Green building: features and famous examples

It may seem like a trend of the moment, but the design of green buildings will soon become the standard for the construction of all types of buildings. From zero-energy buildings to passive ones, the objective is to reduce environmental impact with solutions ranging from tradition to innovation.

Let’s not be unprepared, therefore, and see what is meant by green buildings, what characteristics cannot be missing, and which famous examples we could take as inspiration.

Green buildings: what are they

Green buildings, also known as green buildings or sustainable buildings, are constructions designed and built with the aim of minimizing their impact on the environment and promoting sustainability throughout their life cycle, from design to demolition, to material recycling. These buildings are designed with the utmost attention to energy saving, responsible use of resources, and inhabitant comfort.

The design of a green building requires a series of special attentions to maximize energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainability.

Sustainable building techniques

Here are some key aspects considered during the design of a green building:

• Orienting and passive design: the arrangement and orientation of the building can maximize the use of natural light and optimize summer and winter air conditioning. This may include the position and size of windows, the shape of the building, and the use of elements such as adjustable sunshades, green roofs, ventilation chimneys, ventilated facades, double skin, etc., to reduce solar heating and improve natural ventilation;
• Energy efficiency: use of high-efficiency insulation materials, high-performance windows, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and integration of technologies for automated control of energy systems;
• Renewable energy sources: installation of systems for energy production from renewable sources such as solar panels, photovoltaics, wind turbines, or cogeneration systems can help reduce the use of energy from non-renewable sources. In the design phase, support from tools and photovoltaic software is necessary to size the plants for the production of electricity from renewable sources, evaluate the correct positioning to maximize performance, and optimize the return on investment times;
• Sustainable materials: the use of low environmental impact building materials, recycled and recyclable, or from renewable sources can reduce the overall environmental impact of the building. This includes materials such as certified wood, recycled concrete, natural insulation, and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints;
• Water management: implementation of systems for rainwater collection, graywater reuse, and wastewater management can reduce overall water consumption and promote the water sustainability of the building;
• Indoor environmental quality: use of non-toxic and low VOC materials to ensure a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, along with solutions to maximize natural light and ventilation;
• Waste management: integration of systems for separate waste collection during construction and use of the building, as well as planning for recycling and reuse of materials at the end of the building’s useful life;
• Monitoring and optimization: installation of monitoring and control systems to assess and optimize energy efficiency, water consumption, and indoor environment of the building over time.

By integrating these aspects into the design of a building, it is possible to create structures that reduce environmental impact and promote long-term sustainability. To have valid support in the design of sustainable buildings, you can apply the BIM methodology, use software for energy calculation, and implement BIM management platforms for managing the entire life cycle of constructions in your daily workflow.

Practical examples of green building design and features for modern construction

Today, various approaches to the design of eco-sustainable buildings have developed, with one being favored over another depending on the surrounding conditions and the results that are desired. Among the practical examples of green building design, we have:

• solar architecture, related to optics, thermal science, materials science, and everything that harnesses clean and renewable solar energy, considering the building as a receptor of solar energy;
• bioclimatic architecture, whose basic principle is to leverage the climate by applying design elements and building technology to save energy and ensure comfortable construction conditions;
• vernacular architecture, characterized by the use of local materials and knowledge, usually without the supervision of professional architects. This results in simple and practical buildings that replicate building traditions and traditional construction methods;
• ecological architecture, low environmental impact housing, designed and built with materials and technologies that reduce environmental impact and energy needs;
• NZEB architecture, design and construction of energy-efficient buildings that meet their energy needs entirely based on on-site renewable sources.

Sustainable features in construction: examples of green building materials

The construction sector is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions: traditional materials such as cement, steel, and aluminum require large amounts of energy to produce and deplete the environment of precious resources that are difficult to replace.
New eco-friendly and sustainable practices focus on the use of sustainable building materials, making buildings not only more energy-efficient but also more sustainable and less costly in terms of structure and composition.

