ECO-TOURISM STARTS WITH ECO-DESIGN: Sustainable Tourism and Green Building Linked

 

Tourism is fundamentally about exploration, relaxation, and discovery. Yet, in today’s world, as travelers grow more conscious of their environmental impact, the tourism industry must adapt to meet this challenge by embracing sustainability through eco-tourism. This is where the principles of green building become essential. More than just an architectural trend, green building offers effective solutions that directly support the ideals of sustainable tourism. From eco-lodges harmoniously integrated into nature to energy-efficient hotels in vibrant urban settings, implementing green design not only enhances the travel experience but also protects the precious environments and cultures that make our journeys worthwhile. By choosing sustainable options, we can ensure that tourism continues to flourish without compromising our planet.

OBJECTIVE:

I firmly believe that green building is essential to one of the most important human activities today: eco-tourism. I make this assertion not only as an architect but as an environmental advocate committed to promoting sustainability. Eco-tourism’s primary objective is to create travel experiences that prioritize biodiversity, ecosystem conservation, and sustainable practices. This mission ultimately inspires a deeper appreciation and understanding of our environment among travelers. Green building plays a pivotal role in advancing this vision—it's not just about the architectural design; it's about creating spaces that harmonize with nature. In this blog, I will delve into the vital link between eco-tourism and green building. Needless to say that environmental concerns are often more focused on the travelers’ welfare, but in my own personal opinion, social and economic factors of sustainability are just as important, to the point that involving local communities in decision-making is vital for the enduring success of eco-tourism initiatives. By engaging these communities, respecting their cultural heritage, and providing them with meaningful economic opportunities, we can ensure a truly sustainable approach. In our design process, it is crucial that we incorporate these considerations while adhering to green building principles, when put together, will ultimately benefit travel patrons, local populations and our striving planet.

THE CRUCIAL LINK BETWEEN ECO-TOURISM AND GREEN BUILDING

Green building principles are highly relevant to sustainable tourism practices because both focus on minimizing environmental impact while enhancing social and economic benefits. Here's how they connect:

1. Energy Efficiency

Buildings designed with energy efficiency in mind reduce energy consumption through better insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and use of renewable energy sources like solar or wind. Such features can be incorporated in designing eco-resorts and hotels to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, using natural ventilation, energy-efficient lighting, and solar panels ensures less reliance on non-renewable energy, thus contributing to the overall sustainability of the tourism operation.

2. Water Conservation

Water-efficient plumbing systems, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling systems are integral to green building in which we can apply in designing tourist accommodations, particularly in water-scarce regions, often incorporate these water-saving strategies. Hotels and resorts might implement low-flow faucets, greywater recycling systems, and landscape design that uses drought-resistant plants to conserve water.

3. Materials and Resources

The use of sustainable, locally sourced, and low-impact materials is central to green architecture, reducing the environmental cost of building. Sustainable tourism operations prioritize eco-friendly materials for construction and furnishings, such as recycled or upcycled materials, natural finishes, and locally sourced items. This supports local economies while reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials.

4. Indoor Environmental Quality

Ensuring a healthy indoor environment is a priority in green building through natural ventilation, the use of non-toxic materials, and abundant natural light. Eco-friendly accommodations aim to provide high-quality indoor environments for guests by using non-toxic paints, avoiding synthetic materials, and ensuring good indoor air quality through plants and proper ventilation.

5. Waste Management

Efficient waste management systems, including recycling, composting, and minimizing landfill contributions, are standard in green buildings. Resorts and hotels that prioritize sustainability often integrate waste reduction systems, composting organic waste, offering recycling stations for guests, and minimizing single-use plastics.

6. Biophilic Design

Biophilic design incorporates elements of nature into buildings to improve the well-being of occupants and connect them with the natural environment. In tourism, this might mean designing resorts or cabins that blend into the natural landscape, featuring large windows for natural views, gardens, and interiors with natural materials that reflect local ecosystems, creating a peaceful environment that promotes relaxation and connection to nature.

