An Approach towards Sustainable Energy Performance by Green Building: A Review of Current Features, Benefits and Barriers

Abstract

Buildings are estimated to account for more than a third of the world’s resources in construction, 40 percent of global energy (including embodied energy), 12 percent of fresh water use, and generate 40 percent of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions and make up 40 percent of waste to landfill. The worldwide concerns for the impending resource crunch and the dangers of global warming, and the understanding of the role that buildings can play to contribute positively to the economy, energy security, human health and the environment have led to a quiet green building revolution around the globe over the last decade. Energy plays a vital role over the life cycle of a building, hence sustainable buildings and energy refurbishments in buildings hold enormous potential for energy saving and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The main target of this paper is to find out the effectiveness and sustainability in green building design implementations which evaluates energy performances. In addition, the paper explains the key feature of the green building as well as its usefulness, current challenges and barriers.