Ra’anana becomes first green building city in Israel
Posted on 27. May, 2010 by Buy-It In Israel Staff in Green Housing, Israel Real Estate
Slowly, Israel is catching onto the idea of green building. The city of Ra’anana this month decided to adopt the green building standard, which will require Raanana real estate companies, constructors, and architects to plan and build in compliance with the green standard.
From June 1, every building permit request, which will be submitted to the local authority council of the Ra’anana municipality, will be approved only if it complies with the criteria of the green building standard. Municipalities of other cities across the country such as Kfar Saba and Tel Aviv are also considering to follow the path of Ra’anana.
The green building standard, which was approved in November 2005, is a voluntary standard which is awarded to new or renovated residential and office buildings that comply with the requisite requirements and criteria.
The standard consists of four categories: energy, water, land and other environmental subjects. A building which meets the prerequisites in each category and accumulates the minimum number of credit points in every environment-related sphere is eligible for green building certification.
- In the energy category the most points (29) can be attained and it therefore carries the most weight. It includes a climatic review of the building and its environment and requires planning the building to provide that thermal comfort in all seasons of the year is secured. In practice credit points are granted for the use of passive techniques for heating, cooling and airflow, improvements of air conditioning/heating systems, use of natural light and insulation and energy efficiency and conservation.
- The water category (17 points), which relates to wastewater and drainage, deals with the conservation of fresh water, reuse and recycling of drainage and grey water, and preservation of runoff from unpolluted areas.
- The land category (19 points) relates to elements such as average density of the building, maximization of land use (both aboveground and underground), land conservation and ground contamination.
- In the other environmental subjects category (27 points) seven different subjects are included: environmental management of the building process and of the construction waste, air quality and ventilation, noise, radiation, separation of solid waste into components, bicycle stands, and use of “green label” materials and products.
A cumulative score of 55-75 points will award a building with a green building label, while a cumulative score of more than 75 points will certify a building with an outstanding green building label.
The green building standard offers environmental, social and economic benefits. Green buildings, also known as sustainable buildings, will conserve natural resources and reduce waste, cut down operational costs and improve the health and well-being of residents, while providing a safer and more effective living and working environment. Studies show that green buildings can generate savings ranging from 20 percent to 50 percent of electricity and gas bills.
© Copyright 2010.
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