When an architect refers to "green building architecture", they obviously aren’t talking about the color of a building. Green building is a revolutionary initiative that seeks to bring sustainability as a consideration into the construction industry. Green building architecture does this by infusing design elements into a building and reducing the impact of its construction on the environment to ensure that, through the entire lifetime of the building, it will be able to offset the impacts that construction and maintenance of the building may have on the environment.

When looking to get a green building architect, there are a lot of things that the average building owner isn't completely aware of. 

You can gain knowledge by asking your architect the right questions about the growing trend of green building.

1. Are the Materials Used Eco-Friendly?

Although it's true that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the problem of materials, a client can ask their architect about the eco-friendly and green nature of the materials being used on the project.

A green architect will usually utilize materials that are eco-friendly on their project. Many green architects prefer to go with recycled-based material since these have the lowest impact on the environment. However, because of extraneous factors, an architect might decide to utilize for synthetic materials that have a large environmental impact in order to ensure the safety of the project, durability, or other concern.

Usually, when an architect uses non-sustainable materials in green architecture, they have a reason for it. You can learn what that reason is by asking.
 

2. Can the Building be Deconstructed instead of Demolished?

Green architecture is mainly focused on the entire life span of the building, which means that it encompasses things like the demolition, even though that may be decades in the future.

Demolition in itself can be a seriously impacting process, and deconstructing is a much better solution. Deconstruction allows usable elements of the building to be recycled - used in the remodeling of other green buildings in their renovations. Deconstruction helps the environment by both stopping the increase of landfill fodder and by giving fixtures new life in the remodeling of other houses.

A green architect may have deconstruction in mind.  A question about the buildings end of use will allow you to learn what your architect is thinking.
 

3. What is the Cost of the Construction compared to Traditional Methods?

Many building owners consider the cost of green architecture because they are concerned with the return on their investment. Investing in green construction can potentially save you a lot in the long run.

It’s estimated that for every one dollar invested into increasing the efficiency of the building's energy consumption, a total of three dollars is saved in the long run for the building owner. While green construction may have additional cost in the building phase, the intangible (“going green feeling”) and tangibles (increased future resale value) may be worth it.

Asking your architect to point out reasonable green decisions will help you understand the cost and return value.
 

The Architect's Input into the Process

A green architect tries to design a building that can be sustainable over the course of its lifetime. In doing so, they are tasked with implementing design choices that can help the building lower its negative impact on the world.

As a building owner you should trust your architect to make the right choices, but you should not be afraid to questions about their choices.

If you're interested in finding out more about how green architecture works, consult Bill Whittaker, Registered Architect about his choices and preferences.