CONCEPTS AND

PRINCIPLES OF
GREEN ARCHITECTURE
CAYETANO . ASOY . NOVELA . EYALES . RADAM . VILLENA . BUNGALSO. LLANERA
Introduction
TAINABILI
US TY
S
Sustainability is seen as a
philosophical proposition within a
context of uncertainty and supports
a dynamic process with thoughtful
incremental adjustments to the built
environment in response to
changing needs.

GREEN
ARCHITECTURE
Early examples of green architecture were by necessity climate responsive, providing shelter from
inclement weather, and they also responded to other environmental concerns, such as on-site water
collection, sewage removal and fuel for heating.
Green architecture has evolved
from ancient climate-based
designs to a modern, globally
supported movement. Today,
sustainable building is a
standard practice in the
industry.
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), for example,
defines green building this way:

A structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-
efficient manner. Green buildings 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.
One definition offered by the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE) for green
building is:

The practice of (1) increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water, and
materials, and (2) reducing building impacts on human health and the environment, through better site
planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal—the complete building life cycle.

The EPA defines green building as, “the practice of creating structures and using processes that are
environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life cycle from siting to
design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction.”
WHAT MAKES A
BUILDING GREEN?

It protects the
environment, health, Green building aims to create
and well-being. durable, cost-efficient, and healthy
structures while protecting natural
resources and ecosystems through
eco-friendly materials and practices.

The movement has grown globally, focusing on improving energy, water, and
material efficiency in both new and existing buildings to minimize
environmental impact.
GREEN BUILDING :

&
Introduction

Green buildings are designed to reduce

environmental impact and enhance the health and
comfort of occupants. However, several myths
persist that can mislead developers, owners, and
the public
MYTHS VS. FACTS
MYTHS FACTS
Myth 1: Green buildings are too expensive Green buildings may have slightly higher upfront costs but save
1
money over time through energy and water efficiency.
to build.
Myth 2: Green buildings are only about Green buildings also emphasize water conservation, indoor air
2 quality, material selection, and occupant well-being.
energy efficiency.

Myth 3: Green buildings are just a trend. 3 Green building is now a global standard supported by policy,
market demand, and necessity in addressing climate change.

Myth 4: Any building with solar panels is a True green buildings integrate multiple systems beyond just
4 renewable energy sources.
green building.

Myth 5: Green buildings compromise Green buildings often enhance comfort and visual appeal
5 through natural elements and thoughtful design.
aesthetics and comfort.
Myth 6: Green certifications are just Certifications like LEED and BERDE involve rigorous third-party
6 evaluation and promote real environmental performance.
marketing tools.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR
GREEN BUILDING

SITE DEVELOPMENT RECYCLING

Consider site development Minimize the waste in

to reduce the impact of construction and demolition
development on the natural processes by recovering
environment materials and reusing or
recycling

SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Select materials that are Incorporate energy-efficient design into

durable, contain recycled buildings to create an efficient and
comfortable environment. Take
content, and are locally
advantage of the natural elements and
manufactured to reduce technologies to conserve resources and
negative environmental increase occupant comfort/productivity
impacts while lowering long-term operational
costs and pollutants
GREEN BUILDING DESIGN
FEATURE

ENERGY EFFICIENCY WATER CONSERVATION

•High-performance insulation and
windows to reduce heating/cooling needs. Low-flow fixtures (toilets, faucets, and
•LED lighting and energy-efficient showers).
appliances. Rainwater harvesting systems.
•Solar panels or other renewable energy Greywater recycling for irrigation or
sources. flushing toilets.
•Smart HVAC systems that optimize Drought-resistant landscaping
energy use. (xeriscaping).