7. Transportation and Access

A sustainable building reduces its carbon footprint through proximity to transportation options and designs that encourage walking or cycling. Hotels, resorts, and eco-lodges may be designed to minimize the need for transportation by being situated near public transport or in walkable, bike-friendly areas. Some tourism operations even provide electric vehicle charging stations or promote car-sharing and cycling programs for guests.

8. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility in Action

While green building focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, and eco-friendly design, we must not overlook its critical social dimension. At the core of sustainable tourism lies community engagement and social responsibility—ensuring that the locals who welcome travelers also share in the benefits of development. Sustainability in tourism transcends mere environmental protection; it actively enhances the well-being of the communities that host visitors. By integrating green building principles, we can foster environments that honor local culture, bolster livelihoods, and ensure equitable distribution of benefits. When tourism prioritizes these values, destinations can flourish not only in terms of ecological health but also in social and economic prosperity. Embracing this approach is essential for a truly sustainable future.

Soneva Gilly, Maldives

Across the globe, eco-tourism initiatives are proving that sustainable practices and community involvement can thrive together. In Peru, Inkaterra Hotels not only hire and train local residents as naturalist guides but also embrace indigenous building techniques and support vital biodiversity research. This approach ensures that tourism revenue flows directly back to the local communities. Similarly, Chumbe Island Coral Park in Tanzania actively involves residents in conservation efforts and offers environmental education, making eco-tourism a powerful catalyst for community empowerment. Even luxury destinations like Soneva Resorts in the Maldives demonstrate social responsibility by reinvesting in schools, healthcare programs, and renewable energy projects. These examples illustrate that embracing sustainability can enhance hospitality while benefiting both the environment and local communities.

Lagen Resorts, El Nido, Palawan

In the Philippines, eco-tourism destinations not only provide stunning experiences but also highlight the transformative power of community engagement. El Nido Resorts in Palawan stand out as pioneers of eco-friendly design, harnessing solar energy, utilizing rainwater harvesting, and implementing rigorous waste management systems. Their commitment goes beyond infrastructure; they empower local communities by hiring residents, sourcing fresh seafood and produce from nearby farmers and fisherfolk, and offering marine conservation education programs that foster environmental awareness. Bohol Bee Farm exemplifies another impactful model, creating sustainable livelihoods for women through organic farming, handicrafts, and food production. Guests enjoy genuine farm-to-table experiences while supporting local artisans. Meanwhile, Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental transforms conservation into a meaningful journey, where local guides lead guests in snorkeling, birdwatching, and reef protection activities, enriching their connection to nature. Moreover, initiatives like Kawayan Collective in Dumaguete showcase sustainable bamboo construction as a means to generate employment, preserve traditional craftsmanship, and encourage eco-friendly development. By choosing these destinations, travelers not only enjoy unforgettable adventures but also contribute to the preservation of culture and the environment, making a positive impact on local communities.

Bohol Bee Farm, Bohol, Philippines

These examples prove that community engagement is not an optional add-on but a cornerstone of sustainable tourism. By valuing local voices, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring that communities share in tourism’s benefits, green building principles create destinations where both people and the planet can flourish.

ABSTRACT

In summary, both green building principles and sustainable tourism share a common goal: to reduce environmental harm and improve the quality of life for all stakeholders, from the local community to the tourists. By integrating green building principles into tourism operations, businesses can provide eco-friendly accommodations and experiences that support a more sustainable future.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Eco-tourism is not merely a passing trend; it represents a powerful movement toward crafting travel experiences that safeguard the environment, celebrate local cultures, and uplift communities. Central to this transformation are green building principles, which offer a robust framework for eco-friendly design and efficient resource utilization while ensuring healthier spaces for guests. However, the social aspect is equally significant: local communities must not only participate in tourism development but also thrive because of it. When hotels, resorts, and eco-projects commit to investing in local people—through fair wages, cultural preservation, and equitable economic opportunities—they redefine tourism as a collaborative effort that benefits all. Travelers gain access to authentic and enriching experiences, while communities secure sustainable livelihoods and a stronger voice in determining their own futures. The future of tourism hinges on achieving this essential balance: constructing buildings that honor the planet and adopting practices that respect the people. By merging green building initiatives with meaningful community engagement, we have the power to shape a tourism industry that provides not just unforgettable memories for travelers, but also lasting value and benefits for the destinations they explore.

