What is Green Building and why does it matter?

 The design of our built environment impacts us all, as well as our economies and our natural environment, and Green Building Councils across the world are driving its transformation towards sustainability.

While many associate sustainable buildings with energy efficiency, there’s much more we can do to make our buildings greener.  So, what exactly is a green building? Here are the key factors to consider in a sustainable home or building.

Healthy and Clean Air Inside

A green building prioritises good indoor air quality. Proper ventilation systems help to prevent the build-up of pollutants, dampness, and mould. This is particularly crucial in Ireland, where 1 in 13 people has asthma.[1] The significance of ventilation grows in tandem with the efficiency of your building. While overlooking ventilation might seem permissible in a leaky dwelling, it becomes crucial for airtight buildings.

Good Energy Performance

A green building reduces energy consumption and boosts efficiency through smart design, advanced insulation, and high-performance systems for lighting and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). By integrating renewable energy sources (e.g. solar), it significantly lowers costs and carbon footprints while enhancing occupant well-being – reducing dependence on grid power and improving indoor air quality with features such as abundant natural light and low-VOC materials.

Brightness

Considering that we spend more than 90% of our time indoors[2], it is important to have well-illuminated homes and buildings. A green building should optimise exposure to natural daylight, which not only improves mood and mental well-being but also helps regulate sleep patterns.

Lower Embodied Carbon

Green buildings consider the environmental impact of building materials. Embodied carbon refers to the carbon emissions associated with the extraction, transportation, manufacture, and installation of these materials. Biobased products, such as timber, typically have a lower carbon footprint compared to other building materials. You should check that they have FSC/PEFC certifications to ensure they are sourced from sustainable forestry. But using biobased materials is not the only option. You can check the embodied carbon of materials you are using through the construction materials pyramid or Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). EPDs provide information on the environmental impacts of products, including greenhouse gas emissions.

Remember, the greenest building is the one that already exists. For example, according to recent research[3], residential retrofit produces a quarter of the embodied carbon emissions of a new building.

You can read our recommendations to decarbonise Ireland’s Built Environment here and in our Handbook for planners.

Sustainable Location

A green building is ideally situated within a network of offices, schools, shops, public transportation, and amenities. Ireland’s highest and fastest growing source of carbon emissions is transportation [4] and a strategic location promotes sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, or public transport. By reducing reliance on cars, green buildings can enhance quality of life and contribute to healthier and more sustainable communities.

Acoustic Comfort – Reduced Noise Intrusion

A peaceful indoor environment enhances a sense of security, privacy, and overall comfort, leading to improved physical and mental health. A green building hence includes sound insulation, and sound tests can be performed to verify the level of acoustic comfort.

Water Saving

Green buildings and homes prioritise safe and efficient water usage. Water-saving devices can be installed to reduce water consumption. These devices provide a high “coverage sensation” while delivering less water per minute, resulting in significant water and energy savings. Water-using products featuring the Unified Water Label disclose their energy usage via a user-friendly energy efficiency chart, like the one you find on electrical products and appliances. For more information, you can join our Water Use and Energy Efficiency 101 training.

Reduced Waste & Circularity

Green buildings actively promote waste reduction, recovery, reuse, and recycling during and after construction. By implementing sustainable waste management practices, your green building can contribute to minimising waste production. The construction industry is the largest waste stream generated in Ireland.[5] The EPA has released best practice guidelines that can help you manage your construction waste mindfully. You can read more about circularity in the built environment here.

Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs can be emitted from building materials, furniture, and paints through a process called off-gassing. Green buildings prioritise the use of low VOC-emitting products, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses, allergies, and long-term health issues. Products low in VOCs are certified by the EU Ecolabel and other quality labels.

Safe from Radon

Radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can infiltrate buildings through tiny cracks or holes in floors and walls, posing a health risk. Radon is the second-largest cause of lung cancer in Ireland.[6] Radon risk is higher in certain parts of the country. You can check the radon risk map and take measures to prevent radon leaks (if needed), aligning with the recommendations of the EPA.

Biodiversity Friendly

Green buildings consider the impact on natural habitats and strive to improve ecological value. By encouraging the flourishing of native plants and animals, buildings can support healthy ecosystems. Several studies have also shown that access to nature can improve people’s health & well-being. The All Ireland Pollinator Plan provides useful resources on taking action for pollinators, while BirdWatch Ireland offers nestbox designs for birds and wildlife. The impact on nature extends beyond the project site, though. Given the significant biodiversity loss due to material extraction, it’s crucial to prioritise reusing existing materials or sourcing new ones responsibly to protect fauna and flora. You can also find useful insights in our biodiversity factsheet, our homeowner user guide and more content here.

Lifetime Adaptable Buildings

A green building is designed to accommodate substantial changes over time. As time goes by, buildings inevitably face changes in their surroundings, and the needs of the people using them change too. If your building can easily adapt to these changes, it will be used more effectively and for a longer time. A simple plan with wide structural spans and generous floor-to-ceiling heights might be a good solution for future adaptation.

In Ireland, residential buildings awarded the Home Performance Index guarantee adherence to the above 12 points and beyond. The Home Performance Index (HPI) is the national certification system for quality and sustainable residential development. It was developed by the Irish Green Building Council after extensive consultation with the industry. More than 20,000 homes are already registered to be certified. You can read more and check the technical manual at homeperformanceindex.ie.

[1] Asthma Society of Ireland (2019)

[2] WHO (2013)

[3] BIACE – UCD (2022)

[4] EPA (2023)

[5] EPA (2023)

[6] EPA (2020)