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL CONTROL
Natural lighting and ventilation.
Locally sourced materials to reduce
Non-toxic materials to reduce indoor
transportation emissions.
pollution.
Recycled and recyclable materials (e.g.,
Efficient HVAC and air filtration
steel, glass, reclaimed wood).
systems.
Low-VOC paints and finishes for healthier
Acoustic comfort through thoughtful
indoor air quality.
design and materials.
Rapidly renewable resources like bamboo or
cork.
GREEN BUILDING DESIGN
FEATURE

WASTE REDUCTION SMART SITE PLANNING

Orientation for passive solar
Construction waste management and heating/cooling.
recycling plans. Green roofs or cool roofs to reduce heat
Modular or prefabricated components to island effect.
reduce on-site waste. Permeable pavement to manage
Composting systems for organic waste. stormwater runoff.
Preservation of existing trees and
ecosystems.

CERTIFICATES AND
STANDARDS

LEED (Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design).
BREEAM, WELL, or Green Globes
certifications depending on region.
Net Zero Energy or Net Zero Carbon
design goals.
 Benefits of
Green Building
What is a green building?

A green building is a structure that is designed,

constructed, operated, and maintained to minimize
environmental impact, reduce energy and resource
consumption, including the enhancement of the
health and well-being of its occupants throughout its
life cycle.
 Benefits: A. Reduced Carbon
Footprint
Environmental Benefits
Lower energy consumption through
Economic Benefits
passive solar design, LED lighting, and
Social and Health Benefits
high-efficiency HVAC systems leads to
Long Term Performance and
decreased CO₂ emissions.
Adaptability
Example: A LEED-certified office building can
use 25–30% less energy than a traditional one
Green buildings significantly reduce the
negative impact on the environment by
conserving natural resources and promoting
ecological health.
 Benefits: B. Conservation of Water

Environmental Benefits
Features like low-flow fixtures, rainwater
Economic Benefits
harvesting, and greywater recycling reduce
Social and Health Benefits
water demand.
Long Term Performance and
Example: Green buildings can reduce water
Adaptability
use by up to 50% compared to conventional
buildings.
Green buildings significantly reduce the
negative impact on the environment by
conserving natural resources and promoting
ecological health.
 Benefits: C. Waste Reduction

Environmental Benefits
Use of recyclable materials and on-site
Economic Benefits
recycling during construction and
Social and Health Benefits
operation reduces landfill impact.
Long Term Performance and
Modular construction and prefabrication
Adaptability
further reduce waste.

Green buildings significantly reduce the

negative impact on the environment by
conserving natural resources and promoting
ecological health.
 Benefits: D. Preservation of
Ecosystems
Environmental Benefits
Site-sensitive design avoids damage to
Economic Benefits
natural habitats.
Social and Health Benefits
Landscaping with native plants supports
Long Term Performance and
biodiversity and reduces irrigation needs.
Adaptability

Green buildings significantly reduce the

negative impact on the environment by
conserving natural resources and promoting
ecological health.
 Benefits: A. Operational Cost
Savings
Environmental Benefits
Lower utility bills due to efficient lighting,
Economic Benefits
HVAC, and insulation systems.
Social and Health Benefits
According to the World Green Building
Long Term Performance and
Council (2013), green buildings report up
Adaptability
to 20% reduction in maintenance costs.

Green buildings significantly reduce the

negative impact on the environment by
conserving natural resources and promoting
ecological health.
 Benefits: B. Increased Property
Value
Environmental Benefits
Green buildings often have higher resale
Economic Benefits
values and attract tenants faster.
Social and Health Benefits
Factors: Amenities, Lower Operating Costs,
Long Term Performance and
Healthier and more comfortable environments,
Adaptability
Durability and long-term value

Green buildings significantly reduce the

negative impact on the environment by
conserving natural resources and promoting
ecological health.
 Benefits: A. Improved Indoor Air
Quality
Environmental Benefits
Use of non-toxic materials, effective ventilation,
Economic Benefits
and pollutant control reduces health issues like
Social and Health Benefits
asthma or headaches.
Long Term Performance and
Adaptability

Green buildings significantly reduce the

negative impact on the environment by
conserving natural resources and promoting
ecological health.
 Benefits: B. Enhanced Occupant
Comfort and Productivity
Environmental Benefits
Daylighting, acoustic control, and thermal
Economic Benefits
comfort improve well-being and
Social and Health Benefits
performance.
Long Term Performance and
Example: Workers in green buildings report
Adaptability
higher satisfaction and productivity

