COMMENTARY

How Green Is Your Green Building?

We often hear claims that certain buildings are low-energy buildings. But do you realise that such claims do not always reflect an accurate picture of the actual energy consumed?

For example, let’s say Building A achieved energy efficiency at its operation stage. But what about the large quantities of materials with high-embodied energy (energy expended during manufacturing, transportation and on-site assembly or installation)—such as glass, PVC, mild steel, aluminium, etc.—used in constructing the building?

Or Building B, which was designed with the latest technologies to achieve the highest Green rating. However, most of its occupants drive long hours to and from the building every day because of the absence of, or reluctance to take, public transportation (i.e. the building contributes to urban sprawl).

Is Building A really energy efficient? Can Building B be considered as a true Green building? 

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