Green buildings incorporate various principles and features to enhance their sustainability and reduce environmental impacts. Some key principles and features include:

1. Energy Efficiency: Green buildings prioritize energy efficiency through the use of energy-efficient appliances, lighting systems, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. They often employ insulation, high-performance windows, and passive design strategies to minimize energy consumption.
2. Renewable Energy Integration: Green buildings harness renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or geothermal energy to meet their energy needs. This can involve the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal heat pumps, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based energy.
3. Water Conservation: Green buildings implement water-saving measures like low-flow fixtures, dual-flush toilets, rainwater harvesting systems, and efficient irrigation systems. These measures aim to reduce water consumption and promote sustainable water management practices.
4. Sustainable Materials: Green buildings prioritize the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. This includes choosing materials with low embodied energy, such as recycled or locally sourced materials. Additionally, green buildings focus on using materials that are non-toxic, durable, and have a reduced environmental impact.
5. Indoor Environmental Quality: Green buildings emphasize providing a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for occupants. This involves considerations such as good ventilation, natural lighting, low-emission building materials, and the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products. Indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and daylighting are key factors in promoting occupant well-being.
6. Site Selection and Landscaping: Green buildings take into account the environmental impact of site selection. They prioritize locations with access to public transportation, reduce site disturbance, and protect natural habitats. Landscaping in green buildings focuses on incorporating native and drought-tolerant plants, green roofs, and permeable surfaces to mitigate stormwater runoff.
7. Lifecycle Considerations: Green buildings consider the entire lifecycle of a building, from design and construction to operation and eventual deconstruction or renovation. This includes factors like building durability, adaptability, and the use of environmentally responsible construction practices.

By integrating these principles and features, green buildings strive to minimize their environmental footprint, promote resource efficiency, and provide healthier and more sustainable spaces for occupants.