Green buildings significantly reduce the

negative impact on the environment by
conserving natural resources and promoting
ecological health.
 Benefits: C. Community Benefits

Environmental Benefits
Green buildings promote walkability,
Economic Benefits
public space, and access to green areas,
Social and Health Benefits
improving quality of life in urban areas.
Long Term Performance and
They also help reduce the urban heat island
Adaptability
effect through vegetation and reflective
materials.
Green buildings significantly reduce the
negative impact on the environment by
conserving natural resources and promoting
ecological health.
 Benefits: A. Durability and Lifecycle
Efficiency
Environmental Benefits
Green buildings are built to last, using
Economic Benefits
durable materials and systems that require
Social and Health Benefits
less repair or replacement.
Long Term Performance
Lifecycle assessments help in planning for
and Adaptability
future maintenance and use.

Green buildings significantly reduce the

negative impact on the environment by
conserving natural resources and promoting
ecological health.
 Benefits: B. Future-Proofing and
Resilience
Environmental Benefits
Designed to withstand climate-related
Economic Benefits
stresses (e.g., flooding, heat), green
Social and Health Benefits
buildings enhance resilience.
Long Term Performance
Adaptive reuse and modular design make
and Adaptability
them flexible for future needs.

Green buildings significantly reduce the

negative impact on the environment by
conserving natural resources and promoting
ecological health.
PRINCIPLES OF GREEN
BUILDING

The green building design process

begins with an intimate understanding
of the site in all its beauties and
complexities.
The principles of green building are the core
guidelines that help ensure a building is
environmentally friendly, energy-efficient,
and healthy for the people who use it.

Elements of green building design by author (USGBC).

PRINCIPLES OF GREEN
BUILDING
5 Major Elements Of Green Building Design:

SUSTAINABLE SITE DESIGN

Sustainable site planning is the art and science of

designing a construction site to utilize its natural
resources best while minimizing harmful environmental
impacts.

Bullitt Center in Seattle

Factors To Consider When Applying
Sustainable Site Planning

LOCATION AND CLIMATE BUILDING DENSITY

understanding the location’s
characteristics is essential for Higher building densities
creating a sustainable and can reduce urban sprawl
environmentally responsible and preserve open spaces,
design.

ECOLOGY
SITE HYDROLOGY
the study of the water Sustainable site planning
movement on and off a specific means choosing where and
location, considering factors how to build without harming
like soil types, soil permeability, nature. good design doesn’t
vegetation, water tables, and just protect nature—it works
slopes with it.
 ENERGY AND
ENVIRONMENT
As buildings are responsible for a significant portion of
the world’s energy consumption, it is crucial to
prioritize energy efficiency in green building design.
This means designing and constructing buildings
requiring less energy while meeting the occupants’
needs, guided by green building principles.

Bullitt Center in Seattle

Factors To Consider When Prioritizing
Energy Efficiency
BUILDING ENVELOPE

To boost energy efficiency, we must

choose the right materials and design the
building envelope wisely. Key methods
include good insulation, high-performance
windows, shading, and airtight
construction.

LIGHTING DESIGN
HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
Lighting accounts for a
significant portion of a Minimize the waste in
building’s energy consumption, construction and
making it an essential factor to demolition processes by
consider when aiming for recovering materials and
energy efficiency reusing or recycling
PRINCIPLES OF GREEN
BUILDING
WATER CONSERVATION

MATERIAL SELECTION

INDOOR ENVIRONMENT QUALITY

 EXAMPLE WATER CONSERVATION

The Bullitt Center collects all its Water-efficient buildings conserve this
precious resource through smart design
drinking and irrigation water
and technology. Systems like rainwater
from rainwater, saving over
harvesting and greywater recycling help
165,000 gallons annually.
reduce the demand on municipal supplies
and lower water bills.
KEY FACTORS IN WATER
CONSERVATION
WATER-CONSERVING FIXTURES: TOILETS, FAUCETS, AND SHOWERHEADS
DESIGNED TO USE LESS WATER CAN DRASTICALLY REDUCE CONSUMPTION
WITHOUT SACRIFICING PERFORMANCE.

