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Why We Need Green Architecture

A lot has been written about Green buildings and Green Architecture. But do we really need it? Is it really required? Does Green architecture bring in cost savings? Does it really have a future? A scrutiny of available data can provide the requisite answers. There is no doubt in anybodys mind that the global environment is under tremendous strain. The consumption rate of natural resources is simply unsustainable. The recent hike in gas prices shows that this vital resource is fast dwindling. Having breached $4 to a gallon of gas, oil is turning out to be a major factor for us to reevaluate the way we use natural resources. Oil prices impinge into every aspect of economic life. This impact is reflected in general rise in prices of all goods as cost of transportation increases. High oil prices adversely impact the housing industry also. building material such as steel, cement, wood, plastics become costlier due to higher oil prices. Therefore there is a need to build smarter and the only way to do so is to utilize green architecture.
Undeniably, Green architecture plays a role in economical housing, but how to go about building green homes? It looks at all aspects of building a house, from using the lay of the land, the use of indigenous materials, the use of natural lighting and natural air. Green architecture aims to reduce consumption of electricity by using electrical efficient appliances and solar panels. Use of CFLs and White LEDs are examples of using low per consuming electrical goods. Use of smaller cisterns and water harvesting techniques is another aspect of green architecture, which leads to conservation of water. Environmental degradation is reduced by using locally available material instead of materials imported from far off places.
Water and electricity savings over a period of time more than make up for the higher initial costs of about 6% greater than standard buildings. The concept of Green architecture is steadily gaining global approval and it is likely to enter the statute books of all countries as the standard for House building. Tax benefits are some of the incentives being offered by governments to provide encouragement to the concepts of Green architecture. Green architectural norms have to align to Green standard norms being formulated by various governments. It has been estimated that the overall impact of green architecture will help reduce pollution, conserve energy and natural resources. Green architecture is here to stay and we definitely need it.

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For more information on architects, read AIA.org.

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