A Primer on Green Architecture and Green Design
When "Green" Architecture Is More Than a Color
Updated December 04, 2017
Green architecture, or green design, is an approach to building that minimizes harmful effects on human health and the environment. The "green" architect or designer attempts to safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices.
Building a greener home is a choice — at least it is in most communities. "Typically, buildings are designed to meet building code requirements," the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has reminded us, "whereas green building design challenges designers to go beyond the codes to improve overall building performance and minimize life-cycle environmental impact and cost." Until local, state, and federal public officials are persuaded to legislate green processes and standards — just like building and fire prevention practices have been codified — much of what we call "green building practices" is up to the individual property owner. When the property owner is the U.S. General Services Administration, results can be as unexpected as the complex built in 2013 for the U.S. Coast Guard.