Green Buildings and Smart Cities: A Perfect Harmony of Sustainability and Progress

Abstract

The urgent global focus on sustainable development has driven a paradigm shift in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for a balance between economic growth, environmental preservation, and social well-being. Buildings, significant contributors to energy consumption and environmental degradation, require transformative approaches to ensure sustainability. This research explores the integration of green building principles within the framework of smart cities, aiming to redefine urban development standards and achieve a sustainable future. The chapter emphasizes the collaboration required among various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, governments, and the public, across the planning, design, and construction phases. It delves into innovative strategies and technologies underpinning green buildings and smart cities, highlighting barriers and opportunities for successful integration. The study recognizes the historic role of the construction industry in unsustainable development, making the emergence of green building practices crucial. Various green building rating systems, like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), have been introduced to encourage eco-friendly constructions, and their critical analysis is a part of this research. The chapter underscores the importance of collaboration, education, incentives, and effective project management in promoting sustainable construction practices. It emphasizes the potential of green building initiatives to significantly enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable future. The integration of green buildings within the framework of smart cities is seen as an imperative, requiring alignment of policies, education, research, and societal involvement to unlock their potential and drive the transformation toward a greener and smarter urban landscape.