Achieving Energy Sustainability Through Green Building Approach

Abstract

There are three urgencies in the UK climate and energy policies: (i) reducing greenhouse gas emissions, specifically CO₂ by 80 %, by 2050, (ii) decreasing fossil fuel consumption especially built environment sector and (iii) reducing dependence on imported energy. Buildings account for 40 % of the total non-transport energy consumption both in UK and EU; therefore, reduction of energy consumption in the built environment will make a significant contribution in meeting these targets. On average, UK residents spend between 2.7 and 8.4 % on gas and electricity bills. Water bills also account for 0.5–3 % of their income. These scenarios make it important to consider green building design and reduce the social, environmental and economic impacts building are creating on us. Sustainability through green building design should encompass “cradle-to-grave analysis”. Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) is the world’s foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings. BREEAM was launched in 1990 and sets the standard best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation. The assessment uses measures of performance against established benchmarks. This chapter will highlight interesting features of achieving sustainable development through green building design.