FOREWORD: TCA Guide to Green Building

If you are reading this foreword, then chances are you are like countless others that have succumbed to the inevitability of Building Green.  Whether your interest has peaked as a result of economic, social and/or political pressures, this guide is for you.

Whether the inevitability is a result of newly imposed government regulations; introduction of new technologies that make economic sense and/or a heightened awareness of how the Construction industry can actually make an impact, the movements underfoot today are not just a passing fancy.  Building Green is a worldwide phenomenon that is evolving at a pace which makes it difficult to stay abreast.  Surprisingly though, the principles behind the current movements are much easier to grasp than one might imagine. 

To begin with, a worldwide campaign was launched following the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol on December 11^th, 1997 and development of the Copenhagen Accord created at the COP-15 Copenhagen Energy Summit on December 18^th, 2009.   The Accord is a 6 page agreement drawn up by leaders from the US, China, India, Brazil and South Africa and has been recognized by the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.  It includes agreement to the following:

• Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time.

• Deep cuts in global emissions are required.

• Adaption to the adverse effects of climate change and potential impacts of response measures is a challenge faced by all countries.

• Commitment to implement the quantified economy-wide emission targets for 2020.

• Call for an assessment of the implementation of this Accord by 2015.

Of the key issues addressed at the last two World Future Energy Summit (WFES), Sustainable Buildings is included in the list of top six issues addressed.

In order to better comprehend the importance of the Building Sector, reference is made to dialogue from the Architecture 2030.org website where buildings are identified as the hidden sector, being “the single largest contributor to global warming…Data from the US Energy Information Administration illustrates that buildings are responsible for almost half (48%) of all energy consumption and GHG emissions annually; globally the percentage is even greater.  Seventy-six percent (76%) of all power plant generated electricity is used to operate buildings”.

Clearly, immediate action in the Building Sector is essential if we are to avoid hazardous climate change.

In an attempt to assist members of the Greater Toronto Area Construction Industry in making good socially conscious decisions that make economic sense, this guide will explore what Building Green means and how the Construction industry might move forward in this ever changing, environmentally conscious business sector.