Review and Assessment of Factors Associated with Green Building Rating Systems

Abstract

Globalization has created rapid development in every sector, especially in the infrastructure and real estate sector. Building and construction industry is responsible for energy-related CO2 emissions through the manufacturing of building materials, products and also have adverse impacts on non-renewable resources. For mitigation of these adverse impacts, green construction practices are encouraged by most of the countries in the world by developing various green building rating systems. These systems include criteria like energy efficiency, passive design aspects, renewable energy systems incorporation, life cycle assessment (LCA), post-occupancy evaluation, site planning, and resources conservation aspects and innovations which are common in most of the countries’ rating systems. Although we have these green rating systems, the construction practices and on-site actions of contractors, architects, engineers, and consultants play a very crucial role in the implementation of these green principles. This paper aims to investigate the gaps between the theories of green rating systems and the adoption of the green specifications actually in practice in construction projects. This will help to point out the hurdles in the adoption and execution of green construction practices and also suggest the useful implications for government, construction companies, and green building councils for better application of green construction practices on sites.