Greenwashing in Architecture

Introduction

Greenwashing gives the impression that an organization is engaged in environmentally friendly practices when, in fact, it is causing environmental damage. For example, in 1986, Jay Westerveld claimed that hotels encouraged guests to reuse towels to reduce water use without considering the actual consequences (Pearson, 37-40). Similarly, Ogilvy and Mather argue that greenwashing has increased over the last decade (Hsu). Greenwashing can take seven different forms, according to TerraChoice (2010):

The sin of hidden trade-offs, in which a commodity is deemed green without considering its major environmental effects

The sin of no proof occurs when arguments are unfounded or based on the opinion of a third party.

The sin of vagueness where the true meaning is open to misinterpretation

The sin of irrelevance occurs when the information provided to customers is not relevant or pertinent.

The sin of the lesser of the two evils where there is misinformation about product classification

The sin of fibbing where claims are not true

The sin of false labels where businesses take advantage of the consumer demand by using third-party certificates

LEED and Greenwashing

A green building is defined as a structure that adheres to construction using efficient materials and is environmentally sustainable through the energy and other systems it uses. Besides, it recycles building services such as construction and design, renovation, maintenance, and deconstruction. According to the USEPA, the central organization deals with green building and environmental protection in the United States. There are six types of green certification. Appropriate Site Growth, Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency and Refrigeration Cycle, Material Resources, Building and Environmental Management, and Indoor Air and Health are topics covered (Basten, 4). They include Appropriate Site Development, Conservation of Water, Energy Efficiency and Refrigeration Cycle and Material Resources, Building and Environmental Management, and Indoor Air and Health (Basten, 4).

LEED is one of the most well-known environmental certification organizations. According to the organization, buildings earn points for their efforts to protect the atmosphere, renewable energy dynamics, and the use of environmentally sustainable construction materials. LEED looks at transportation and location, water quality, the Environment, and material resources. The element of regional priority and creativity are also taken into account (U.S. Green Building Council). Multiple evaluation points were created to address a wide range of environmental issues. As a result, LEED is seen as an effective benchmark for assessing conservation.

History of LEED

In the spring of 1989, the AIA formed a committee to research and encourage the profession to become more environmentally friendly. As a result, the AIA Committee on the Environment was created (or COTE). Other organizations stepped forward to lead this new movement, which later became known as the United States Green Building Council. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a classification system for environmentally sustainable buildings) was piloted by the community in 1998, and the campaign gained traction. With LEED, a massive ecosystem of green commerce has sprung up, spurring sales of everything from solar panels to low-VOC paints and low-flow toilets. Even though little independent and substantive research has been carried out into LEED's efficacy, more than 200 states, counties, and federal agencies now require LEED certification for new public buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) created the LEED rating system to evaluate the environmental quality of building designs. It's a voluntary, consensus-based system for developing high-performance, environmentally friendly structures.

Political, Economic, Social, and Cultural Orientation

Marketing "green" has political, economic, social, and cultural benefits. LEED certification indicates to the public that a building is "green," and it's useful for more than just public relations: specific certifications can be used to claim tax credits. Many cities, states, and federal...

…after its debut in 2008, the 50-story building reached an unexpected and lucrative landmark. It was designated an environmentally friendly "green" building by a powerful private company, and it was the world's largest at the time.

In line with a USA TODAY report, the Green Building Council has helped thousands of developers across the United States gain tax breaks and grants. Besides, they charge higher rentals, exceed local building limits, and get expedited permitting by certifying them as "green" under a scheme that often rewards small, low-cost measures with little or no demonstrated environmental benefit in leadership and environmental design. The Palazzo saved $2.7 million a year in property taxes and avoided sales taxes on certain construction materials, thanks to the council's accommodation. Between 2005 and 2010, the Palazzo was one of seven LEED ventures five of which were casino resorts that saved $138 million in sales taxes

Greenwashing in architecture/p>

Greenwashing in the context of architecture mainly occurs in the case of new constructions. It involves 'green system emphasis or aspects of green-structure to make the structure appear sustainable while hiding its actual convectional design. Energy systems are non-functional in most instances or edifice design incorporation to conform to green construction laws

To provide constructions that are better integrated into natural environments, a conceptual and technical rethinking is required, more energy and efficient resource and more sensitivity to the local climate(Pearson,37-40)

Positives of LEED

Green practices like energy modeling of buildings have been expanded by LEED and green products like low-flush toilets, lowemitting paints, and harvested materials and are wood made.

"In history, LEED has been one of the most significant drivers of forest conservation," Corey Brinkema said, president of the forest Stewardship council of the U.S, which promotes sustainable forestry.

"The most force that is transformative in the design and the industry of construction in…