What are "green building codes" designed to promote?

Green building codes are specifically developed to promote environmentally sustainable construction and operational practices. These codes aim to minimize the environmental impact of buildings throughout their lifecycle, from design through construction and operation to eventual demolition or repurposing. They encourage practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation, the use of sustainable materials, and improved indoor air quality, thereby contributing to broader goals of sustainability, such as reducing resource consumption and minimizing pollution.

In contrast, while cost-effective building materials might be beneficial, they do not specifically ensure sustainability in terms of environmental impacts. High-rise building standards focus more on structural integrity, safety, and performance specific to tall buildings, rather than environmental sustainability broadly. Traditional architectural styles emphasize aesthetic and cultural values rather than the sustainable practices encouraged by green building codes.