Abstract
All over the world; including Pakistan, there is a great deal of emphasis being placed on the need for ‘green’ structures which are efficient with minimum negative impact during construction as well as during their lifecycle, and have a positive impact on climate and surrounding environment. This study reveals an effort to investigate the efficiency of green building materials available in local markets. It also aims to analyze the awareness levels of different people with respect to green building materials. A comparison of cost of green and conventional building materials is given, the materials are delimited only to wall and ceiling. An analysis of a house constructed using green building materials is also part of the study. The study uses mixed method research; a questionnaire is used for testing the awareness level of people. Results conclude that architects know the benefits of green building materials but contractors and building residents must be guided about advantages of materials. Materials like a green roof, insulation, low Emissivity (E) windows and low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints are more energy efficient than conventional ones. Cool brick and fly ash brick are discussed as upcoming green materials in Pakistan. The study shows that going green costs more than conventional materials but there are long term benefits for the society at large, thereby giving them the incentive to adopt green building materials. The study opens the new horizon in front of scholars to give way to the professionals and laypersons to opt for green building materials.