Ar J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

CITATIONS:

All about the mentioned examples in this blog:

https://northflash.com/interview-with-jose-koechlin-founder-of-inkaterra/

https://chumbeisland.com/

https://planvacationasia.com/el-nido-ecotourism-and-responsible-travel#heading-supporting-local-sustainable-initiatives

https://boholbeefarm.com/the-farm/

https://danjuganisland.ph/visit/#overnight-at-moray-lagoon

https://www.negrosseasonofculture.com/2025/02/kawayan-collective-greening-country.html

PHOTO ATTRIBUTION:

El Nido Resorts, Palawan, Philippines

By geLowfish - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79155210

Bohol Bee Farm

By Øyvind Holmstad - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61345684

Soneva Gilly, Maldives

By J-F Le Falher - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6943834

Cover Photo is an original digital artwork by the author. Follow his artist link to avail.

PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE (PART 3)

ELMIS Gabaldon Building, a Filipino style heritage structure was situated in Brgy Paraiso, Sagay City Negros Occidental, Philippines, previuosly part of Brgy Fabrica during spanish colonization. This building was used as hideout of our Filipino Armed Forces in combating Japanese during World War 2. The building was burned and destroyed during the war. Currently, the structure has been restored and used as Grade School Building.
(See photo attributions below).

Heritage Buildings Restoration: A Challenging but Sustainable Path for Filipino Architecture

The Philippines is full of stories and culture that come alive through its historic buildings - think about pre-colonial vernacular houses, colonial homes, ancestral homes, and public buildings. These places aren't just old landmarks; they’re a reflection of Filipino identity, skills, and shared memories. But with city growth speeding up and climate change becoming a bigger concern, fixing up and protecting these buildings isn’t just urgent; it’s also an incredible chance to celebrate our heritage.

OBJECTIVE

In this post, we’ll look at how restoring these old buildings, even though it can be tricky, plays a big role in building a sustainable future for Filipino architecture. This is the 3rd and last part in a series of the same title. To get the full picture, you may want to read the previous episodes first before proceeding. Below are the links:

• PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE (PART 1)

• PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE (PART 2)

Challenges in Heritage Restoration in the Philippines

• Funding and Maintenance Issues

Restoring old buildings isn’t cheap—it needs skilled workers, traditional materials, and usually takes quite a bit of time. Many historical sites, especially those way out in rural areas, tend to fall apart because there’s not enough funding to keep them up which eventually becomes one of the biggest challenges in heritage conservation. Without some kind of financial support or incentives, it’s tough to take care of these places, so they end up getting worse over time.

• Balancing Modern Use with Preservation

Restoring old buildings for modern use, whether it’s for homes, shops, or public spaces, takes a careful touch. How do we add things like air conditioning or plumbing into a 200-year-old structure without spoiling its historic charm? Sometimes, bad renovations can ruin important architectural details, while being too strict about preservation can make buildings feel outdated or unusable. Finding that perfect balance between keeping the original feel and making the space functional, that’s the tricky part, both ethically and creatively.

• Lack of Awareness or Undervaluing of Heritage

There are still people who are not really aware, or should I say not interested on how to appreciate the value of heritage buildings, especially younger folks or in developed places that are rapidly modernizing. Many see old structures as outdated, not making enough money, or just not worth keeping. Because of this, they often end up getting torn down or left to decay, especially when the land could be much more profitable for shopping malls, condos, or new infrastructure projects.

