MANILA, Philippines -- Sustainability, environmental awareness and green architecture are catch phrases that suddenly seem to have flooded the media. It has become fashionable to be ?green.? This is good for the earth, but the wary reader should also note that this is starting to become a selling point for many things which are far from being truly ?green.?

Unfortunately, green architecture is being treated more like a fashion trend. The difference is that fashion trends are set subjectively, whereas the practice of green architecture is scientific.

Point of green architecture

Green architecture is not new. It has been resorted to before as a means of reducing building operating costs (such as energy consumption and maintenance), and its concepts also encompass the basic principles of having a healthy lifestyle. The former reduces the house/building?s negative impact on the environment, while the latter ensures that the occupants? well-being (which may not only be limited to physical well-being) is also taken care of.

It is the role of the green architect to be able to meet these two objectives with as little compromise between protecting the earth and meeting human needs. The whole point of green architecture rests on accomplishing these two general objectives. Green architecture is proof that both man and his natural environment can live in perfect harmony.

Primary principles

In green architecture, there are five primary principles that include the subprinciples of this vast discipline. All topics related to green architecture fall under at least one of these.

? Energy efficiency

The green house/building has reduced dependence on electricity for its basic needs. The design allows for passive and active cooling, the maximum use of daylight and reduced need for energy-guzzling building systems.

A good test for a house or building?s being green is its condition during a power shortage or blackout. Many of these would be extremely uncomfortable without air conditioning. Without artificial lighting, carrying out work inside would be impossible. The green house/building, however, would still be a functional home/office should the power go out, since its design process considered the principles of green architecture.

? Indoor air quality

The physical well-being of the occupants is the primary concern of this principle. Its area of concern is the general atmosphere within a house/building. For example, stale air is not healthy to breathe for long periods of time. Had the design of the house/building been better, such a problem could have been avoided. Hazardous building materials are also avoided by this principle.

? Green materials

This is directly concerned with the environment. After all, energy is not only measured by the electric meter that records power consumption. Green architecture also considers the use of material that will not waste energy in its production, transport and use in construction.

For example, though wood is a natural material, if we were to use wood from, say, the Amazon jungles for use in the Philippines, it being a natural, healthy material for use is outweighed by all of the energy wasted in exporting it all the way from South America. There is locally sourced wood available that is just as good.

Green materials also involve the use of nontoxic and renewable materials so that natural resources are not depleted, and vital rainforests denuded.

? Green building systems

This is a catch-all phrase that includes the various active design considerations that seek to monitor and reduce power consumption, water use, temperature, air quality, etc.

Examples of green building systems are photovoltaic cells, solar water heaters, low-flush water closets and fixtures and water recycling systems.

A good example of a green building system is a rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater is collected and stored. When needed, it is then pumped out for use. The rainwater can be used for flushing toilets and watering plants.

? Good design

Good design considers many aspects of green architecture. It also has many things in common with the other principles.

Good design, in the context of green architecture, is designing buildings which are easy to use, easy to convert for other uses, safe to use for both children and the elderly, etc.

Good design can also have an influence on energy usage, repair and maintenance, and inevitably, on the property?s value.

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