Among the main green materials, we can mention:

• bamboo, used for roofing and support structures, is also common in flooring and aesthetic furnishings. It is a strong and flexible material that absorbs a high amount of CO2 during growth;
• hemp, whose inner core, when mixed with water and lime, produces a lightweight, fireproof, and durable building material, used for external cladding, breathable walls, and insulating slabs;
• cork, which in addition to its insulating properties, buoyancy, and durability, is also resistant to moisture, mold, and fire, making it widely used in acoustic and thermal panels;
• stone, abundant in nature, durable, and fully recyclable. A historic building material that also has insulating properties making it suitable for sustainable buildings;
• prefabricated concrete, being manufactured in a factory, the production of concrete is much more efficient, reducing material consumption and waste;
• 3D printed concrete, like prefabrication, 3D printing methods provide more precise control over the mix and the amount of concrete consumed. Additionally, nearly unlimited shapes and designs allow for the creation of lighter and stronger structures more easily, with much less energy consumed by heavy equipment during construction;
• recycled plastic, resistant to moisture, corrosion, and wear, making it an excellent option for external elements such as cladding and terraces or internal elements like flooring, countertops, and wall panels.

Examples of green buildings that have a concrete impact on the ecosystem

Green buildings are not just a trend; they are the future of sustainable urban planning. Here are some concrete examples of green building design that showcase innovative approaches to sustainability and have a tangible impact on the entire ecosystem:

• Pixel Building, Melbourne, Australia – completed in 2010 and designed by Studio 505, it is considered the first Australian building with net carbon dioxide emissions equal to zero. It represents a significant example of sustainable architecture due to the technological solutions adopted to reduce environmental impact. The building features panels made from recycled waste material, mounted on a metal structure, which provide not only a distinctive aesthetic but also internal lighting and solar protection. From an energy perspective, the building is self-sufficient thanks to a rooftop photovoltaic system and wind turbines visible on the facade. To reduce energy consumption, the building is equipped with advanced insulation, a green roof with a rainwater collection and reuse system, and a natural ventilation system. Heating and cooling are managed through a water-ammonia absorption heat pump, with an efficiency superior to conventional gas boilers. In the choice of materials, recycled and low environmental impact materials are prioritized, such as low carbon dioxide emission concrete;
• World Trade Center, Manama, Bahrain – this consists of two twin towers integrated with wind turbines. They are the first skyscrapers in the world to integrate wind turbines into their design: the three turbines, mounted between the towers, generate about 15% of the buildings’ electricity. The sail-like shapes of the towers channel the wind towards the turbines, optimizing their efficiency, while the reflecting pools at the base help cool through evaporation;
• One Bryant Park, New York – this is a skyscraper equipped with a cogeneration system that produces electricity and heat, reducing dependence on external energy sources. The building uses advanced water recycling systems to reduce water waste. It has received LEED Platinum certification, making it one of the greenest skyscrapers in the world.
• Floating School, Makoko, Lagos, Nigeria – designed by Kunle Adeyemi, this school floats on 256 plastic barrels and is built with locally sourced wood. Solar panels provide electricity and rainwater collection systems power the toilets. This innovative design addresses environmental challenges and engages the local community in its construction.

Examples of iconic green buildings: at the forefront of sustainability

In the ongoing quest for a sustainable future, buildings play a significant role in contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions, and among the most iconic green buildings, we cannot forget:

• Vertical Forest, Milan, Italy: designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti, the two residential towers host over 20,000 trees and plants, equivalent to an entire hectare of forest, which develops vertically. The vegetation is strategically placed on the balconies of the towers, creating an extraordinary visual effect while providing significant environmental benefits. The plants help filter dust, reduce noise pollution, produce oxygen, and regulate temperature;
• One Central Park, Sydney, Australia: famous for its innovative use of greenery, it consists of a series of sky gardens that cascade down the facade, creating impactful architectural spaces that are essential for reducing the building’s energy consumption. Iconic is also the system of motorized mirrors that follow the movement of the sun and reflect light into the shaded areas of the park and the buildings;
• Beitou Public Library, Taipei, Taiwan: represents Taiwan’s first green library and spans two floors designed to reduce water and electricity consumption thanks to its large windows. The roof is partially covered with photovoltaic cells to generate energy and also collect rainwater for use in the bathrooms;
• Apple Park Main Building, Cupertino, California: designed by Foster + Partners and inaugurated in 2017, embodies Apple’s environmental sustainability. It is powered by clean energy, thanks to a 17-megawatt solar system on the roof, one of the largest in the world, and a 4-megawatt biogas fuel cell system. The structure saves over 30 million gallons of drinking water annually thanks to a system for reusing treated wastewater;
• Parkroyal Collection, Singapore, Singapore: this luxury hotel consists of about 15,000 m² of garden terraces, the sky gardens. These terraces are designed to be self-sufficient and consume minimal energy through the use of solar cells, motion sensors, and rainwater collection for subsequent recycling.

Creative solutions: examples of green building design that inspire

Innovative green buildings are reshaping the future of sustainable architecture, demonstrating how design can work closely with the natural world and becoming a source of inspiration for all future architectures.

