The green design of high-rise buildings: how is the construction industry evolving

Purpose Green building, which is also commonly referred to as sustainable building, is focused on the processes implemented that are environmentally efficient and responsible throughout the life cycle of the building. This accounts for the time of manufacturing of materials, to the erection of these materials, on-site, to the operation of the building and how these efficient materials assist in the operation and running of the building daily, all the way through to the demolition. There are many aspects of the building process that can be switched to green. For the construction industry, the change to green design although the complex is nonetheless necessary. This study thus aims to focus on supporting the knowledge surrounding green buildings in high-rise construction. This research will undertake a comparative analysis and review of one case study in Melbourne, Australia. Design/methodology/approach The direction of this study commences with an introductory section on what it means to build green. This section is further brokendown to evaluate what factors are involved in constructing a green building. The work then shifts towards the green building from a sustainability point of view, touching base with the level of awareness that is surrounding the green building and the level of ignorance that goes with this. Furthermore, the research includes specific pointers which are strategically placed to directly grab the attention of those who lack knowledge in the area of green building by offering a brief, yet in-depth, discussion of possible materials that can be incorporated in the construction phase and will, in turn, create for a more efficient building. As such, life cycle energy is then introduced and calculations are carried out. These calculations offer a more logical form of validation to the previous points and issues raised, with the hope to achieve a more in-depth grasp of the process involved with green building. Findings Through comprehensive research