Mid-semester break : Basic principles of green building design

(Source: Google image, 2016)

Building is a development behavior of human beings to change and adapt to the surrounding environment. Building behavior contains the consumption, change and transformation of natural resources. It is clear that these acts have an impact on the environment in all aspects and it will also affect the sustainable development of human. ‘Green’ is a symbol of nature, ecology, life and vitality. It is a symbol of the harmonious coexistence between human and nature, and it is appropriate to express the concept and connotation of sustainable development. The development of green building is the result of considering green concept in the construction field. It will also become the dominant trend of the future architecture.

Compared with the traditional building, green building should follow the following basic principles: 

1.     Pay attention to life cycle analysis of the building

The initial planning, design period of the construction, operation and the final demolition form the life cycle of a building. Taking into account the building materials, this cycle should also be included in the mining, transportation and processing of raw materials, construction waste, garbage disposal and the whole process. Attention to life cycle analysis of the building not only means considering and use environmental factors in design stage, but also ensure to minimize the effect on the environment in construction process and provide people with healthy, comfortable space .

2. Adapt to natural conditions and protect the natural environment

The architectural design should make full use of the natural conditions around the site, preserve and utilize the topography, landform, vegetation and natural water system to maintain the continuity of historical culture and landscape. Give full consideration to the ecological environment of the local climate characteristics, architectural style, size and surrounding environment to maintain coordination; Minimize the negative impact on the natural environment, such as reducing harmful gas, the discharge of wastes, reduce the damage to the ecological environment.  

3. Create a healthy and comfortable environment.

Green building should consider the needs of users, and strive to create a beautiful and harmonious environment; Improve the indoor comfort, and the indoor environment quality; Ensure safety, reduce environmental pollution and create conditions for people to improve work efficiency.  

4. Resource saving and comprehensive utilization

Green building should be optimized design and management, selection of applicable technologies, materials and products; The rational use and optimize the allocation of resources and reduce the possession and consumption of resources; Maximize the use efficiency of resources, energy and raw materials, and actively promote resource comprehensive utilization; extend the service life of the whole building and enhance the performance and adaptability. 

Reference List:

Scott, A. (2006). Design Strategies for Green Practice. Journal of Green Building, 1(4), pp.11-27.

Wenku.baidu.com. (2014). The design principles and main points of green building. [online] Available at: http://wenku.baidu.com/view/5055254014791711cc791798.html?from=search [Accessed 29 Mar. 2016].