Green technologies in practice: An overview of global initiatives tied to local execution in building design

Abstract

‘Global green’ comes in many forms and sizes. But what does it mean in practice to the design of campuses and facilities? With the growing number of campus-wide initiatives, there are also a growing number of ‘green’ strategies, products and practices. What new technologies, innova-tive building systems, building materials and other sustainable products, if incorporated into a design, will make a difference? How do designers determine a ‘green’ strategy that will align with a par-ticular institution's goals as well as the goals of the greater community? For optimum results, there should be a strong link between global green initiatives and their local implementation; this includes the use of green technologies, strategies for environmental stewardship and ensuing economic growth. A clear global initiative, implemented locally, can create and sustain viable environments for generations to come. This is a very exciting time for real-estate developers to take a leadership role in the provision of green cam-pus and building solutions that will benefit their communities far into the future. This paper will examine three global initiatives and present case studies to illustrate how to put green philosophy into practice.