GREYWATER RECYCLING: REUSING WATER FROM SHOWERS AND SINKS FOR

TOILETS OR LANDSCAPING REDUCES FRESHWATER USE.

LANDSCAPING DESIGN: USING NATIVE OR DROUGHT-TOLERANT PLANTS ALONG

WITH RAINWATER OR DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEMS CAN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE
OUTDOOR WATER USAGE.
 EXAMPLE MATERIAL SELECTION

Choosing the right materials is crucial for

Vancouver’s CIRS building used
minimizing a building’s environmental
materials sourced within 800 km footprint. Green buildings prioritize
to support local economies and materials that are renewable, recyclable, or

reduce environmental impact. made from recycled content. Local

sourcing is also emphasized to cut down on
transportation emissions.
KEY FACTORS IN
MATERIAL SELECTION
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS: OPTIONS LIKE BAMBOO, RECLAIMED WOOD, AND
RECYCLED STEEL REDUCE THE IMPACT OF RESOURCE EXTRACTION.

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT: THIS EVALUATES A MATERIAL’S IMPACT FROM

PRODUCTION TO DISPOSAL, HELPING CHOOSE LOWER-IMPACT OPTIONS.

WASTE MANAGEMENT: CONSTRUCTION PLANNING SHOULD INCLUDE STRATEGIES

TO REUSE MATERIALS AND RECYCLE LEFTOVER WASTE TO REDUCE LANDFILL
BURDEN.
 INDOOR ENVIRONMENT
EXAMPLE QUALITY

The Bank of America Tower in IEQ focuses on the health and comfort of
building occupants by improving air
NYC uses a high-performance
quality, lighting, and thermal control. Good
façade to allow natural light and
IEQ boosts productivity, reduces health
airflow while minimizing heat
risks, and contributes to overall occupant
gain. satisfaction.
KEY FACTORS IN INDOOR
ENVIRONMENT QUALITY
AIR QUALITY: PROPER VENTILATION SYSTEMS AND NON-TOXIC, LOW-VOC
MATERIALS ENSURE CLEAN AIR FOR OCCUPANTS.

NATURAL LIGHT & VIEWS: ACCESS TO DAYLIGHT AND OUTDOOR VIEWS IMPROVES
MOOD AND REDUCES THE NEED FOR ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING.

THERMAL COMFORT: INSULATION, EFFICIENT WINDOWS, AND PASSIVE

HEATING/COOLING STRATEGIES HELP MAINTAIN CONSISTENT AND
COMFORTABLE INDOOR TEMPERATURES YEAR-ROUND.
 Green building is a way of designing and constructing
buildings to be better for the environment and for the people
who use them. It focuses on using resources like energy and
water wisely, reducing waste, and creating healthy indoor
spaces. This approach considers the entire life of a building

Conclusion
from planning and construction to use and eventual
demolition to ensure it has a minimal negative impact on the
environment. Key principles of green building include efficient
use of energy, water, and other resources; protection of
occupant health; improvement of employee productivity; and
reduction of waste, pollution, and environmental degradation.
 By integrating these principles, green buildings aim to reduce
carbon emissions, conserve water, prioritize safer materials, and
lower exposure to toxins. The benefits of green buildings are
multifaceted. Environmentally, they contribute to the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions and the conservation of natural
resources. Economically, they offer operational cost savings

Conclusion through energy and water efficiency, and can increase property
value. Socially, they enhance occupant comfort and productivity by
improving indoor air quality and overall living conditions.
 In summary, green building represents a commitment to
sustainable development, balancing environmental
responsibility, economic viability, and social equity. By
adopting green building practices, we can create structures

Conclusion that are not only efficient and cost-effective but also
contribute positively to the environment and society.
THANK
YOU!