| The term built environment refers collectively to the human-made places that provide a setting for most human activity — in other words, buildings and infrastructure. The natural environment refers to everything that exists in nature, such as air, soil, water, and all living organisms (including people and other animals). The built environment and the natural environment are deeply connected. Interactions between the built environment and the natural environment impact the well-being of both; therefore, a changing climate threatens both. |
建成环境（Built environment）一词统指为大多数人类活动提供场所的人造空间——即建筑和基础设施。自然环境（Natural environment）指自然界中存在的一切，如空气、土壤、水及所有生物体（包括人类和其他动物）。建成环境与自然环境紧密相连。两者之间的相互作用影响着彼此的福祉；因此，气候变化对两者都构成威胁。 |
| The way in which the built environment is planned, designed, constructed, and operated makes a big difference in its impact on people and nature. Conventional building practices, which fail to account for connections between the built and natural environments, can cause harm to human health and well-being, damage the environment, and cost more over time. This harm is compounded by climate change. |
建成环境的规划、设计、建造和运营方式对其对人类和自然的影响有重大差异。传统建筑实践未能考虑建成环境与自然环境之间的联系，可能对人类健康和福祉造成伤害、破坏环境，并随时间推移成本更高。气候变化加剧了这种危害。 |
| The term green building refers to a set of building practices that aim to optimize outcomes related to human health and well-being, the environment, and the economy. These three pillars are the foundation of sustainability. Green building strategies address all aspects of building planning, design, construction, and operations. Historically, the green building movement began with a strong emphasis on environmental concerns. As green building has evolved, it now includes a strong focus on social benefits for all people. |
绿色建筑（Green building）一词指一套旨在优化与人类健康和福祉、环境及经济相关成果的建筑实践。这三大支柱是可持续发展的基础。绿色建筑策略涵盖建筑规划、设计、建造和运营的各个方面。历史上，绿色建筑运动始于对环境问题的高度重视。随着绿色建筑的发展，现在它重点关注为所有人带来的社会效益。 |
Conventional Building vs. Green Building Practices:
| Topic | Conventional Building | Green Building |
|---|
| Building Process | A siloed team of professionals may hand off tasks in a linear process. | An integrative team of professionals aims to collaborate throughout an iterative process. |
| Location | A location may be selected without consideration of nearby amenities or impact on the local economy. | Location selection aims to take advantage of nearby amenities and contribute to the local economy. |
| Site | Clearing of land for development may destroy wildlife habitat. | Site development is carefully planned and aims to preserve habitats and ecosystems. |
| Water Use | Large amounts of water may be used to meet building demands. | The building aims to use less water overall and alternative water sources where safe drinking water is not required. |
| Energy Use | Large amounts of energy may be used to meet building demands, including on-site combustion for heating. | The building aims to use less energy overall. Renewable energy and electricity may replace on-site combustion. |
| Materials | Materials may be selected based on aesthetics and price only and then sent to landfills after use. | Material selection considers impact on human health and the environment and the supply chain. |
| Indoor Environment | Indoor air quality may meet only minimum requirements. Occupant comfort may not be a primary consideration. | Healthy indoor air quality supports occupant well-being, and the needs of all building occupants are prioritized. |
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传统建筑 vs. 绿色建筑实践对比：
| 主题 | 传统建筑 | 绿色建筑 |
|---|
| 建筑流程 | 孤立的专业团队可能按线性流程交接任务。 | 整合型专业团队旨在通过迭代过程进行协作。 |
| 选址 | 选址可能不考虑附近便利设施或对当地经济的影响。 | 选址旨在利用附近便利设施并为当地经济做出贡献。 |
| 场地 | 为开发而清理土地可能破坏野生动物栖息地。 | 场地开发经过精心规划，旨在保护栖息地和生态系统。 |
| 用水 | 可能使用大量水来满足建筑需求。 | 建筑旨在总体减少用水，并在不需要安全饮用水的地方使用替代水源。 |
| 能源使用 | 可能使用大量能源满足建筑需求，包括现场燃烧供暖。 | 建筑旨在总体减少能源使用。可再生能源和电力可替代现场燃烧。 |
| 材料 | 材料可能仅基于美学和价格选择，使用后送往垃圾填埋场。 | 材料选择考虑对人类健康和环境及供应链的影响。 |
| 室内环境 | 室内空气质量可能仅满足最低要求。使用者舒适度可能不是主要考虑因素。 | 健康的室内空气质量支持使用者福祉，优先考虑所有建筑使用者的需求。 |
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