Tropical green building

Tropical Green Building refers to a style of construction that focuses on energy reduction, reduced use of chemicals, and supporting local labor and community. Tropical Green Building has the same basis as green building in more temperate climates, but the methods of construction are completely different. In the tropics, the focus is on keeping cool, preventing insect infestations, and reduced maintenance in the home.

Generally, tropical green building also seeks to reduce power consumption through intelligent architecture, such as by allowing in lots of natural light so that electric lights aren't needed during the daytime, and at night, using white-painted ceilings and low-energy light bulbs such as compact fluorescents or LEDs.

Solar power, wind power, and/or the use of micro-hydro are often deployed, but not always the focus of tropical green building.

References

• Airflow and Shade Costa Rica Tropical Green-Building Information
• Pura Vida Sunsets Tropical Green Building Resource Guide
• Solar Vistas Malpais, Costa Rica Eco Development
• Tropisphere Tropisphere Real Estate's Tropical Green Building Info
• Pueblo Verde Costa Rica Green Development
• Tropical eco-building & living directory: Australia Greenbuild.com.au
• Tropical Green Building Network: Australia (TGBN) Tropical Green Building Network
• Singapore Green Building Council Tropical and Subtropical Green Building Council Alliance Conference