Green buildings, which are structures that are designed, constructed, operate and maintained in a sustainable manner, have revolutionized the construction industry. Creating energy efficiency, reducing water consumption and minimizing air pollution, these structures create a healthier environment not just for occupants but for our world as a whole. As green building technology has developed over time, the concept of social equity has become more and more a part of the conversation.
In the green building industry, social equity is the practice of treating all people fairly and equitably regardless of their abilities, race, religion, gender or any other traits they may have. It is important that these tenets of social equity are applied not only in what is considered structures themselves, but also in who is involved in the project. For example, contractors should make a conscious effort to use different vendors and subcontractors as well as allocate resources in a way that would benefit those in need or from disadvantaged communities. It is also important to note that green buildings should be created to contribute to the health and well-being of the community. This encompasses the environment and creating a more livable and attractive community in which to live, work and play.
Key Takeaways
1. Green buildings enable the development of equitable, sustainable communities by providing services that help comunities address social inequities.
2. Local economic gain is a key motivation for green building projects.
3. Disadvantaged communities can benefit from higher-performing buildings and improve their long-term financial outlook.
4. Local jurisdictions should implement policies that promote green building development and foster equity.
5. Green buildings can serve as catalysts to social change, with the right support, resources, and partnerships.
How Can Green Buildings Promote Social Equity?
Understanding the Basics of Green Buildings and Social Equity
Green building is a term used to describe a structure that uses eco-friendly and sustainable materials and technologies to conserve resources including water, energy, and land. This type of construction and design has the end goal of reducing any negative environmental impacts of traditional development.
Social equity is the idea that all people should have access to the same resources, regardless of their economic, social, and racial backgrounds. It means everyone in a society should have an equal opportunity to thrive. So this is how green building and social equity relate—green building encourages positive development with fewer environmental impacts, which can lead to more equitable access to resources like clean air, water, and healthy soil.
Green Building and Social Equity in Action
There are several ways green building can promote social equity, from helping people save money on energy costs to providing healthier living spaces. One example is the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative in Baltimore, Maryland. This organization aims to reduce the environmental injustices faced by lower income families by helping them secure healthy housing. They provide energy-efficient upgrades and installations like solar panels, window replacements, and HVAC systems in order to reduce the cost of energy.
Another example of green building and social equity in action is the Starwood Hotels’ Eco-Partner program, which encourages hotels to reduce their energy and water consumption to become more sustainable. Hotels that have achieved a particular standard of green certification can then pass on the savings to their guests in the form of lower rates, making these environmentally-friendly accommodations more accessible to those with lower incomes.
Benefits of Green Building and Social Equity
Green building not only helps people save money on energy costs, it also encourages better public health outcomes by reducing emissions from traditional construction and design. This can help those living in poverty who are more likely to be exposed to pollution due to environmental factors.
Green building also encourages the use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal, which can provide cleaner energy for everyone in a society. This can help reduce the digital divide, where some populations are not able to access the internet due to limited resources. This can be particularly important for people living in rural areas as they are less likely to have access to reliable electricity, which can be cost prohibitive.
Tips for Implementing Green Building to Promote Social Equity
1. Invest in green building infrastructure: Governments and other entities should invest in green infrastructure (including solar panels, energy efficient buildings, and more) to help reduce environmental injustices in low-income communities.
2. Prioritize renewable energy: Governments and other stakeholders should prioritize renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal for their potential to provide cleaner energy for everyone.
3. Make green construction and design more accessible: Companies should make eco-friendly materials and technologies more affordable, so everyone can have access to them.
4. Support green initiatives: Governments, businesses, and other stakeholders should support green initiatives, such as leadership in energy and environmental design, to reduce the environmental impact of traditional construction and design methods.
5. Educate the public: People should be educated about the potential of green building and social equity, so they understand the importance of supporting sustainable development.
What is green building?
Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.
What are the benefits of green buildings?
By creating structures that reduce the impact on both the environment and public health, green buildings offer a wide range of benefits. Benefits include decreased operating costs, improved occupant productivity, better indoor air quality, and reduced pressure on ecosystems and resources, among others.
What is social equity?
Social equity in the context of the built environment is a perception that everyone is being treated fairly and equitably regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other identified basis of discrimination.
How can green buildings promote social equity?
Green buildings can promote social equity by improving access to resources like clean air, land, water, and food in an equitable and sustainable manner. They also contribute to creating safer, healthier built environments that are accessible for more people, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Additionally, green buildings can incentivize businesses to invest in their communities in order to create jobs and promote economic development.
What are some of the different types of green building materials?
Green building materials include any material that is manufactured or produced using processes that are sustainable and resource efficient. Examples of sustainable building materials include recycled metal, concrete, cork, bamboo, and recycled plastics. Other green materials, such as local and irregularly sized timber and stone, are also increasingly popular.
How can green buildings positively impact energy efficiency?
Green buildings have the potential to positively impact energy efficiency by reducing energy demand, utilizing renewable energy sources, and improving energy performance through building envelope design, insulation, and other energy-saving strategies. Green building designs can also leverage natural resources through the use of efficient lighting and heating systems, and a number of other strategies that result in a significantly reduced disposal of energy.
What are the different types of green building certification programs?
There are a number of organizations that maintain green building certification programs, some of which include LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), ENERGY STAR, WELL, Fitwel, and Passive House. Each of these certifications has its own set of criteria for judging buildings and the standards that must be met in order to gain certification.
What role do governments play in advancing green building practices?
Governments play a key role in advancing green building practices by establishing legislation and regulation that encourages the adoption of green practices. Additionally, government incentives like tax breaks, educational initiatives, and financing programs can also help reduce costs associated with green building and support research and development in this field.
Do green buildings help reduce emissions?
Yes, green buildings help reduce emissions by improving energy efficiency and reducing the use of materials that generate significant emissions. Green buildings are also designed to reduce their impact on air, water, and soil, while also utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
What are some of the challenges associated with green buildings?
The primary challenge associated with green building is the cost of materials and construction. Many of the green materials and technologies used in green building can be expensive, and the fact that these materials are perceived as luxury items can further add to the cost. Additionally, the complexities involved in achieving green certification can sometimes be discouraging for builders and developers.
Final Thoughts
Geen building and social equity go hand in hand in that the two both encourage an environmentally and socially sustainable future. Green buildings positively impact energy efficiency and reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. Adopting green building practices helps promote social equity by increasing access to resources for more people, creating sustainable jobs, and providing healthier built environments. Despite the costs of materials and complexity of certification, governments have been playing an important role in advancing green building practices, which can ultimately benefit society as a whole.
The inherent connection between green building and social equity makes it essential for government programmes, businesses, and individuals to continue investing in and advocating for green building initiatives. Doing so can create safer, healthier, and more resilient built environments that are accessible for everyone.
