Green Building

Green building encompasses the full spectrum of practices aimed at creating structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their entire lifecycle, from siting and design through construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and eventual demolition. The concept has ancient roots in vernacular architecture, where builders naturally worked with local materials and climate-responsive designs, but the modern green building movement gained momentum in the 1970s during the energy crisis and accelerated significantly in the 1990s with the establishment of formal certification systems like LEED and BREEAM. Today, green building has evolved from a niche interest into mainstream practice, driven by mounting evidence of climate change, rising energy costs, and growing awareness of indoor environmental health. For interior designers, green building principles inform every material selection, fixture specification, and spatial layout decision. This means choosing finishes that improve rather than compromise indoor air quality, specifying fixtures that conserve water and energy, designing for natural daylighting and ventilation, and selecting durable materials that minimize lifecycle environmental impact. The return on investment extends beyond environmental benefits to include lower operating costs, improved occupant health and productivity, and higher property values.