Buildings and Environmental Pollution: the concept of green architecture towards reducing the impact of Building on the Environment

Abstract

Architecture presents a unique challenge in the area of environmental pollution since construction projects typically consume large amounts of materials and produce tons of waste, thereby polluting the environment. Thus, environmentally sensitive development at all levels—housing, commercial, institutional, and infrastructure is a very promising approach to help achieve sustainability. A key concept to sustainability in architecture, however, is green architecture. It is the use of environmentally sensitive planning, design, specification, labour management, construction, and commissioning processes and technologies which result in holistic building strategy that is more environmentally sensitive and sustainable. The paper discusses measures involved in green concepts which are based on buildings that are designed to meet certain objectives such as protecting occupant health; improving employee productivity; using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently; and reducing the overall impact to the environment. It also highlights the application of theoretic and scientific elements and ecological techniques, practical elements needed for designing to create comfortable living environments in a sustainable way.