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Sustainable construction otherwise known as ‘green construction’ is a kind of construction that is greatly concerned with the environmental effects brought about the building process while at the same time focusing on creating a usable structure. Building sustainably means building in a way that is thought to be sustainable. In other words, it means that the construction practices used can be utilized in the long-term without bringing any damage to the environment.

There are various aspects of sustainable construction, which are often overseen by a construction firm that specializes in building sustainability hence is familiar with all the complexities that revolve round creating sustainable environments. Sustainability in itself is a very intricate issue. A very crucial aspect of sustainability is environmental sustainability, although when observed from a broader perspective it can include economic and social sustainability.

A good green construction focuses on the environmental effects of construction and the long-term building use. It also considers and weighs all options that determine whether or not a building is economically sensible to build and maintain, and whether or not the building in question fits perfectly into the social structure in the locale where it is being erected.

Environmental sustainability measures may include such things like reducing the amount of energy the building will require in the long term, increasing the energy efficiency, as well as things such as using sustainable building materials like renewable and recycled materials. Note also that environmental sustainability measures may include such measures that are specifically meant to benefit the environment e.g. enforcing water reduction measures, installing a rooftop garden, and using non-toxic construction materials.

Social sustainability on the other hand may include putting into consideration how the building will be used. This will help in using building sustainability designs which will make the structure very flexible so that as the needs of the community change, the building can easily be repurposed, instead of being replaced which will continue to cause environmental degradation.

Lastly, the economic sustainability always include using construction materials which are economically practicable to install, replace, maintain, as well as repair if need be. For example, when a building uses local stone, it will not only be cheaper but the building will be more environment friendly because there would be no need of transporting the building stone from other locations to the building site.  It equally includes energy efficiency which is a long term objective of saving money.

Due to the importance placed in creating sustainable environments, majority of the nations today keenly promote green construction with lots of incentives and rebates to construction companies which practice sustainable building or who use good building sustainability practices. Sustainable building is also promoted by the use of trade organizations which give certifications to constructed buildings which have met the set building sustainability standards. Such organizations go round inspecting buildings to establish whether or not the buildings were constructed sustainably and if yes, the certifications which will be awarded to the construction companies and/or the buildings may qualify them for sustainable building tax breaks, awards, among other incentives.