5 reasons why Green Buildings are Healthier

As we are facing this pandemic, now we feel the need to go outside more than ever. Being stuck indoors has made us feel how important it is to go outside. But did you know that even before this pandemic, we were spending nearly 90 percent of our times indoors. Yet what we breathe indoors is almost two to five times more toxic than what it is outside, because of poor ventilation and the toxic chemicals from products such as carpeting or furniture.

The green building revolution started a while back and it is growing faster every year. Earlier the main focus of most of green building ratings was on reducing energy and water consumption of the building. Now it has shifted to a holistic approach in which incorporates building's effect on the occupants.

Here are 5 reasons why Green Buildings are Healthier:

1. Fresher Air!

Most of the buildings have air conditioners installed for heating as well as cooling purpose. While it is quite effective in cooling or heating the spaces, it does require recirculation of air throughout the day. This air is often used repeatedly which doesn't create a very healthy environment for breathing. These HVAC systems require a minimum threshold of fresh air from outside. Green buildings have more fresh air than this minimum threshold and ensure that there are filters present to purify the incoming fresh air.

2. COVID Safe spaces

While green buildings have been around for a time, it has mainly focused on the sustainable and ecological aspect of designing a building. But now, due to this pandemic, green buildings are focusing more and more on the occupant safety not just in terms of physical and disease safe but mentally and socially safe as well.New rating systems and additions to the existing ratings are implemented which makes the buildings more resilient to communicable diseases like COVID-19. Few of these ratings include WELL Health Safety Rating and IGBC Health and Well Being Rating

3. Bringing 'Green' indoors

As work is becoming more important, we are spending more than 90 percent of our times indoors which allows for very less interaction with nature. To counter the stress of the workplaces, Green buildings incorporates Biophilic Design which connects built environment to nature in the form of green walls, open spaces with live plants, natural light.

4. Promotes healthy lifestyle

Green buildings encourage occupants to use bicycles or green vehicles by providing bicycle parking, and green education. Some office buildings may offer healthier food options in their menu. Green buildings practice safe and responsible waste disposal which contributes to eco-friendly built environment.

5.Naturally lit spaces

Bright lighting is generally believed to make people more alert, and well-daylit spaces are generally perceived by occupants to be "better" than dim gloomy ones. Daylight factor in green buildings is higher in as much as 75% of the spaces. Overall, Green buildings are making spaces safe and resilient for occupants.