Green Building Disadvantages

1.0 Introduction

A green building is a concept with the understanding that the constructed environment can have large, positive and negative effects on the natural environment. Green buildings are a way of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use energy, water and materials.

Our natural environment is being destroyed due to the growth and the development of our communities. Therefore, constructing green buildings will improve and protect ecosystems as well as improving the quality of air and water, reducing waste streams and also conserving and restoring natural resources. Building green also has economic benefits such as reducing operating costs, improving productivity and the life cycle of economic performance. 2.0 Main Content

A green building is a building built to guarantee the healthiest possible environment. It is designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by efficiently using energy, water and other resources which will have significant operational savings and increases workplace productivity. This will minimise the emission of toxic substances throughout the building’s lifecycle.

2.2 Main characteristics of green buildings

Green building should be designed to protect existing ecologies and improve ecologies that could have been damaged in previous years. Energy conservation is the most important part in green buildings therefore green buildings utilize fewer materials. Some of the main measures that enable energy conservation are good thermal insulation of walls, windows and roofs, good airtight seal on the exterior building envelope, reduction of heat losses through ventilation, and improved electricity management such as reducing the installed power ratings and using light controlling equipment.

The use of renewable energy, such as solar, wind energy, to meet energy requirements can significantly reduce carbon footprints of such buildings. Solar heating systems are very efficient for large buildings such as hospitals and schools. It pre-heats the outside air before it is allowed to enter the

The Platinum level is the highest rating, which was achieved by the ALARGAN International Head Quarters for fulfilling practical and measurable procedures and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, selecting materials and indoor environmental quality.

High-performance glazing to control exterior heat, energy efficient lighting and air conditioning systems, lighting control using motion detectors and daylight sensing technology for energy savings, installation of low flow fixtures to reduce water-use and the use of recycled, reused natural materials for furniture.

The building has been well designed to make sure that nearly 75 per cent of the mostly occupied areas receive sufficient daylight as well as thermal control. Also, the use of low-emitting adhesives, paints, coating, carpets and furniture improve indoor air quality. Featuring new designs approaches through Green Power purchase and Green Educational Outreach program, the building uses comfortable furniture for occupant comfort and provides outstanding views of the seafront as well as lush green landscapes and water