Green Buildings

Green Buildings:

Moving the Real Estate Sector in Bulgaria to a Next Level

By Veselka Dimitrova

Content:

Introduction.Green building by definition.What makes a building green?Why to buy a green building?Willbrook Diamond Residence Project.“Malkoto-selo” Project.Conclusion.References.

Introduction:

Green building is a world trend that already has reached Bulgaria. It is the future not only of construction and real estate sectors but also of humanity as a whole.

Green building by definition:

Also known as sustainable building.

“a practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.”

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.

What makes a building green?

Energy source. Location, positioning and design. Sustainable materials. Water efficiency. Security and healthy environment of occupants.

Why to buy a green building?

2% average price increase for a green building.

$40 per m2 average price increase for a sustainable building.

Costs lowered with up to 70% during the exploitation phase of a green building.

Sources: Bodurova, 2007 & Ivonava, 2008

Willbrook Diamond Residence Project (1):

Willbrook Diamond Residence Project (2):

Investor: Willbrook Management International.

Location: Trakata, Varna regionSpecifics:

Usage of sustainable materials.Ratio between buildings and green areas

1:1.The effect of thermal islands.80% windows.

Source: Ivanova, 2008

“Malkoto-selo” Project (1):

“Malkoto-selo” project (2):

Investor: HomesinBulgaria Ltd. Location: 14 different sites in

Bulgaria; some of them are near Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo and Varna

Specifics: Sustainable materials are

involved in the construction. Topsoil balance of the project.

Source: Malkoto-selo, n.d.

Conclusion:

Green or sustainable building is a way of living and a responsible attitude toward environment and future generations. Happily, Bulgaria has become a part of this trend.

References:

Bodurova, J. (2007, October 17) Зелено като... къща. [Green like… a house.] Retrieved on March 18, 2009 , from http://www.capital.bg/show.php?storyid=386043

Ivanova, D. (2008, November 13) Стройтелство в хармония с природата. [Construction in harmony with the environment.] Retrieved on March 18, 2009, from http://www.dnevnik.bg/morski/biznes/2008/11/13/

Malkoto-selo. (n.d.) Official website. Retrieved on March 18, 2009, from http://www.malkoto-selo.com

United States Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Official website. Retrieved on March 18, 2009, from http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/pubs/about.htm

Thank you for your attention