Definition
Green Building is the creation, restoration, renovation or rehabilitation of a building in such a way that it is asecologically sound as possible at every stage of its construction, and later, its use (heating, energy consumption, discharge of various flows: water, waste).
Issues and principles
The challenges and principles of eco-construction are based on 5 issues:
- An integrated approach
All those involved in eco-building must follow an integrated approach based on the relevance and quality of the materials and resources used in the eco-building project.
- Taking geographical constraints into account
Eco-construction takes into account environmental constraints: the terrain, its orientation, its gradients, the layout of neighboring buildings and trees, to adapt the project to geographical constraints.
- Careful choice of materials
Careful choice of building materials, both high-performance and environmentally-friendly, helps avoid thermal bridges.
- Energy management and high energy performance
Energy management in eco-construction involves mastering techniques that significantly reduce energy consumption, with a view to energy autonomy, financial savings and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- User health and comfort
In addition to the visual, acoustic, thermal and hygrothermal comfort that eco-housing must generate, the health and comfort of occupants are crucial criteria in eco-construction. A healthy place to live refers to the quality of air, water, electromagnetic fields and humidity levels.
International certifications
Source: “What and Why green buildings in Finland, Heli Kotilainen, “Green Building Business Opportunity Seminar 17.9.2015
United States: LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a North American system for certifying buildings of high environmental quality, created by the US Green Building Council in 1998. A building can reach four levels: certified, silver, gold or platinum.
France
：
HQE
HQE™ is the French High Environmental Quality certification for the construction or operation of buildings and for land development. HQE™ promotes best practices and sustainable quality of achievements and offers expert support throughout the project.
In France, certification is operated by 3 certifiers:
Certivea for land and non-residential buildings under construction, renovation and operation.
Cerqual for housing.
Cequami for single-family homes
China
：
Green Building Evaluation Label(GBEL)
The Green Building Evaluation Label (GBEL) is a voluntary national rating system in China administered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD).
GBEL is a green building certification program that evaluates projects in six categories:. land, energy, water, resources / material efficiency, indoor environmental quality and operational management. The certification uses a three-star system, with three stars the highest level, followed by two stars and one star.