It adds environmental considerations to the design equation, which typically only addresses cost and performance. The goal is to reduce the building's direct and indirect impacts on the environment throughout its life - from the time construction begins, during occupancy, and eventually, when its decommissioned.
Buildings have a significant impact on the environment.
These activities represent sources of environmental pollution and impact. Buildings represent an opportunity to select materials and services that use less polluting processes, and thereby reduce the associated environmental impacts. For EPA, it also represents an opportunity to demonstrate environmental stewardship and strong commitment to the Agency's environmental protection mission. Currently, there is no guidance for evaluating the overall environmental rating of specific buildings. Co-sponsored by fourteen countries, the Green Building Challenge was first conducted in 1998.