Page 62 - Green Builder Sept-Oct 2019 Issue

SMART CITIES

The Future of Green Buildings

Part I: The Top 5 Coming Challenges

Another reason that this will be important is that these
This is the first in a series of articles about requirements may also become mandatory to sell a house or building
upcoming challenges and advancements in in the future, in some locations. For example, some U.S. jurisdictions
green city architecture, master planning and already require that new houses must be wired for charging units
technology. in the garage for electric cars, to pass final inspection and receive
an occupancy permit or to sell the house. Anticipate that more local
and national requirements will be developed.
BY TERRY BEAUBOIS
REEN BUILDING HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE. More people
every day are becoming aware of the benefits of green
building. What will also develop in the future, along with
this increasing interest, is the growing need for up-to-
G date knowledge about how to best provide green homes
and buildings, so that builders can benefit directly from the coming,
greener environment.
The green building industry is not alone in facing future challenges.
This year, I am involved in events, classes and articles related to the
futures of architecture, green building, master planned communities,
smart cities and technology transfer to the building industry. I am
drawing from my work in all of these areas to derive what matters
most and can benefit green builders.
Here are the top five issues to consider in green building, from
my perspective:

Human Health in Green Buildings
and Related Requirements
Human health will become one of the main reasons that people will
want green buildings in the near future. The health of their families
and/or employees is of great importance to your clients. The reason
that builders, homeowners and building owners will address this
in new projects will include an increase in local and national codes
that require it.
For your clients and building permit agencies, you will need to be
able to show that you are aware of this and can provide a healthy
home that is a green building. This includes air quality (indoor,
outdoor, humidity), water quality, and how you will provide this
with the design and construction of a green building.
Also included is how the products you use will meet these standards
(safety, no outgassing, etc.), and how the mechanical equipment and CREDIT: EARTH AND MAIN/FLICKR
plumbing products will meet coming newly required product and
performance standards. These requirements will come from the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Energy Juice box. Some jurisdictions already require homes to be EV charging
(DoE) and other government agencies. capable—a scenario the rest of the nation will eventually follow.

60 GREEN BUILDER September/October 2019 www.greenbuildermedia.com

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