Green Building Management: How It Differs from Ordinary Building Management

Chakrapan Pawangkarat

Head of Property and Asset Management

JLL Thailand

21 March 2025

Green buildings are no longer a niche concept—they are becoming the new standard for sustainable development. As environmental concerns and energy costs rise, property managers are increasingly adopting green building management practices. But how does managing a green building differ from an ordinary one?

This article explores key differences in operations, maintenance, financial management, and occupant experience, highlighting why green building management is essential in today’s real estate market.

1. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Integration

Ordinary Building Management:

• Focuses on traditional energy sources, with less emphasis on efficiency.

• Relies on fossil-fuel-based, cooling, and power generation.

• Uses standard HVAC systems with minimal optimization.

Green Building Management:

• Implements energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and building automation.

• Incorporates renewable energy sources like solar panels.

• Uses real-time energy monitoring and AI-driven systems to optimize energy consumption.

Example:

A conventional office building may use fixed schedules for air conditioning, while a green building uses occupancy sensors and demand-controlled ventilation to adjust energy use dynamically.

2. Water Conservation and Management

Ordinary Building Management:

• Uses conventional plumbing systems with no special focus on water conservation.

• Relies on municipal water supply without considering alternative sources.

• Has limited monitoring of water usage and leakage detection.

Green Building Management:

• Employs water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets.

• Integrates rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems.

• Uses smart irrigation and leak detection technology to reduce wastage.

Example:

A green building may recycle wastewater from sinks for toilet flushing, reducing overall water demand by up to 50%.

3. Indoor Air Quality and Healthier Environments

Ordinary Building Management:

• Uses conventional ventilation systems without air quality optimization.

• Often relies on synthetic building materials that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Regular cleaning practices may involve chemical-based products.

Green Building Management:

• Incorporates advanced air filtration and ventilation strategies to maintain superior indoor air quality.

• Utilizes non-toxic, low-VOC paints, adhesives, and furniture.

• Prefers eco-friendly cleaning products and practices to reduce indoor pollutants.

Example:

A LEED-certified office may have enhanced ventilation with high efficiency filters, reducing airborne contaminants and improving employee productivity.

4. Smart Technology and Automation

Ordinary Building Management:

• Uses traditional maintenance schedules without predictive analytics.

• Limited use of IoT (Internet of Things) technology for monitoring building performance.

• Minimal integration of smart building controls.

Green Building Management:

• Deploys smart sensors for real-time monitoring of energy, water, and air quality.

• Uses AI-driven predictive maintenance to optimize building performance and reduce downtime.

• Integrates centralized building management systems (BMS) for enhanced automation.

Example:

A smart green building may adjust lighting automatically based on external weather conditions and occupancy levels.

5. Sustainable Materials and Waste Management

Ordinary Building Management:

• Uses standard materials with no sustainability considerations.

• Generates high levels of construction and operational waste.

• Lacks dedicated recycling programs for tenants.

Green Building Management:

• Chooses sustainable, recycled, or locally sourced materials for renovations and upgrades.

• Implements comprehensive waste management programs, including composting and e-waste recycling.

• Encourages tenants to adopt sustainable practices through education and incentives.

Example:

A green residential complex may have dedicated waste sorting stations and incentives for residents who minimize waste.

6. Cost Management and Long-Term Savings

Ordinary Building Management:

• Focuses on short-term operational costs rather than long-term savings.

• May have lower upfront costs but higher energy and maintenance expenses over time.

Green Building Management:

• Prioritizes long-term financial benefits through lower energy and water bills.

• Takes advantage of government incentives and green financing options.

• Increases property value and rental rates due to sustainability certifications (e.g., LEED, WELL, TREES).

Example:

A commercial green building with LED lighting and solar panels can achieve a 30-50% reduction in energy costs compared to a conventional counterpart.

7. Regulatory Compliance and Certifications

Ordinary Building Management:

• Adheres to basic building codes and local regulations.

• No focus on achieving green certifications or sustainability benchmarks.

Green Building Management:

• Ensures compliance with environmental regulations such as carbon emissions limits and energy efficiency mandates.

• Pursues green building certifications (LEED, TREES, EDGE) to demonstrate commitment to sustainability.

• Engages in carbon offset programs to reduce environmental impact.

Example:

A LEED Platinum-certified office building must meet strict energy and sustainability criteria, often attracting eco-conscious tenants and investors.

8. Occupant Engagement and Well-Being

Ordinary Building Management:

• Limited interaction with occupants beyond basic facility services.

• Focuses on infrastructure rather than user experience.

Green Building Management:

• Encourages occupant engagement through sustainability programs and smart apps.

• Provides access to biophilic design elements like green roofs and indoor plants to improve well-being.

• Promotes health initiatives such as active staircases and natural lighting optimization.

Example:

A green office may include bike storage, showers for cyclists, and an app that allows employees to monitor indoor air quality and energy usage.

Conclusion: Why Green Building Management is the Future

Green building management is not just about reducing energy bills—it is about creating healthier, more efficient, and more resilient spaces. While managing an ordinary building focuses on routine maintenance and cost control, green building management integrates sustainability, smart technology, and long-term value creation.

For property managers, developers, and investors, adopting green practices is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity. As regulations tighten and tenants demand greener spaces, transitioning to sustainable building management will ensure not only environmental benefits but also financial and operational advantages in the long run.

Is your building ready for the green transition?

Acknowledgement:

"This article was generated with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI, and subsequently reviewed and edited by the author."