• Natural Disasters and Climate Change Impacts

Since it's located right in the Pacific Ring of Fire and often struck by typhoons, the Philippines is pretty vulnerable to natural disasters. Earthquakes, flooding, and storms can cause serious damage, especially to older buildings that weren’t really designed to handle today’s environmental challenges. Plus, with climate change ramping up these problems, protecting these structures over the long run just gets more complicated and expensive.

Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park Sales Office 
is a concrete structure but still preserved the culture of Bahay Kubo
by using indigenous sustainable materials such as bamboo and nipa.
This is a good example of Filipino architectural heritage preservation.

Moving Forward: Recommendations and Call to Action

• Support Government Policies That Integrate Cultural Heritage into Building Practice

We really need to support laws that see heritage buildings as part of a bigger picture of sustainability. Offering perks like incentives for reusing old structures, tax breaks for preservation work, and guidelines that blend keeping history with eco-friendly features, like installing solar panels or designing for passive cooling, can help make sure these buildings stay around and remain environmentally friendly.

• Encourage Youth Education on Filipino Architecture

Bringing heritage education into the school program, whether through field trips, community projects, or design contests. These can really get kids interested and proud of Filipino architecture early on. When young folks learn why these heritage buildings matter, they’re more likely to grow up wanting to protect, appreciate, and maybe even work in this field one day.

• Promote Community-Led Restorations

Communities that actually use and care for heritage sites tend to take better care of them. When you teach local artisans traditional building skills, involve the community in making decisions, and give barangays the power to handle restoration projects, it really creates a sense of pride and ownership. Plus, it helps make sure that the work stays true to local traditions and tells the story of the place.

• Foster Tourism That Respects Heritage

Heritage tourism can be a great way to fund restoration projects and help people connect with different cultures. With that being said, it’s important to keep things monitored so that things don’t get overrun with commercial stuff or end up damaging delicate historic sites. By focusing on sustainable tourism, things like education, preservation, and giving back to local communities, these historic buildings can become bright museums that fit right into today’s world without losing their charm.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Reviving our heritage buildings isn’t just about looking back; it’s a smart move for our future. These old structures, built with traditional materials and techniques that are often better suited to our climate, hold ecological and cultural value. By fixing them up, we cut down on the environmental impact of building new stuff and stay connected to our roots. Our heritage architecture shows who we are as Filipinos - our resilience, creativity, and stories. Taking care of these buildings means future generations will not only have useful spaces but also meaningful places that tell our story.

“Preserving the past is building a more sustainable future.”

Ar J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

PHOTO ATTRIBUTION

ELMIS Gabaldon Building in Brgy Paraiso, Sagay City Negros Occidental

Jay Castor, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ELMIS_GABALDON_BUILDING.jpg

ELMIS Gabaldon Building was situated in Brgy Paraiso, Sagay City Negros Occidental, previuosly part of Brgy Fabrica during spanish colonization. This building was used as hideout of our Filipino Armed Forces in combating Japanese during World War 2. The building was burned and distroyed during the war. Currently, the structure was restored and used as Grade School Building

Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park Sales office Bahay Kubo

CNEcija12345, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Himlayang_Pilipino_Memorial_Park_Pasong_Tamo_Quezon_City_CNE_10.jpg

EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF GREEN BUILDING

A green building transcends the simple act of painting its facade in vibrant shades of green by decorating balconies and verandas with ornamental plants. It embodies a deeper commitment to sustainability. True green buildings are designed with a host of innovative features, including water conservation systems, energy efficiency optimization, natural resource preservation, abundant natural lighting, thermal comfort, climate responsiveness, minimized waste generation, and healthier environments for occupants. These elements are not just considerations; they are the hallmarks of thoughtful design that sustainable architects expertly integrate into their vision.

