World Green Building Week to focus on health benefits of sustainable buildings

World Green Building Week 2013, which started on Monday and runs until Friday, is set to focus on the health benefits of living and working in sustainable buildings.

The fourth annual edition of the event will see 98 green building councils from across the globe come together to discuss issues faced by the industry, as well as sharing best practices.

Academics and green building leaders are expected to speak at a conference on Wednesday hosted by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) to discuss the idea that green buildings can lead to increased productivity and happier, healthier occupants.

Paul King, chief executive of UKGBC, said, “We often hear about the environmental and financial benefits of green buildings, but less attention is paid to the impact on those who live and work in them.

“Whether it’s improved productivity in offices, faster recovery rates in hospitals or better exam results in schools, sustainable buildings don’t just deliver important benefits for planet and profit. World Green Building Week aims to highlight how green buildings greatly enhance the lives of their occupants.”

An award ceremony was held on Monday to honour those at the leading edge of the green building movement across Europe.

Real estate investment trust British Land, Spanish city Vitoria-Gasteiz and the City Green Court building in Prague, Czech Republic, clinched the top spots in the WorldGBC Leadership Awards for Europe.

British Land picked up the award for leadership in sustainability. Since 2009, it has reduced carbon emissions by 39,000 tonnes and cut landlord influenced energy by 38%.

Further reading:

Government proposals ‘seriously undermine and damage’ green homes plans

Sustainable building means more attractive and comfortable homes

‘What was an eco-house is now just a really well designed house’

Study paints UK as a leader in green building

Government consultation on zero-carbon homes welcomed by industry