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
