By Eddy Santosa, LEED AP BD+C, CEPE, CBCP / Environmental Analyst

On September 23, 2009, the World Green Building Council and its member Green Building Councils celebrated the inaugural World Green Building Day. This year, they decided to extend World Green Building Day to World Green Building Week. To mark World Green Building Week, they released a special report entitled “Tackling Global Climate Change–Meeting Local Priorities.”

After reading the report, I understand how the green building movement has been evolving rapidly and that the movement is no longer dominated by developed countries.  Many developing countries see the economic benefits of green building and are pushing the movement forward.

The movement makes green buildings the new normal in building industry. It’s no longer a premium option, but already interwoven into the design and construction process. Green building drives designers to design wisely—we design buildings that are not only aesthetically appealing, but that are also high-performing buildings. High-performance buildings offer better comfort to occupants as well as economic benefits to owners by reducing their operation and maintenance costs. The benefits easily offset any premium costs during the process.

In California, a statewide Green Building Standards Code takes effect January 1, 2011. I do not predict any more premium costs associated with green building after this takes effect; however, adaptation of any green standard into the building code will not stop our practice in advancing. Green building is the new norm and I’m happy to be celebrating Green Building Week with our clients and colleagues.

For more information about World Green Building Week: http://www.worldgbc.org/