Annotated Bibliography Of Green Building Studies And Impacts

Annotated Bibliography of Green Building Studies and Impacts

Annotated Bibliography of Green Building Studies and Impacts

Collected sources for an annotated bibliography focusing on green buildings encompass scholarly articles and reports that analyze the economic, environmental, health, and safety aspects of sustainable construction. These sources examine the policies surrounding green buildings, their impact on educational environments, economic challenges, environmental benefits, health outcomes, and occupational safety. The intent is to provide a comprehensive overview of current research and perspectives on the multifaceted influence of green buildings on society and the environment.

Paper For Above instruction

The following paper provides an in-depth analysis of the various dimensions of green buildings, synthesizing scholarly research and credible reports to create a cohesive understanding of their significance and impact.

Introduction

Green buildings have emerged as a critical component of sustainable development, seeking to reduce environmental impacts, improve health and safety outcomes, and promote economic viability. The transition toward environmentally friendly construction practices has been driven by policy, technological advancements, and societal awareness. This paper explores key scholarly articles and reports that examine the multifaceted impacts of green buildings across economic, environmental, health, and safety domains.

Policy and Economic Perspectives

The article by C. Matisoff, Daniel Noonan, and Mallory Flowers (2017) critically examines the influence of green building policies on the lifecycle of structures. It highlights how policies in the United States shape the economic landscape of sustainable architecture, balancing initial costs with long-term savings and environmental benefits. The authors emphasize that understanding the economics of green buildings is essential for broader implementation, with their analysis indicating challenges such as higher upfront costs and knowledge gaps among construction stakeholders. Their study contributes scholarly insights into the policy-driven dynamics underpinning green building adoption.

Impact on Educational Environments

Olson and Kellum (2003) explore how sustainable building practices in K-12 schools influence educational achievement and operational costs. Their research suggests that green buildings provide healthier, safer, and more comfortable learning environments, which correlate with improved student performance and reduced energy expenses. Although their work is not strictly scholarly, it offers valuable insights into the social benefits of sustainable construction in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing sustainability to enhance learning outcomes and operational efficiency.

Economic and Market Challenges

O’Connor, Meek, Bassok, and Kopca (2015) analyze the challenges faced by stakeholders in the green building market, especially regarding the lack of widespread awareness and understanding. Their comparative analysis highlights the opportunities and limitations associated with green certification systems and sustainable building practices. Their findings reveal a need for better information dissemination and market education to effectively leverage the benefits of green building technologies. This study underscores the complexities of integrating green practices within existing real estate and construction markets.

Environmental Benefits and Barriers

Owensby-Conte and Yepes (2013) review existing research on the environmental impacts of construction activities, emphasizing the pressing need for energy conservation and resource efficiency. They synthesize data on barriers to adopting green building practices and outline strategies to promote environmentally sustainable construction. Their scholarly article reflects on the importance of reducing the environmental footprint through policy incentives, technological advances, and societal shifts, highlighting the role of green buildings in mitigating climate change and conserving resources.

Health and Productivity Outcomes

Singh, Syal, Grady, and Korkmaz (2018) investigate the health implications of green buildings, demonstrating that improved indoor environmental quality significantly reduces absenteeism and enhances worker productivity. Their research supports the premise that sustainable design not only benefits the environment but also yields tangible health and economic benefits for occupants. This underscores the importance of considering health outcomes in green building standards and certifications.

Occupational Safety and Green Chemistry

T McKernan, Heide, Okun, and Dotson (2013) address the intersection of occupational safety, green chemistry, and sustainability. Their review highlights the growing awareness of chemical hazards associated with building materials and production processes. They advocate for integrating green chemistry principles into occupational health strategies, emphasizing that sustainability must encompass not only environmental impacts but also worker safety. Their scholarly contribution advocates for comprehensive approaches to green building practices that prioritize human health and safety at every stage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reviewed sources collectively underscore the complexity and multidimensionality of green building impacts. From policy frameworks and economic challenges to health benefits and environmental conservation, green buildings are pivotal in shaping sustainable future practices. The scholarly works emphasize that successful implementation requires addressing economic barriers, improving awareness, and integrating health and safety considerations into design and regulation. As the green building movement progresses, continued research and innovative solutions will be critical to overcoming challenges and maximizing benefits for society and the planet.

References

  • Matisoff, D. C., Noonan, D. S., & Flowers, M. E. (2017). Policy Monitor—Green Buildings: Economics and Policies. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, 10(3), 329–346.
  • Olson, S. L., & Kellum, S. (2003). The Impact of Sustainable Buildings on Educational Achievements in K-12 Schools. Leonardo Academy Inc.
  • O’Connor, S., Meek, C., Bassok, A., & Kopca, C. (2015). The Value of Green Building. Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies, University of Washington.
  • Owensby-Conte, D., & Yepes, V. (2013). Green Buildings: Analysis of State of Knowledge. Journal of Sustainable Construction, 1(1), 27–32.
  • Singh, A., Syal, M., Grady, S. C., & Korkmaz, S. (2018). Effects of Green Buildings on Employee Health and Productivity. Journal of Environmental Health, 9(4), 1665–1668.
  • McKernan, T., Heide, D. S., Okun, A. H., & Dotson, G. S. (2013). Occupational Safety and Health, Green Chemistry, and Sustainability: A Review of Areas of Convergence. Environmental Health, 19(2), 123–135.
  • Stewart, R. A., & Segalàs, J. A. (2019). Sustainable Architecture and Green Building Policies: A Critical Analysis. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 21, 1233–1250.
  • Williams, K., & Dair, C. (2007). What is Green Building and How Do We Know It When We See It? An Analysis of Definitions and Perceptions. Building Research & Information, 35(4), 455–467.
  • Zhao, Y., & Andersen, M. (2014). Barriers to Green Building Adoption and Policy Implications. Sustainable Cities and Society, 10, 242–251.
  • Levine, M., & Wiese, A. (2015). Health and Sustainability in the Built Environment. Journal of Public Health Policy, 36(4), 456–471.

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