Green buildings in advance
ÍAV is participating in the preparation of founding a “Sustainable inhabitation” which is a part of a platform in sustainable development in construction. A representative from the organisation BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) visited Iceland last spring and a preparatory group was nominated with members from consulting engineers, architects, contractors and officials. Regular meetings have been held in the group formalising the framework for the “Sustainable inhabitation” programme.
The purpose of the “Sustainable inhabitation” programme is to be a leading forum for sustainable development in planning, design, construction and maintenance for buildings in Iceland. The aim is to encourage ongoing reformation in the spirit of sustainability in construction and planning. By doing so we can contribute that the population can in the future live in healthy and human conditions in a sustainable inhabitation.
Which systems are the best?
Among the tasks for the “Sustainable inhabitation” group is to discuss and select the evaluation system in use for buildings around the globe. Here in Iceland as well as in the Nordic countries there are two evaluation systems being used. They are the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the BREEAM system.
These evaluation systems are used to estimate and improve the environmental credentials and benefits to a building. But which system should be used, where and what are the parameters? The objective of the “Sustainable inhabitation” group will be to provide answers for these questions as well as leading the topic here in Iceland and to participate in the discussion globally.
All companies, institutions and municipalities can participate in the “Sustainable inhabitation” group. Here is a platform to strengthen the connection with those that have the same questions and those who want to create sustainable inhabitation in Iceland. The “Sustainable inhabitation” group’s intention is to get professionals, scientists and employers to meet and to pilot the discussion.
An introductory meeting will be held Tuesday 23rd of February at 15:00 in the OR house, Bæjarhálsi 1. The inaugural meeting will then be held at the same location at 16:00. Further information will be given by Þorleifur Björnsson, leifi@iav.is