filter and must be cleaned.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indoor_air_quality