Green buildings for sustainable energy development

Abstract

Green buildings are energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible. Their design, construction and operational practices that consider sustainability will minimize their negative impact on the environment and people, while taking into consideration the financial impacts. To become a sustainable energy leader among emerging economies, Turkey would have to implement a progressive and coherent sustainable energy policy. Although solid energy policy architecture is in place, sustainable energy targets are weak, government support is limited, and bureaucratic hurdles for energy investment still frustrate potential investors. Most importantly, many top policymakers do not seem to be ready to play a productive role in designing a forward-looking, sustainable energy policy for Turkey. Construction sector has a great potential to reduce total energy consumption through sustainable projects. All over the world policy makers have already realized the potential and begun setting some governmental goals. As an energy dependent country, Turkey has also set some energy oriented policies in which sustainability issues in Turkish built environment are also gaining attention. This paper discusses the green buildings for sustainable energy development in Turkey.