WHY BUILD GREEN? Definition of Green Building Green Building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible throughout a buildings life-cycle from design to deconstruction. Green building is also known as a sustainable or high performance building. Green Buildings increase the efficiency with which buildings and their surrounds use and harvest energy, water and materials. The build environment has a large impact on the natural environment, human health and the economy. By adopting green building strategies, we can maximize both economic and environmental performance. Green construction may incorporate sustainable materials such as BioBased Insulation into buildings at any stage of design, construction, renovation or deconstruction. However the maximum benefits can be realised if the design and construction team decide to plan for a green build at the earliest stages. How is Green Building related to sustainable development? Sustainability or sustainable development is the ability to achieve continuing economic prosperity while protecting the natural system of the planet and providing a high quality of life for its people and its future people. Green products like BioBased Insulation fit nicely into these concepts as it promotes building practices that conserve energy. How do Buildings affect Climate Change? The energy used to heat and power a building leads to the consumption of large amounts of energy mainly from burning fossil fuels – oil, natural gas and coal, which generate significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) the widespread greenhouse gas. What Building types can be green? Any type of building has the potential to become a green or sustainable building. However every building type has different design and efficiency needs depending on its particular function. New buildings may be designed, built and operated to be green buildings. Existing buildings can also become green through remodelling, retrofitting and improved operations. BioBased Insulation can significantly contribute to the potential of your green building new or existing. What are the economic benefits of green or sustainable building? Well-designed, constructed, operated and maintained green buildings can have many benefits, including durability, reduced energy costs, improved occupant health and productivity and the potential for greater occupant satisfaction than standard developments. A green building may cost more up front, but will save money over the life of the building through lower operating costs. BioBased® insulation will save as much as 50% over standard insulations saving a considerable amount of money over the life of the building. Where can I find out more information about the components of green building, like energy efficiency or waste? Some suggested and interesting web sites to help you get further information as follows; www.sei.ie www.change.ie www.carbonneutral.com www.cultivate.ie www.easca.ie | 
