Green buildings are
Energy and resource efficient
Non-wasteful and non-polluting
. Sustainable design that helps minimise broad environmental impacts (e.g. ozone depletion)
Highly flexible and adaptable for long-term functionality
Easy to operate and maintain (lower running costs)
Supportive of the productivity and well-being of the occupants
"Green" is different for every building
. No building is completely green in every aspects
. It is a continually evolving concept, a goal
What makes a particular building green?
. A unique solution that responds to the specific functional requirements and the climatic condition
. Truly green design is more than a technological add-on - consider the context

Basic principles
Aims of green building design
. Reduce energy in use
. Minimise external pollution & environmental damage
. Reduce embodied energy & resource depletion
. Minimise internal pollution & damage to health
Green design requires resolving many conflicting issues and requirements
Green building design involves
. Holistic approach (whole systems thinking)
. Each aspect is considered in relation to all others
. Interdisciplinary efforts
. Understanding & contribution from all involved
. Understanding of building performance
. Assessment & evaluation of performance
. Caring for people
. Well being of the occupants and users

Major concerns
Conserve non-renewable energy & scarce materials
Minimise life-cycle ecological impact
Use renewable energy and materials that are sustainably harvested
Protect & restore local air, water, soils, flora and fauna
Support pedestrians, bicycles and mass transit
Reduce human exposure to noxious materials

Building materials
Specify green materials & products
. Made from environmentally attractive materials
. That reduce environmental impacts during construction, renovation, or demolition
. That reduce environmental impacts of building operation
. That contribute to a safe, healthy indoor environment
. That are green because what isn't there (e.g. CFC)