Key Differences Between Conventional and High-Performance Buildings

 

The distinction between conventional buildings and high-performance (green) buildings is marked by several critical factors, particularly in terms of cost, efficiency, and occupant well-being. While high-performance buildings may have an initial construction cost of 15% to 30% higher than conventional structures, this investment is influenced by the conservation strategies planned during the pre-design phase and the level of green certification targeted. However, these buildings yield substantial long-term savings, reducing operational costs by 20%–30%, maintenance costs by 10%–20%, and life-cycle costs by approximately 10% (Shanika, Ramachandra, & Ramachandra, 2018).

Core Attributes of High-Performance Buildings

 

1. Health & Well-Being
   High-performance buildings are designed to integrate seamlessly with their natural environment, optimizing building orientation for natural ventilation and daylighting. This approach enhances indoor air quality, occupant well-being, and productivity. Additionally, the use of certified green materials minimizes harmful emissions and reduces health risks associated with material off-gassing.
    

2. Comfort
   These buildings prioritize thermal, acoustic, and visual comfort by leveraging passive design strategies and advanced building materials. This ensures a consistently comfortable indoor environment, enhancing occupants’ ability to perform daily activities efficiently.
    

3. Efficiency
   Designed with energy, water, and resource conservation as fundamental principles, high-performance buildings incorporate innovative systems to optimize resource use, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency, leading to significant cost savings over time.
    

4. Technical Soundness
   High-performance buildings integrate advanced digital systems to monitor and manage building performance in real-time. These systems ensure that all components operate optimally, enabling predictive maintenance, reducing inefficiencies, and enhancing overall sustainability.
    

By embracing these principles, high-performance buildings provide long-term financial, environmental, and social benefits, making them a strategic investment in sustainable development.
 

Sources:

• Shanika, A., Ramachandra, W., & Ramachandra, T. (2018). Economic sustainability of green buildings: a comparative analysis of green vs non-green. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 8(5), 528-543. doi:10.1108/BEPAM-10-2017-0105
• The Constructor. (2022, December 15). Is Your Building a High-Performance Building ? Retrieved from The Constructor: https://theconstructor.org/building/high-performance-building/40593/#:~:text=How%20is%20High%2Dperformance%20buildings,only%20to%20meet%20basic%20requirements.