Green Buildings as an Accelerator in Climate Change Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement

Mukwevho, Ofhani and Gumbo, Trynos and Musakwa, Walter (2023) Green Buildings as an Accelerator in Climate Change Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement. LET IT GROW, LET US PLAN, LET IT GROW. Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Resilient Smart Green and Blue Cities. Proceedings of REAL CORP 2023, 28th International Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 341-349. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

The world is changing quickly in all spheres, including, but not limited to, technology, cities, finances, society, and the environment. Regarding the latter, the prevailing themes or debated subjects have been the ozone layer, air quality, greenhouse gases, and climate change. As a result, there is now an even greater need to address present and potential climate change concerns. These initiatives are essential if society is to contribute to the development of cities and communities that are efficient, interconnected, and sustainable. The advent and evolution of green buildings throughout the 1990s, which saw the creation of the first-ever sustainability standard and rating system for the built environment, were regarded as turning points because they could be embraced as one of the methods employed to control the deteriorating climate and air quality while enhancing our infrastructure. To aid in the development of the nation's infrastructure, South Africa has its rating system known as the Green Star SA through the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). In addition to looking at how green buildings have been acting as a catalyst in reducing the challenge of the change in climate in the region, this paper will also look at how the overall commercial green building network in Gauteng can help improve the region's air quality, which tends to be on a "moderate" level according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Reviewing present frameworks and legislation concerning climate change, air quality, and green buildings was the strategy, moving from a global to a local level. The research also examines data from 180 case studies of green buildings in the Gauteng region, which were taken from the GBCSA archives. Observations in 4 buildings for 4 months and a building occupant survey in one of the 4 buildings were used to do additional research on the 180 case studies. According to the research findings, the government in the Gauteng region lacks the motivation to establish and enforce green building policies. This is especially evident given that more than 80% of the region's green buildings are built and owned by the private sector. According to the report, green buildings in Gauteng can accelerate efforts to mitigate climate change and improve air quality by using less energy, incorporating renewable energy sources, enhancing interior air quality, and lowering urban heat islands. Green buildings also have a positive socio-economic impact, creating new jobs and skills, promoting diversity and growing the local economy. The benefits of green building cannot be overlooked. Therefore, the study recommends that the Gauteng government review and develop robust policies to increase investment in green buildings.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Climate change, green buildings, air quality improvement, greenhouse gases, Gauteng
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor T Technology > TH Building construction
Depositing User:	REAL CORP Administrator
Date Deposited:	03 Oct 2023 14:02
Last Modified:	04 Oct 2023 17:36
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1027

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