Introduction to
Green Buildings
Heading toward a more sustainable living in the cities
Foreword
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the critical
importance of green building practices. As the international
community unites around strategies to mitigate climate change
and reduce environmental impact, green building has emerged as
a key solution for achieving energy efficiency, reducing carbon
footprints, and promoting sustainability. In alignment with global
initiatives, including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) , Qatar has committed to advancing green infrastructure
to meet the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030
(QNV2030) , which aims for substantial reductions in carbon
emissions and the promotion of sustainable urban development.
Faced with growing challenges such as urbanization, resource
constraints, and environmental degradation, green building
practices offer a proactive response that balances growth with
environmental stewardship.
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The Definition of Green Building
General Definition
A green building is defined as a structure that, through its design, construction, and operation, minimizes or eliminates negative impacts
and can create positive effects on the climate and natural environment. This type of building is resource-efficient and environmentally
responsible throughout its lifecycle, from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition.
Characteristics
Energy Efficiency Water Efficiency
Utilizing energy-efficient systems and
technologies to reduce energy Implementing measures to reduce water
consumption, often incorporating usage and improve water management,
renewable energy sources such as solar or including the use of water-saving fixtures,
wind power. rainwater harvesting.
Sustainable Materials Indoor Air Quality
Using environmentally friendly materials Ensuring good indoor air quality, adequate
that are recycled, recyclable, or sustainably ventilation, natural lighting, and the use of
sourced to minimize the ecological footprint non-toxic materials to promote the health
of the building. and well-being of occupants.
In addition to the previous, waste management is also another key aspect of green buildings
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Why is it relevant?
For commercial buildings
Source: IREENA
8 4
• HVAC: +XX%
• Water heating: + xx%
5
• Lighting: + xx%
36 •
•
Electronics: + xx%
Refrigeration: +xx%
• Cooking: +xx%
• Other: +xx%
18
40% 33% 25% 20 9
HVAC Water heating Lighting Electronics Refrigeration Cooking Other
Source: IEA World Energy Outlook
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Decarbonizing Brown Buildings
Replacement of these fossil fuel-based system with
electric alternatives, possibly generated by renewables.
Avoiding energy consumption when it is not required.
For example, a smart lighting and AC sensors.
Providing the same output with less energy
consumption is what energy efficiency is about.
Adopting renewable energy (i.e. solar or wind) to
power facilities, as opposed to fossil fuels.
From Brown… …to Green
Conventional Building Decarbonized Building
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Benefits of transitioning to Green Buildings
Economical Social
Property Value Cost Saving Marketability Health, Well being Productivity Community
Higher property Lower utility Enhanced brand Improved air Better indoor Features like
values and bills, reduced image attracts quality, natural environments green spaces
rental income water costs, and eco-conscious lighting, and increase promote
due to desirable lower stakeholders. thermal productivity and community
features. maintenance comfort. reduce quality of life.
expenses. absenteeism.
The transition to green buildings represents a major vector to achieve net zero and fuel the decarbonization effort
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International Green Building Certifications
Covers various aspects like sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency,
materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Originated in the UK and is widely used in Europe and beyond. It assesses a building’s
environmental, social, and economic sustainability performance.
GREEN
CERTIFICATIONS Focuses on enhancing health and well-being through the built environment.. It covers aspects
such as air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.
It provides a flexible, comprehensive, and user-friendly way to advance the overall
environmental performance and sustainability of commercial buildings.
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National Museum of Qatar
The museum features systems
for capturing and reusing
rainwater, reducing the demand
for freshwater resources. This is Windows are designed with
particularly important in arid high-performance glazing that
environments like Qatar. reflects solar heat while allowing
natural light, further
contributing to energy efficiency.
The surrounding landscape
incorporates native plant species
that require minimal irrigation,
The use of thick, solid materials
promoting biodiversity and
helps stabilize indoor
reducing water consumption.
temperatures by absorbing heat
during the day and releasing it at
night, further reducing energy
demand
Local and sustainable materials The iconic design of the museum,
were used in the construction, inspired by the desert rose, provides
which reduces the natural shading and helps regulate the
environmental impact of indoor temperature, reducing the
transportation and resource reliance on energy-consuming cooling
extraction. systems.
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BullitCenter in Seattle (Washington)
224 kw produced from the
575 pv panels rooftop
produces more electricity
more than the building needs
per year
the building does not contain
“Red List” hazardous materials
as explained, including PVC,
cadmium, lead, mercury and
hormone-mimicking
substances, all of which are
commonly found in building
components.
Flood to ceiling windows Eleven 100 years sycamore trees
To maximize day lighting provide urban refuge In McGlivra
place park
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The Edge Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Solar Power Generation: The
Edge generates its own
energy using extensive solar
panels on the rooftop and
Captures and reuses façade.
rainwater for non-potable
purposes like toilet flushing
and irrigation.
Equipped with over 28,000
sensors that monitor
temperature, light, humidity,
and occupancy, ensuring
optimal energy usage.
The use of recycled and low-
impact materials throughout
the construction.
The building uses smart Uses LED lighting that
systems to control heating, adjusts based on the
ventilation, and air presence of people and
conditioning (HVAC) for natural light availability
energy optimization.
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Follow us on LinkedIn Read Our Latest Decks
Sharifa M. H. Al Marri
Senior Geoscientist, MSc
University of Aberdeen
Eng. Giorgio Torre
Energy Expert and Data Scientist
European and GCC Governments
Mustapha Aanzi
Chief Commercial Officer
IBECE Energy
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