Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of green buildings in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on green buildings and their role in improving the environmental concerns. The research also analyzes many aspects of urban heat island effect and tries to gauge the impact of green buildings on the concern. The research also describes various factors portrayed by green buildings in maintaining the energy effect in order to stabilize the environment; moreover, the study illustrates that the green buildings are a union of environment and architecture. Finally, the research the contemporary trends of designing the green buildings; moreover, the study explores the transition in towns by illustrating the example of Totness.

Table of Contents

Introduction3

The Role of Green Buildings in Reducing Urban Heat Island Effect4

Green Buildings in Maintaining Energy Effects5

Green Building: A Union of Environment and Architecture6

New Trends of Designing the Green Buildings7

Transition Town: Totness8

Conclusion9

Works Cited11

How Green Buildings Help Improving Our Environment

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to enlighten and explore the concept of green buildings and the way they can improve the environmental concerns. This paper enlightens the significance of green buildings and the way through which the green buildings can serve as a remedy for the environmental concerns. According to diverse sources, the green buildings create a more comfortable indoor air quality, as well as thermal and acoustic characteristics. Moreover, these buildings reduce the level of pollution entering in the form of water, soil and air, and minimize its consequences in urban infrastructure. Nowadays, the green buildings are improving the quality of life through optimal urban design in close proximity to residential areas and social infrastructure (schools, health facilities, public transportation, etc). The green buildings are not a panacea for ameliorating all negative environmental impacts resulting from increased development or loss of open space.

Nevertheless, some sources argue that green buildings cannot stop global warming; they are a multifunctional approach to ameliorating or solving many different environmental problems, while also providing many benefits to the environment. The green buildings can act as barriers to mitigate the impacts of unbridled and unplanned urban growth and development. The green buildings have a sustainable impact on improving the environmental concerns, the heat gain that affects our indoor and outdoor environment is reduced, and the continued degradation of air and water quality is mitigated. In addition, building and maintaining well-designed and constructed intensive green structures provides additional remedies for several diseases that are caused by the pollution in the environment.

The Role of Green Buildings in Reducing Urban Heat Island Effect

The natural plant life that once helped cool the spaces where there are now cities has largely been destroyed and replaced with buildings and impervious pavement that now absorb the sun energy and heat. This creates a concentration of heat that surrounds densely populated cities forming islands of radiant heat. The plants of green buildings and its growing material block sunlight from reaching the roof of the green buildings. This shading reduces the surface temperature and consequently reduces the amount ...