Publisher's Synopsis
Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important and there is an associated increase in public awareness. There is generally less awareness of the contribution that good building design can make to reducing pollution and improving the environment.;Some of the main environmental issues in relation to buildings are: the impact of buildings on global atmospheric pollution; the impact of buildings on the local outdoor environment and depletion of resources; the influence of buildings on the health, comfort and safety of occupants; and the impact of climate change on buildings.;Buildings have a long life which runs into decades and sometimes centuries, so decisions made at the design stage will have long-term effects on the environment. Further more it is easier, less expensive and less likely to create waste if improvements to buildings are made at the design stage rather than after construction. Construction is a major industry: in the UK alone it has an annual turnover of some #40 billion with energy use in building services accounting for a further #18 billion. For these reasons the building industry has great potential for contributing to reduced environmental damage.;BREEAM/New Homes seeks to minimize the adverse effects of new homes on the global and local environment while promoting a healthy indoor environment. The text introduces the main issues, summarizes the approach taken in assessing these issues, and describes in more detail the way in which credit will be given for housing designs judged to follow improved environmental practice.
