green buildings

As environmental issues such as global warming and clean water supply has become increasingly serious concerns in recent days, the creation of green / sustainable buildings holds utmost value.

Research has pointed out that as 90 percent of human life is spent indoors in buildings, 40 percent of global energy and 30 percent of global water consumption stems from buildings. As a result of these findings, the need for more effiicient and liveable green buildings which consume fewer natural resources has come to the forefront. Green buildings not only offer energy and water savings, but they also contribute to a healthy and comfortable living environment for the residents. During the planning stage for the buildings, many factors with direct implications on human health, such as indoor air quality, natural light, waste management as well as heat and humidity control are taken into careful consideration. By utilizing various methods in building construction, the goal is to leave the most optimal leaving space to the end-user. According to research, people who live or work in green buildings stay healthier and perform better at their jobs, compared to people who live or work in other buildings.

On the journey that leads to a green building, the most important stage is building design. Therefore, it is important to remain environment/energy focused throughout the planning and implementation stages. Mika, fully aware of the importance of green building construction, created Naturalist project, a LEED certicate candidate, with this mindset.