World Green Building Week honours top architects and retrofitters

Green buildings often cost up to 5 percent more than traditional buildings during construction, but will reduce waste output by 70 percent, water usage by 40 percent and energy usage by 30 to 50 percent. As part of the campaign, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has released a new report outlining the impact of building green.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, buildings consume between 30-40% of global energy. There is no single larger global contributor – and thereby potential reducer – of carbon than the building sector. Green buildings can also play a central role in providing affordable housing, job creation and disaster recovery, according to a new report from the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) launched today at the start of World Green Building Week. The building sector directly employs 5-10% of the workforce in most countries.

Tackling Global Climate Change, Meeting Local Priorities highlights how green buildings can play a valuable role in meeting local needs worldwide, including in areas hit by natural disasters, as well as providing the most cost-effective way of tackling climate change.

"In the past some thought we could only address environmental concerns when the going was good and that 'green' had to take a back seat to economic growth when times got challenging" notes Jane Henley, CEO of WorldGBC. "This report shows that to be a false choice. We have a growing evidence base of international examples in which homes, buildings and communities are addressing pressing local needs and reducing carbon emissions at the same time."

"Buildings are simply the most cost-effective way of reducing carbon emissions and policy-makers around the world must recognize this at the upcoming international negotiations at COP16 in Mexico," Jane Henley says.

"This is a timely message. The impact of the financial crisis is still with us, while the situation in Pakistan provides a reminder of the terrible devastation that natural disasters can cause," says Paul King, CEO of the UK Green Building Council and Chair of the WorldGBC Policy Taskforce. "The challenges facing countries around the world may vary locally, but a common theme remains – the importance of the built environment in providing communities with a high quality of life. As we also strive to radically reduce carbon emissions we can't miss these win-win opportunities – tackling global climate change and meeting local priorities."

ABOUT WORLD GREEN BUILDING WEEK:

WorldGBC and its member green building councils celebrated the inaugural World Green Building Day on September 23 2009 to raise the profile of green buildings globally in the lead up to COP15 in Copenhagen.

This year's World Green Building Week will be celebrated through a number of key activities including the launch of the WorldGBC Special Report 'Tackling Global Climate Change – Meeting Local Priorities' and a host of synchronized green building events around the world.

Green building councils in over 20 countries around the world will be hosting an event in or around this week, including:

Australia: The GBCA will be hosting a 'Green Tie' Gala Dinner on September 22, as well as encouraging members to host their own events – from site tours and debates through to green treasure hunts. For more information on the range of activities: www.gbca.org.au/world-green-building-week-2010.asp

Colombia: The Colombia Green Building Council will be holding a Green Building Seminar on September 23 with invited government representatives to increase awareness of actions necessary to support the growth of green building initiatives across the country.

South Africa: The Green Building Council of South Africa will be holding its 3rd annual Green Building Convention & Exhibition on September 20-22. Drawing on the growing energy of the African Regional Network, the GBCSA will also be holding an Africa GBC Day on September 23, bringing together developing green building councils from across the African continent.

United Kingdom: The UK Green Building Council will be holding an event at City Hall in London, with keynote speaker Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

More Green Energy links:

Online Media Release about World Green Building Week

Geothermal Energy Investing website

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