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Will green architecture really impact construction

Green Architecture is a concept of designing buildings in a manner that reduces the adverse effect of construction on the people and the environment. Green Architecture encompasses the entire gamut of factors associated with structural designs ranging from conservation and efficient use of natural resources, use of indigenous material, concepts of recycling to optimizing the finances. It is literally an approach to get ‘Much More with Much Less’. Did you ever wonder why those mud-caked, thatched roofed old houses remained so cool during summers? Well, the indigenous people used their environment and the local produce to their advantage. Contemporary Green Architecture aims to identify those indigenous practices and use them to build modern homes. Optimal use of sunlight and natural wind flow pattern are an integral part of Green Architecture. The structural designs aim to incorporate appliances and electrical devices, which are energy efficient such as fluorescent lights and solar heaters. Structural designs incorporate concepts such as on site energy generation of wind, biomass and water.
A self-sustaining ecosystem, is the model, which a holistic Green Architectural design aims to replicate. For example, wastewater can be recycled to water the garden and organic waste generated by the occupants can be converted into manure in compost pits, which can be used for the garden. Green Architecture aims to reduce the use of synthetic materials. Synthetic paints are known to generate toxic waste when they get old. Formaldehyde, a component of some synthetic building insulation material is a carcinogen with known health side effects. Green Architecture aims at reducing the use of all such material so that people can live in healthier environment. All this requires concerted effort and planned initiatives at national or international levels.
A US effort in setting standards for design and construction practices which have least negative impact on environment and people is exemplified by the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED). The LEED standard gives different weights to factors such as sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources and indoor environmental quality. Based on the weights, certification points are calculated which are graded as Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Platinum is the most environment friendly and healthy LEED certification. Canada, India and Israel have adapted the US LEED model for some of their Green Architecture projects. Other countries use their own standards for Green Architecture. Some of the countries adopting own standards for Green Architecture are Australia, France, Germany, Japan , Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand and UK.
Intensive effort is required by the building industry to address the serious environmental conditions facing the world. Such an effort can be initiated through Green Architecture as the standard approach for all construction.

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Find more info on green building, try this link aia.org.