Sustainable Development: The Impact Of Built Environment On Nature

1-2-3 The Impact of Built Environment on Nature:
The United Nations Environment Programme-UNEP reported that the building sector contributes up to (30%) of global greenhouse gases and consumes up to (40%) of all energy. It also consumes around (30%) of the world’s resources and (12%) of its water, whilst producing around (30-40%) of the wastes going to landfill (Khatib, 2016).

Another study made in the United States, and listed a significant effect of buildings and communities on the environment and human health including (38%) of CO2 emissions, (24%) to (50%) of energy use, (72%) of electricity consumption, (40%) of raw materials use, (14%) of potable water consumption and (30%) of waste output (USGBC, 2015)

The traditional approach for

Green building approach is challenging the perception still held by many that good quality green buildings are significantly more costly to design and build than those that simply adhere to mandatory (regulatory) requirements.

A 2007 public opinion survey conducted by the world business council for sustainable development found that respondents believed, on average, that green features added (17%) to the cost of a building, whereas a study of (146) green buildings found an actual average marginal cost of less than (2%), while these can frequently be paid back through lower running expenses and ultimately lead to savings over the life of the building (USGBC,

The use of green building principles as a tool throughout the project can also facilitate innovation, resulting in potential cost savings and added value by producing better buildings and better conditions for building users. The followings are the headlines of green building benefits:

A- Green buildings are designed to save energy and resources, recycle materials and minimize the emission of toxic substances throughout its life cycle.
B- Green buildings harmonize with the local climate, traditions, culture and the surrounding environment.
C- Green buildings are able to sustain and improve the quality of human life whilst maintaining the capacity of the ecosystem at local and global levels.
D- Green buildings make efficient use of resources; have significant operational savings and increases workplace productivity.
E- Building green sends the right message about a company or organization – that it is well run, responsible, and committed to the