OBJECTIVE

The primary purpose of this blog is to answer the critical question, “Why green buildings?” To effectively convey this message, I will highlight the numerous benefits that occupants experience when green buildings fulfill their essential roles. With the broad spectrum of advantages that green buildings offer, I faced a challenge in deciding how best to present the information. After considering my options, I recognized that both methods provide unique insights, inspiring me to adopt a dual approach. The first method outlines the benefits through the scales of a sustainable built environment, while the second method focuses on the pillars of sustainability. Both approaches are intricately linked to my previous blog posts, which include:

THE SCALES OF SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

THE THREE PILLARS OF SUSTAINABILITY AND THEIR ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

I encourage you to read these blogs first, as they will provide valuable context and enhance your comprehension of the points discussed in this blog.

WHAT IS A GREEN BUILDING?

Wikipedia defines Green Building as follows: “Green building (also known as green construction, sustainable building, or eco-friendly building) refers to both a structure and the application of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. This requires close cooperation of the contractor, the architects, the engineers, and the client at all project stages. The Green Building practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort. Green building also refers to saving resources to the maximum extent, including energy saving, land saving, water saving, material saving, etc., during the whole life cycle of the building, protecting the environment and reducing pollution, providing people with healthy, comfortable and efficient use of space, and being in harmony with nature. Buildings that live in harmony; green building technology focuses on low consumption, high efficiency, economy, environmental protection, integration and optimization.”

PER Section 6 of the Philippine Green Building Code: “Green building is the practice of adopting measures that promote resource management efficiency and site sustainability while minimizing the negative impact of buildings on human health and the environment. This practice complements the conventional building design concerns of economy, durability, serviceability and comfort.”

THE BENEFITS OF GREEN BUILDING

FIRST APPROACH

THE BENEFITS OF GREEN BUILDING THROUGH SCALES OF SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Green building isn't just a trend—it's a practical, forward-thinking solution to many of the environmental and economic challenges we face today. Whether you're a homeowner, developer, or policymaker, understanding the multi-scale benefits of green buildings can help guide smarter decisions for both people and the planet.

GREEN BUILDING BENEFITS

INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS

(Building, Site, Neighborhood & City Levels)

1. Energy and Water Savings

Green buildings use energy-efficient systems and water-saving technologies, such as LEDlighting, low-flow fixtures, and smart thermostats. These innovations reduce utility costs for occupants while lessening strain on city infrastructure. When implemented on a wider scale, they can even stabilize regional energy demand.

💡 Example: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) reports that LEED-certified buildings use 25% less energy and 11% less water on average.
Source: USGBC LEED Impact Report

2. Reduced Maintenance

Green buildings are constructed with durability and longevity in mind. High-quality, sustainable materials resist wear and tear, while landscaping with native plants reduces the need for watering and mowing. This translates into less upkeep, lower long-term costs, and increased occupant satisfaction.

💡 Sustainable materials often have lifespans 2–3 times longer than conventional options.

3. Improved Air Quality

Indoor air quality is vastly improved through green practices like non-toxic finishes, HEPA filtration, and better ventilation. Cleaner air promotes better sleep, fewer respiratory issues, and increased productivity for building occupants.

💡 The EPA estimates that indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air.
Source: EPA Indoor Air Quality

A healthy indoor plant-filled space

REGIONAL BENEFITS

1. Stormwater Retention

By incorporating green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavement, green buildings manage stormwater where it falls. This reduces flooding risks, prevents sewage overflows, and keeps local waterways cleaner.

💡 Green roofs can retain up to 80% of rainwater during storms.
Source: EPA Green Infrastructure

Green Roof

2. Waste Management – Materials Recycled and Reused

Sustainable buildings minimize construction waste by recycling demolition materials and sourcing reused content. This reduces landfill use and supports circular economies in the region.

💡 Construction and demolition waste makes up nearly 40% of landfill materials in the U.S.
Source: EPA Construction Waste

GLOBAL BENEFITS

1. Forest Protection

Green buildings reduce pressure on forests by using FSC-certified wood and alternative materials like bamboo or reclaimed timber. These choices help preserve biodiversity and the planet’s carbon-storing ecosystems.

