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

Chapter I4

Introduction4

Proposed Research Questions4

Rationale5

Significance of the Study5

Purpose of the Study6

Chapter II7

Literature Review7

Natural Resource Conservation7

Energy Efficiency8

Indoor Air Quality8

Effect on Environment9

Cost Considerations10

Economic Benefits of Green Buildings11

Elements of Green Buildings12

Energy Efficiency.12

Materials Efficiency.13

Water Efficiency14

Occupant Health and Safety15

Building Operation and Maintenance16

City of San Diego's Ridgehaven Green Building16

Steps to Ensure Success16

Sustainableand its Importance17

Need of Water Smart18

Green Building: Home18

Use of Native Plants18

Save water19

Improve air quality19

Better soil quality20

Plant for Energy Savings20

Construction Materials21

How to Construct21

Community Design Issues23

Green Building and the Environment24

Buildings and Climate Change24

The Negative Environmental Impacts of Current Building Practices27

Drivers and Barriers to Improvement29

Momentum toward Green Building in the United States and Canada29

Market Forces30

Government Programs31

Chapter III33

Methodology33

Research Design33

Introduction34

Participants36

Survey Instrument36

Methodology37

Environmental Performance38

Step 1—Goal and Scope Definition39

Step 2—Inventory Analysis41

Step 3-Impact Assessment42

Step 4—Interpretation46

Chapter IV51

Analysis51

Economic Performance51

Overall Performance54

Chapter V57

Summary57

Appendix66

Sample Questionnaire66

Chapter I

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 ...