THE upcoming Earth Day, on April 22, would be a golden opportunity for the government and the private sector to discuss an important method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions that is rarely brought up: green buildings.
According to the World Green Building Council, a “green” building is one that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts and can create a positive impact on our climate and natural environment.
Green building refers to both the structure as well as the application of processes that promote efficient use of energy, water and other resources while reducing the building’s impact on human health and the environment during the building’s lifecycle, from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition.