1.1 – What is Green Building?

Introduction

In this first part of the Certified Green Building Technician (CGBT) course, we lay the foundation for everything that follows. Understanding what green building is—and more importantly, what it is not—is essential for professionals aiming to work in sustainable construction, renovation, and facility management. Green building goes far beyond using recycled materials or installing solar panels; it is a holistic approach to designing, constructing, and operating buildings in a way that reduces negative environmental impact while enhancing occupant well-being and energy performance.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Define “green building” in both practical and technical terms

• Recognize the key goals and benefits of sustainable building design

• Understand the historical evolution of green building as a movement

• Identify major global and national organizations promoting green building

• Explain the role of a Certified Green Building Technician (CGBT) within this context

What Is Green Building?

Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life cycle—from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction.

This practice extends to:

• Efficient energy use

• Conservation of water

• Protection of occupant health

• Reduction of waste, pollution, and environmental degradation

📘 Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Learn more

Core Definition (According to Industry Standards)

According to the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC):

“A green building is one that reduces or eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment.”

This is echoed by global standards such as:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by USGBC

• WELL Building Standard by IWBI (focused on human health)

• BOMA BEST (Canada’s leading certification for building operations and sustainability)

📘 Source: CaGBC – What is a Green Building

Historical Evolution of Green Building

While ecological building concepts have existed for decades, the formal “green building” movement gained traction in the 1990s with the launch of certification programs like LEED (1998). Since then, market demand, climate change urgency, and energy regulations have driven an explosion of sustainable building practices.

Key global milestones include:

• Kyoto Protocol (1997): Global emission reduction framework

• LEED Certification Launch (1998): USGBC formalizes green building rating

• Paris Agreement (2015): Climate action agreements impacting building codes

• Net Zero Building Standards: Canada and U.S. adoption of zero-energy ready codes

Purpose and Intent of Green Building

Green building practices are designed to:

• Protect the environment: reduce carbon emissions, energy use, and material waste

• Improve occupant health: through improved indoor air quality, lighting, and thermal comfort

• Enhance building efficiency: in energy, water, and lifecycle cost

• Meet regulatory standards: such as energy codes, emissions caps, and health regulations

These goals align directly with the Certified Green Building Technician (CGBT) certification outcomes.

Real-World Example: Net Zero Elementary School (Canada)

A school in British Columbia was designed to be net-zero, utilizing geothermal energy, solar panels, passive design, and VOC-free materials. It not only consumes minimal energy but also boosts student performance due to better lighting and air quality.

Best Practice Highlight:
CGBTs working on such projects must coordinate with engineers, code officials, and sustainability consultants to ensure compliance with both local building codes and green design benchmarks.

Roles and Responsibilities of a CGBT

As a Certified Green Building Technician (CGBT), you are expected to:

• Analyze project specifications to identify sustainability opportunities

• Communicate green building goals to stakeholders

• Assist in selecting low-impact materials and high-efficiency systems

• Contribute to building performance assessments (e.g., air quality testing, thermal efficiency, material lifecycle)

Best Practices in Green Building

CGBTs should follow these essential best practices:

• Integrated Design Process (IDP): Engage all stakeholders early to maximize sustainability

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Evaluate long-term environmental impacts of materials

• Passive Design Techniques: Reduce heating/cooling needs through architectural strategies

• Commissioning: Ensure systems (HVAC, lighting, water) operate as intended after installation

📘 Reference: National Institute of Building Sciences – Whole Building Design Guide

Conclusion

Green building is more than a trend—it is a professional obligation for those seeking to create and maintain buildings that serve both people and the planet. As a future Certified Green Building Technician (CGBT), this foundational knowledge equips you to be a part of the solution in transforming the built environment.

Quiz Prep Tip

Know these terms:

• LEED, WELL, BOMA BEST

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

• Passive Design

• Net-Zero Building

• Integrated Design Process

✅ Internal IAQCert Reference Links

• Certified Green Building Technician (CGBT)

• Certified Indoor Air Quality Testing Technician (CIAQTT) – Often used together with green building evaluations

• Certified Building Biology Technician (CBBT) – Focus on biological risks in buildings

✅ External Links

• EPA Green Building

• Canada Green Building Council

• LEED by USGBC

• WELL Building Standard

• National Institute of Building Sciences