The seriousness and immediacy of the environmental issues we now face are such that Sustainable Design can no longer remain the preserve of a small number of specialists and enthusiasts. Building owners and users will increasingly demand higher standards of environmental performance of the construction industry. Architects will need to respond by developing a clear understanding of the nature of environmental pressures, and of appropriate design and construction strategies to reduce impacts. Appropriate material choices to minimize environmental impacts will be a key component of sustainable design. The Best Practices Guide is intended to provide architects with practical information to assist in selection of appropriate green building materials. Background material is provided on environmental issues specific to each material type, and specific selection criteria are provided and prioritized. In all cases material choices are placed within a larger context that discusses performance issues to avoid the use of materials that achieve green design goals at the expense of acceptable performance in other areas.
• from: GVRD • document: Best Practices • in detail XlnkS5F9 XlnkC179D