An impressive example is the West Building of the Vancouver Convention Centre, in Canada, which features:

• a black water treatment plant that cleans and recycles grey and black water for non-potable uses, such as toilet flushing and irrigation of the green roof;
• a seawater heating and cooling system that uses the surrounding seawater to provide cooling in the warmer months and heating in the colder months;
• a restored marine habitat, integrated into the very foundations of the building, that improves water quality and promotes the growth of marine life;
• on-site biocomposters that reduce the mass of organic waste by about 70-80%;
• a six-acre green roof, the largest in Canada, which hosts over 400,000 indigenous plants and herbs, and to help pollinate the plants, there are four beehives that house European honeybees.

Another example of maximum creativity is the Construction Industry Council Zero Carbon Park in Hong Kong, which generates more energy than it uses, demonstrating the power of renewable technologies and smart design. Its passive design with climate-sensitive shape, orientation, layout, and building envelope enhances natural ventilation, natural light, and solar shading.

The use of high-efficiency active systems such as high-volume low-speed fans, high-temperature cooling systems, and smart control coupling reduces the potential energy demand by 25%. At the same time, to offset the embodied carbon of its construction process and major structural materials, on-site renewable energy generation has been adopted through biodiesel trigeneration and cutting-edge photovoltaic (PV) technologies.

Examples of sustainable green buildings: redefining eco-sustainable architecture

To redefine the idea of eco-sustainable architecture, it is necessary to start from the creative and realization process, studying all phases of concept, design, execution, and decommissioning.

It is essential to focus on parameters such as site selection, because the new building must coexist with the existing environment and have the least possible impact, and the analysis of the urban context, considering the proximity and presence of public transport and green spaces, which should be respected and not deprived of their identity.

Only then can we move on to more technical and construction aspects such as thermal insulation, ventilation, temperature control, and utilization of natural lighting.

To reduce the impact, it is then necessary to focus on energy production and heating and cooling from renewable sources.

Among the revolutionary structures that utilize renewable energy, maximize resource efficiency, and prioritize occupant well-being, establishing a new standard for eco-sustainable living, we can mention:

• Cube Berlin, in Germany, a building inaugurated in 2020, designated as office space in a cube shape near the main train station. Its facade is folded inward with creases and wrinkles along its surface, and the window glass is coated to reduce heat inside the building. It is such an intelligent and sustainable structure that adapts the building’s energy settings over time based on the behavior of its users inside;
• Sun-Moon Mansion in Dezhou, in China, which is one of the largest solar-powered skyscrapers in the world. It has a fan-shaped roof with over 5,000 strategically placed solar panels that provide 98% of the energy;
• Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre in Hyderabad, in India, is a complex of offices, research laboratories, and conference rooms. About 60% of the buildings are covered by green roofs and 40% by photovoltaic panels that provide about 20% of the energy needs of the entire complex.

Innovative features and examples of green building technology shaping the future

The future of sustainable architecture is filled with exciting new ideas that are set to change the way we design and construct buildings. With everyone pushing for eco-friendly practices, architects and developers are stepping up, showcasing fantastic projects that push the boundaries of green building.

The push towards NZEB buildings, net zero energy, with ultra-efficient HVAC systems that use artificial intelligence to predict and proactively manage building performance as conditions change is growing thanks to architects and engineers working every day to create buildings that produce the same amount of energy they use.

By utilizing smart technologies for energy management and monitoring and reducing water consumption, these innovative buildings indeed save energy and reduce their environmental impact.

At the same time, research is also accelerating to create carbon-neutral designs.

Carbon control is becoming increasingly necessary due to the greenhouse gas emissions produced by the extraction, production, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials.

The principles related to smart buildings are also important trends, as they can reduce high climate-related costs by using advanced technologies to connect, analyze, optimize, and automate key performance elements.

In addition to new infrastructures, older buildings are increasingly being renovated with smart systems and other green building technologies, such as the implementation of energy-efficient HVAC systems, new water-saving measures, the addition of green roofs and walls, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar and photovoltaic panels.

This approach to sustainable architecture is paving the way for a future where buildings actively help the planet.

To have valid support in designing sustainable buildings, one can apply the BIM methodology, use energy calculation software, and implement BIM management platforms in the workflow for managing the entire lifecycle of constructions.

Also, take a look at the article “Green BIM: objectives and potential of the integration between BIM and green building” to delve deeper into the connection between BIM and sustainable design.