💡 Sustainable wood certification ensures forests are managed to maintain their biodiversity, productivity, and ecological processes.
Source: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

2. Stemming Climate Change

Green buildings play a key role in reducing global carbon emissions. Efficient energy use, reduced resource extraction, and renewable integration cut a building’s lifetime environmental impact significantly.

💡 Buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions.
Source: UN Environment Programme

SECOND APPROACH

THE BENEFITS OF GREEN BUILDING THROUGH THE THREE PILLARS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Green building is more than just an architectural trend — it’s a practical solution to address climate change, economic efficiency, and community well-being. Rooted in the three pillars of sustainability — environmental, economic, and social — green construction helps create structures that are not only better for the planet but also for people and the economy.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Green buildings reduce environmental impact by focusing on conservation, waste reduction, and ecosystem health.

1. Enhance and Protect Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Sustainable site design preserves green space and native habitats. Features like green roofs and rain gardens also support urban biodiversity.

2. Improve Air and Water Quality

Using low-VOC materials and efficient HVAC systems improves indoor air quality. Water-saving fixtures and natural filtration systems help keep local waterways clean.

3. Reduce Waste Streams

Green construction encourages recycling and reusing materials, dramatically cutting down on landfill waste — during both construction and occupancy.

4. Conserve and Restore Natural Resources

How green buildings conserve resources: Sustainable material sourcing, energy efficiency, and renewable materials (like bamboo flooring or recycled steel) help minimize resource depletion.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Green buildings aren’t just good for the planet — they’re also a smart financial investment.

1. Reduce Operating Costs

Energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and water-saving fixtures can lead to significant cost savings over time.

2. Create and Expand Green Markets

Green construction fuels the demand for eco-friendly products, supporting innovation and job growth in sustainable industries.

3. Improve Occupant Productivity

Better air quality, natural light, and thermal comfort enhance employee performance and reduce absenteeism.

4. Optimize Life-Cycle Economic Performance

Durable materials and efficient systems lower maintenance and replacement costs across the building’s lifespan.

SOCIAL BENEFITS

The impact of green buildings goes beyond the walls—they improve quality of life.

1. Enhance Occupant Comfort and Health

Healthier indoor environments reduce the risk of illness and increase well-being — especially important in homes, offices, and schools.

2. Heighten Aesthetic Qualities

Natural lighting, open spaces, and biophilic design make green buildings visually inspiring and emotionally satisfying.

3. Minimize Strain on Local Infrastructure

Water-efficient and energy-independent buildings lighten the load on public utilities and reduce the need for costly upgrades.

4. Improve Overall Quality of Life

From cleaner air and safer materials to vibrant green spaces, sustainable buildings make communities healthier and more resilient.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Green buildings offer more than just aesthetic appeal—they are a tangible way to reduce costs, improve health, and protect the environment across all scales of society. Whether you're building, renovating, or simply advocating for better development policies, choosing sustainable solutions makes a lasting difference. By embracing green building principles, we’re not just constructing better buildings — we’re building a better future. Whether you're a homeowner, developer, or city planner, considering sustainability in every phase of building design can deliver long-term benefits for everyone.

Transform your projects into something truly valuable and impactful. Therefore, enlisting the expertise of a professional is highly recommended. Elevate your architectural journey by collaborating with a sustainable architect who can bring your vision of a green building to life, ensuring it harmonizes beautifully with both the environment and the well-being of its inhabitants.

Ar. J CASTANEDA

Architect, Sustainable Architecture

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.

Keywords: green building benefits, sustainable construction, environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, social sustainability, eco-friendly buildings

WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS BLOG:

Further Reading and Resources

• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

• EPA Green Building

• World Green Building Council

Photo attributions:

1. Green Roof System and Healthy Plant-filled Space photos courtesy of Pixabay.com

2. Green Building Benefits Diagram (Swayam Lecture Presentation) while taking a course.

3. Cover Photo - AI-generated artwork by the author.

Citation: 

Definition of Green Building by Wikipedia.com

Definition of Green Building taken from "The Philippine Green Building Code"