Abstract

Not eco-effective technology, but a redesigned Western mind, should be the theme of environmental responsibility discourse, and also an objective of "green" architecture. This paper will seek to explain that Western society's high hopes in eco-efficiency are merely the consequence of hidden relations within technological structures which conceal our dependence on ecology, causing a general unawareness of our technological deformation. Only the practice of constant questioning of our epistemology and ontology can help members of Western society to search for alternatives beyond those imposed on them by technological society. More important than "green" buildings, architects need to create "green" practices, in which they will, not as mere professionals but dedicated human beings, provide space for extensive creative collaboration where people can together explore new meanings and values, create new knowledge, learn solidarity and respect for each other and the world, and gain responsibility for the environment and communities they have helped to create.

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Proposed Research Questions3

Rationale4

Significance of the Study4

Purpose of the Study4

Literature6

Natural Resource Conservation6

Energy Efficiency7

Indoor Air Quality7

Effect on Environment8

Cost Considerations9

Economic Benefits of Green Buildings10

Elements of Green Buildings11

Energy Efficiency.11

Materials Efficiency.12

Water Efficiency13

Occupant Health and Safety14

Building Operation and Maintenance15

City of San Diego's Ridgehaven Green Building15

Steps to Ensure Success15

Sustainableand its Importance16

Need of Water Smart17

Green Building: Home17

Use of Native Plants17

Save water18

Improve air quality18

Better soil quality19

Plant for Energy Savings19

Construction Materials20

How to Construct20

Community Design Issues22

Green Building and the Environment23

Buildings and Climate Change23

The Negative Environmental Impacts of Current Building Practices26

Drivers and Barriers to Improvement28

Momentum toward Green Building in the United States and Canada28

Market Forces29

Government Programs30

Proposed Methodology32

Research Design32

Participants33

Survey Instrument33

Data Analysis34

Expected Outcome34

Proposed Works Cited35

Appendix38

Sample Questionnaire38

Introduction

Building activities have undergone tremendous changes in terms of design features landscaping and aesthetics. The concerns for energy and environment coupled with the advent of new technologies have opened up new dimensions and approach in building design all over the world. The new approach is to look at the building performance to blend with the overall philosophy of sustainable development. Green building is a whole systems approach to the design construction and operation of buildings from the early stages of development through the final finishes in the home. This approach benefits both builders and homeowners by reducing resource consumption and improving livability. A green building is one where the indoor and outdoor environmental qualities have been considered and protected during its design construction maintenance and use. (Allen 50)

A house that incorporates green building principles is said to be "built green". The home can be built green too. A well designed yard needs less water and maintenance which saves money. For instance conventional grass lawns have a high impact because of water use pesticide use and air pollution generated from lawn mowers. Instead considerwith drought resistant native plants and perennial groundcovers. Proper planning and design can also enhance the "health" of the while shielding the home from weather extremes. (Fisk and Rosenfeld 450)

Proposed Research Questions

This study proposed the following questions:

How does Green Building construction affected the environmental condition and what are the environmental conditons for which green building construction can be beneficial?

Rationale

Green Building a ...