Background Information
Statistics
Traditional buildings are responsible for:
· 45% of energy use-world wide
· 80% of freshwater withdrawal
· 35% of all CO2 production
· 50% of materials and resources consumption
· 40% of municipal solid waste for local landfills
· 50% of ozone-depleting CFCs
(Statistics were found from http://www.serconline.org/grBldg/fact.html)
Around 90% of the time, we spend our time indoors. These statistics show that we sometimes fail to realize the negative consequences that contribute to the environment. Architects are finding ways that can help us live with nature peacefully instead of harmfully. They are finding new designs and inventing new technology to build homes or buildings for example using solar energy and taking advantage of natural light.
What is green architecture?
Green architecture is an approach to design buildings that minimally use non-renewable resource. These eco-friendly buildings are also known as green buildings. This includes a building that efficiently uses water and energy, reducing waste and pollution.
Benefits of having green buildings?
Living in a green building includes living in a healthier and safer environment. Not only can these green buildings significantly reduce waste, but they can help us change our practices on finite resources such as fresh water or timber. There would be less demand for raw materials and reduce the amount of fossil fuel consumption, which would decrease the amount of harmful greenhouse gases that is emitted into the air and ultimately lessen our contribution to global warming.
An example of a green building is the Terry Thomas in Seattle, WA.
