(I) There has, in recent years, been an outpouring of information about the impact of buildings on the natural environment. (II) Information that explains and promotes green and sustainable construction design strives to convince others of its efficacy and warns of the dangers of ignoring the issue. (III) However, these documents hardly offer any practical advice to practitioners, such as those designing mechanical and electrical systems for a building, on how to utilize this knowledge effectively in their work. (IV)
While the terms green and sustainable are often viewed as synonymous, they represent different concepts. Sustainability is defined as minimizing the negative impacts of human activities on the natural environment, particularly those that have long-term and permanent effects. Some elements of green design may also be sustainable, such as those that reduce energy usage and pollution, while others, like ensuring indoor air quality, may be considered green even if they have no direct influence.
Although many advocates promote green construction within the architectural industry and can cite numerous reasons for why buildings should be designed sustainably, this is not enough to bring green construction to fruition. The driving force behind whether a building is constructed with minimal environmental impact ultimately comes down to the owner; that is, the individual financing the project. If the owner considers green design unimportant or of secondary importance, it is highly likely that it will not be integrated into the design process.
The commissioning process is a key factor in ensuring that the building meets the owner's expectations regarding design, budget, and risk management. At the predesign stage, the owner's objectives, criteria, and the type of design they envision are discussed and documented, providing a solid foundation for the design team. Owners who skip this process or overlook green issues often encounter significant challenges once their building is operational. Although materials and equipment are installed as planned, the owner may later realize that operational and maintenance costs are higher than necessary, and that occupants are dissatisfied. These factors ultimately lead to increased ownership costs as well as a greater environmental impact.
(Adapted from TOEFL Reading Tests)